635. Lastly I will reveal this secret. Seven chapters of Revelation describe the termination of the present church, in terms similar to the devastation of Egypt. In both cases this was by similar plagues, each of which stands in the spiritual sense for some falsity advancing its devastation to the point of destruction. This church, therefore, which is at the present time lost, is also called Egypt as spiritually understood (Rev. 11:8). The plagues in Egypt were as follows.
The waters were turned to blood, so that all the fish died and the river stank (Exod. chapter 7; similar language in Rev. 8:8; 16:3). Blood means Divine truth falsified (see APOCALYPSE REVEALED 379, 404, 681, 687, 688). The fish that died mean likewise truths in the natural man (AR 290, 405).
Frogs came forth upon the land of Egypt (Exod. chapter 8). There is also a mention of frogs in Rev. 16:13. Frogs mean reasonings as a result of a longing for the falsification of truth (see AR 702).
In Egypt foul ulcers appeared upon men and beasts (Exod. chapter 9); similar language in Rev. 16:2. Ulcers mean inward evils and falsities which can destroy the good and truth in the church (see AR 678).
In Egypt hail fell mixed with fire (Exod. chapter 9); similar language in Rev. 8:7; 16:21. Hail means hellish falsity (see AR 399, 714).
Locusts were sent upon Egypt (Exod. chapter 10); similar language in Rev. 9:1-11. Locusts mean falsities in outermost things (see AR 424, 430).
Oppressive darkness was brought upon Egypt (Exod. chapter :to); similar language in Rev. 8:12. Darkness means falsities arising from ignorance, or from false ideas of religion, or from evil living (see AR 110, 413, 695).
The Egyptians finally perished in the sea of Suph* (Exod. chapter 14). In Revelation the dragon and the false prophet perished in the lake of fire and brimstone (19:20; 20:10). Both the sea of Suph and that lake have the same meaning, hell.
The reason why similar language is used of Egypt and of the church, the termination and end of which is described in Revelation, is that Egypt stands for the church, which in its beginnings was outstanding. So before its church was devastated, Egypt is equated with the Garden of Eden and the garden of Jehovah (Gen. 13:10; Ezek. 31:8). It is also called 'the comer-stone of the tribes', and 'the sons of wise men and of the kings of ancient time' (Isa. 19:11, 13). More about Egypt in its earliest state and in its devastation will be found in AR 503.
* Generally taken as 'the Red Sea', but the author keeps the Hebrew form.
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