9527. 'And you shall make a table' means a receptacle of heavenly blessings [that belong to the good of love]. This is clear from the meaning of 'a table' as heaven in respect of its reception of such blessings as come from the Lord there, which are the good of love and the good of faith, and the joy and bliss derived from them. These blessings are meant by 'a table' because 'food' means the heavenly blessings that belong to the good of love and faith, and the wisdom and intelligence gained from them, which in everyday language too are called heavenly food and also in the Word are meant by 'food', see 56-58, 680, 681, 1480, 4459, 4792, 5293, 5340, 5342, 5576, 5579, 5915, 8562, 9003. What is more, a visual representation of those blessings is now and again made in heaven by means of a table on which all kinds of food are laid. From all this it is evident that 'a table' means a receptacle of heavenly blessings, thus heaven in respect of its reception of such blessings as come from the Lord. These blessings are also meant by 'table' in Luke,
Jesus said, I bestow on you, just as My father bestowed on Me, a kingdom, that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom. Luke 22:29, 30.
And in Matthew,
Many will come from the east and the west and will recline with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. Matt 8:11.
Also in David,
I will fear no evil. You will spread a table before me in the presence of my enemies, You will make my head fat with oil; my cup will overflow. Goodness and mercy will follow me. Ps 23:4-6.
In the contrary sense however 'table' means a receptacle of such things as exist in hell. In Isaiah,
They go astray through strong drink. They err among the seers, they are tottery in judgement. All tables are full of vomit. Whom will He teach knowledge, and whom will He cause to understand what is heard? Isa 28:7-9.
In the same prophet,
You who forsake Jehovah, who set a table for Gad, and fill a drink offering for Meni. Isa 65:11.
And in David,
They gave me gall for my food, and for my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink. Their table before them will become a snare. Ps 69:21, 22.
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