At first glance, Exodus chapters 22–24 appear to present a series of laws and regulations governing justice, property, and social responsibility. In Secrets of Heaven Volume 13, Emanuel Swedenborg looks deeply into the biblical symbolism of these writings to reveal that the passages describe something far more personal and universal: the development of conscience, perception, and moral awareness.

Swedenborg’s Exodus commentary explores how the inner meaning of Scripture reflects the structure of the human mind. He shows that spiritual growth is not merely about following external rules, but about cultivating an inner life shaped by divine goodness and divine truth. These two principles―goodness and truth―form the foundation of spiritual perception. From them, we gain the ability to recognize both goodness and distortion within ourselves.

“...evil can be seen from the viewpoint of goodness, and falsity from the viewpoint of truth, but not the reverse. This is because goodness and truth stand in heaven and in its light, but evil and falsity stand in hell and in its darkness.” �9128.2

A central theme of this work is the idea that self-awareness is not neutral. Swedenborg explains that we can only clearly see our own limitations and blind spots when we are grounded in a life of faith and charity. In his terms, this means living in truth and goodness. From this perspective, conscience becomes more than a moral guideline; it becomes a form of inner sight.

This insight places Secrets of Heaven Volume 13 in conversation with what we might now call spiritual psychology, and it is a repeated theme elsewhere in Secrets of Heaven. For example, in Secrets of Heaven Volume 1, when commenting on Genesis, Swedenborg says:

“When the earliest people described Jehovah as speaking, they meant perception, because they realized that the Lord made it possible for them to perceive. This capacity for perception lasted only as long as love had primary importance. When love for the Lord came to an end, and love for others consequently did the same, perception died out. To the extent that love remained, perception remained.” Secrets of Heaven Volume 1 �371

Additionally, Secrets of Heaven Volume 13 provides insights on concepts such as “flesh” and “blood,” which are reinterpreted not as physical elements, but as representations of divine goodness and divine truth―forces that nourish the inner spiritual life. Through these interpretations, Swedenborg connects familiar scriptural language to lived experience. In the inter-chapter material (��9350 - 9362) Swedenborg also addresses the question of why the Lord, Swedenborg’s customary term for Jesus Christ, was born on Earth rather than on another planet. In Chapter 24, he continues exploration of life beyond Earth.

For readers seeking the deeper meaning of the Hebrew scriptures (“Old Testament”), this volume provides a thoughtful and structured approach to spiritual interpretation. It invites reflection on moral decision making, the development of conscience, and the ongoing process of spiritual growth and transformation.

Secrets of Heaven Volume 13 offers a compelling perspective on how ancient spiritual texts can illuminate modern questions of conscience, perception, and inner life.

About the Authors

Emanuel Swedenborg (1688–1772) was a Swedish scientist, nobleman, and theologian who spent his life investigating the mysteries of the soul. Born in Stockholm to a staunchly Lutheran family, he graduated from the University of Uppsala and then traveled to England, Holland, France, and Germany to study with the leading scientists of the time. Between 1743 and 1745, he began to have visions of heaven, hell, and Jesus Christ, which resulted in a stream of books about the nature of God, the afterlife, and the inner meaning of the Bible. He devoted the last decades of his life to studying Scripture and presenting his own unique theology to the world.

Lisa Hyatt Cooper is translator of the fifteen-volume Secrets of Heaven for the Swedenborg Foundation’s New Century Edition of the Works of Emanuel Swedenborg.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

Store Description

Visit Seller's Storefront

Seller's business information

Websew.com Inc
22C Cragwood Road, Avenel, NJ, 07001, U.S.A.

Sale & Shipping Terms

Terms of Sale

We sell brand new books from the publisher.

Right of withdrawal

If you are a consumer you can withdraw from the contract in accordance with the following. Consumer means any natural person who is acting for purposes which are outside his trade, business, craft or profession.

Information regarding the right of withdrawal

Statutory right to withdraw

You have the right to withdraw from this contract within 14 days without giving any reason.

The withdrawal period will expire after 14 days from the day on which you acquire, or a third party other than the carrier and indicated by you acquires, physical possession of the last good or the last lot or piece.

To exercise the right of withdrawal, electronically fill in and submit a clear statement on our website, under "My Purchases" in "My Account". We will communicate to you an acknowledgement of receipt of such a withdrawal on a durable medium (e.g. by e-mail) without delay.

To meet the withdrawal deadline, it is sufficient for you to send your communication concerning your exercise of the right of withdrawal before the withdrawal period has expired.

Effects of withdrawal

If you withdraw from this contract, we will reimburse to you all payments received from you, including the costs of delivery (except for the supplementary costs arising if you chose a type of delivery other than the least expensive type of standard delivery offered by us).

We may make a deduction from the reimbursement for loss in value of any goods supplied, if the loss is the result of unnecessary handling by you.

We will make the reimbursement without undue delay, and not later than 14 days after the day on which we are informed about your decision to withdraw from this contract.

We will make the reimbursement using the same means of payment as you used for the initial transaction, unless you have expressly agreed otherwise; in any event, you will not incur any fees as a result of such reimbursement.

We may withhold reimbursement until we have received the goods back, or you have supplied evidence of having sent back the goods, whichever is the earliest.

You shall send back the goods or hand them over to INDOO, Avenel, New Jersey, U.S.A., without undue delay and in any event not later than 14 days from the day on which you communicate your withdrawal from this contract to us. The deadline is met if you send back the goods before the period of 14 days has expired. You will have to bear the direct cost of returning the goods. You are only liable for any diminished value of the goods resulting from the handling other than what is necessary to establish the nature, characteristics and functioning of the goods.

Exceptions to the right of withdrawal

The right of withdrawal does not apply to:

The delivery of newspapers, journals or magazines with the exception of subscription contracts; and
The supply of digital content which is not supplied on a tangible medium (e.g. on a CD or DVD) if you accepted when you placed your order that we could start to deliver it, and that you could not withdraw once delivery had started.

Shipping Terms

Shipping costs are based on books weighing 2.2 LB, or 1 KG. If your book order is heavy or oversized, we may contact you to let you know extra shipping is required.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.
Order quantity	5 to 14 business days	5 to 14 business days
First item	� 0.00	� 0.00

Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.