6273. 'For Manasseh was the firstborn' means since good does indeed occupy the first place. This is clear from the representation of 'Manasseh' as good belonging to the will, dealt with before; and from the meaning of 'the birthright' as the prior and higher position, dealt with in 3325, so that 'the firstborn' is the one who occupies the first place. Is anyone incapable of seeing from natural light alone, provided a superior light brightens it a little, that good occupies the first place, as also do the intentions in a person's will, and that truth occupies the second, as also do the thoughts in his mind? Is anyone also incapable of seeing that the intentions in a person's will cause him to think in one particular way and no other, consequently that the good he possesses causes him to think that this or that is true; so that truth occupies the second place and good the first? Think and reflect on whether truth that composes faith can take root anywhere else than in good, or whether faith other than that which has taken root there is faith. From this you will be able to decide which is the primary or essential element for the Church, that is, for the person in whom the Church exists.

7992. 'For all the children of Israel (to observe] throughout their generations' means those belonging to the spiritual Church among whom there is good resulting from truth and truth springing from good. This is clear from the representation of 'the children of Israel' as those belonging to the spiritual Church, dealt with often; and from the meaning of 'generations' as matters of faith and charity, dealt with in 2010, 2584, 6239. Those among whom there is good resulting from truth and truth springing from good are accordingly meant; for people belonging to the spiritual Church are led through the truth of faith into the good of charity, and having been led into good are then led from good to truths. Those led from good to truths are people who constitute the internal Church, whereas those led through truth into good are people who constitute the external Church.