4987. And it came to pass after these words. That this signifies a third state, is evident from the signification of “it came to pass,” or “it was,” as involving something new (see n. 4979), here consequently a third state; and from the signification of “after these words,” as being after these things were transacted. In the original language one series is not distinguished from another by intervening marks, as in other languages; but the text appears to be as it were continuous from beginning to end. The things in the internal sense are also in like manner continuous and flowing from one state of a thing into another; but when one state terminates, and another of importance succeeds, this is indicated by “it was” or “it came to pass;” and a change of state less important by “and.” This is the reason why these expressions so frequently occur. This state, which is the third, and which is now treated of, is more interior than the former.

4979. And it came to pass from the time that he set him over in his house, and over all that he had. That this signifies a second state, after good applied itself thereto, and all that belonged to it was as it were in its power, is evident from the signification of the expression “it came to pass,” or “it was,” so often found in the Word, as involving something new, and consequently another state (as likewise in the following verses,, 10-11, 13, 15, 18-19); and from the signification of “from the time that he set him over in his house,” as being after good had applied itself thereto (of which above, n. 4977); and from the signification of “over all that he had,” as being that all that belonged to it was as it were in its power (of which also above, n. 4978).