602. Verse 15. And it was granted to him to give breath unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should also speak, signifies that it was permitted them to confirm that doctrine by the Word, from which it is as it were vivified when it is taught. By "granted" is signified that it was permitted; for all falsities of doctrine, as well as evils of life, are done from permission, concerning which see Angelic Wisdom concerning Divine Providence (n. 234-284, 296). By "the image of the beast," that doctrine is signified (n. 601); by "giving breath to the image of the beast" is signified to confirm it from the Word, for there is no spirit and life to any doctrine of the church from any other source. That "the image of the beast might speak," signifies that thus it is as it were vivified when it is taught. That this is meant by "giving breath to the image of the beast, that it might speak," is, because in every particular of the Word there is spirit and life, for the Lord spoke the Word, therefore He Himself is in it, and He so spoke the Word as that everything therein should have communication with heaven, and through heaven with Himself. There is a spiritual sense there by which communication is effected; wherefore the Lord says: