386. Verse 2. Here likewise, they are called "stooped" and "bowed down," and it is said that "their soul goes into captivity," or "into servitude," for they are slaves. According to the letter here and elsewhere, the subject seems to be nothing else but their idols, or idolatry. But through the description of their idols everything is reflected which they idolize. Idols are all the things they worship and love, whether outside of people, or within them, that turn them away from the love of God. These are beyond number, for there are kinds and species of them. Here, the works of the Law are reflected. These they worship, and consider they are saved by doing them, etc. It is the prophetical style to depict such things by many comparisons, which are symbolic portrayals. For the angels of God the Messiah understand earthly matters, and everything that confronts the senses [of the body], spiritually. Therefore, prophetical speech is a kind of heavenly Language, but one which is not understood by any but those who are truly spiritual and heavenly, that is, who let themselves be led by God the Messiah. This Language is inexpressible as it is produced by the angels among themselves; but because men must be taught from heaven, the speech comes down into expressions like these, which are not understandable except to heavenly guardian spirits taught by God the Messiah. Otherwise, what would it mean that "Bel is bowed down, Nebo is stooped," etc. etc.? Other spirits, however, do not understand this language, savoring only what is portrayed in an earthly manner, which sometimes takes place in insane ways. About this heavenly speech that lies concealed within prophetical discourse, I spoke today with certain spirits of earthly character, and it was compared with the angelic Language, which they hardly understood. In itself it is a language that must be learned like any other language. For by their symbolism, entirely different and, indeed, more inward and higher things are to be understood than earthly minds grasp, etc. etc. [Prophet; Symbolic Portrayal (Representation)]