393. 8109. ....[Jer. 7:] verse 23. It is here told what was commanded them, namely, that "they should walk in the way which was commanded them," that is, in the way of truth, about which see [what has been said] above in many places. Verse 24. But they did not want to understand this, but "hardened their heart," and at this day also they harden it, as is known, so "they are going backward," that is, towards hell. It was shown earlier that the way along which they who are distorted walk is backwards [cf. WE 2967 ff., SEWE 61, 62]. For upwards is toward heaven, and no one can raise themselves upwards, but God the Messiah raises them, that is, all their thoughts, and the contents of the thoughts, to Himself. This can be established on the basis of so much actual experience, that it would fill many pages. Soon, however, when He releases the thoughts, then they fall backwards of themselves, and indeed, into the world, etc. [Think, Thought; Belief (Faith)]
8113. ....[Jer. 7:] verse 33. The "carcass" is spiritual death, "for the bird of the heavens" is for their atrocious fantasies; likewise "for the beast of the earth." And, in fact, this death will not pass away. A like expression occurs in Abraham's vision, Gen. Ch. 15, [verse 11], namely, that the birds of the heavens came down on the carcasses and would eat them, and it was then allowed Abraham to drive them away. But afterwards, thick darkness arose, and it was not seen what was done with the carcasses. This also has happened, as I can
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