4443. And the sons of Jacob came from the field. That this signifies that they consulted from their religiosity, is evident from the signification of the “sons of Jacob,” as being the nation derived from them, among whom there was instituted the representative of a church; and from the signification of a “field,” as being a religiosity (see n. 4440). That “to come from the field” denotes consultation from the religiosity, follows from the series, as also from the fact that it is their religiosity of which “coming” is predicated.
Luke 7:24-28
24
When John's messengers had departed, he began to tell the multitudes about John, "What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind?
25
But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft clothing? Behold, those who are gorgeously dressed, and live delicately, are in kings' courts.
26
But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and much more than a prophet.
27
This is he of whom it is written, 'Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you.'
28
"For I tell you, among those who are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptizer, yet he who is least in the Kingdom of God is greater than he."
