376. Isaiah 26 7769. Both this chapter and other contemporary prophetical writings show quite transparently that there is much content lacking verbal expression, which is nevertheless implicit in the words. The reason for this is that a spirit speaking contemplates inwardly very much that cannot be expressed by words, which then all comes down into similar expressions, though differently with one prophet than with another.* I can testify how much there is in a mental image, when one is engaged in spiritual thought and the resulting speech, which, however can never be expressed; and if it were, little would be expressed in many words, for often one mental image requires an entire exposition. For this reason, the words contained in the prophetical writings can never be explained by any spirit, nor by anyone on earth, but only by God the Messiah, Who spoke them through angels. [Speak, Speech; Prophet; Word; Words, Expressions] 7770. Therefore, because words come forth in such a wonderful way for the purpose that some meaning may emerge, one interpreter adds connecting words differently than another. Consequently, just as many meanings can result in one little verse as the number of translating interpreters. But from its innermost content, then also from the connection of what precedes it with what follows it, the meaning or sense of the letter becomes apparent.** * This sentence is emphasized in the original by the word "Obs." written twice in the margin. ** This paragraph is emphasized in the original by the word "Obs." written twice in the margin.