425. And unto them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power, signifies the power of persuading that their falsities are truths. By "a scorpion" is signified a deadly persuasive power; and, by "a scorpion of the earth," persuasive power in things relating to the church, "the earth" signifying the church (n. 285); for a scorpion, when he stings a man, induces a stupor upon the limbs, and if it is not cured, death; their persuasion produces a corresponding effect upon the understanding. Such is also the signification of "scorpion" in these passages:
Fear not thou on account of them and their words, they are thorny; thou dwellest among scorpions, they are hard of face and obstinate in heart (Ezek. 2:4, 6). Jesus said unto the seventy whom he had sent forth, Behold, I give unto you power to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and on all the power of the enemy; and nothing shall by any means hurt you (Luke 10:19).
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