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Genesis 45

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1 And Joseph hath not been able to refrain himself before all those standing by him, and he calleth, `Put out every man from me;' and no man hath stood with him when Joseph maketh himself known unto his brethren,

2 and he giveth forth his voice in weeping, and the Egyptians hear, and the house of Pharaoh heareth.

3 And Joseph saith unto his brethren, `I [am] Joseph, is my father yet alive?' and his brethren have not been able to answer him, for they have been troubled at his presence.

4 And Joseph saith unto his brethren, `Come nigh unto me, I pray you,' and they come nigh; and he saith, `I [am] Joseph, your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt;

5 and now, be not grieved, nor let it be displeasing in your eyes that ye sold me hither, for to preserve life hath God sent me before you.

6 `Because these two years the famine [is] in the heart of the land, and yet [are] five years, [in] which there is neither ploughing nor harvest;

7 and God sendeth me before you, to place of you a remnant in the land, and to give life to you by a great escape;

8 and now, ye -- ye have not sent me hither, but God, and He doth set me for a father to Pharaoh, and for lord to all his house, and ruler over all the land of Egypt.

9 `Haste, and go up unto my father, then ye have said to him, Thus said Joseph thy son, God hath set me for lord to all Egypt; come down unto me, stay not,

10 and thou hast dwelt in the land of Goshen, and been near unto me, thou and thy sons, and thy son's sons, and thy flock, and thy herd, and all that thou hast,

11 and I have nourished thee there -- for yet [are] five years of famine -- lest thou become poor, thou and thy household, and all that thou hast.

12 `And lo, your eyes are seeing, and the eyes of my brother Benjamin, that [it is] my mouth which is speaking unto you;

13 and ye have declared to my father all my honour in Egypt, and all that ye have seen, and ye have hasted, and have brought down my father hither.'

14 And he falleth on the neck of Benjamin his brother, and weepeth, and Benjamin hath wept on his neck;

15 and he kisseth all his brethren, and weepeth over them; and afterwards have his brethren spoken with him.

16 And the sound hath been heard in the house of Pharaoh, saying, `Come have the brethren of Joseph;' and it is good in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of his servants,

17 and Pharaoh saith unto Joseph, `Say unto thy brethren, This do ye: lade your beasts, and go, enter ye the land of Canaan,

18 and take your father, and your households, and come unto me, and I give to you the good of the land of Egypt, and eat ye the fat of the land.

19 `Yea, thou -- thou hast been commanded: this do ye, take for yourselves out of the land of Egypt, waggons for your infants, and for your wives, and ye have brought your father, and come;

20 and your eye hath no pity on your vessels, for the good of all the land of Egypt [is] yours.'

21 And the sons of Israel do so, and Joseph giveth waggons to them by the command of Pharaoh, and he giveth to them provision for the way;

22 to all of them hath he given -- to each changes of garments, and to Benjamin he hath given three hundred silverlings, and five changes of garments;

23 and to his father he hath sent thus: ten asses bearing of the good things of Egypt, and ten she-asses bearing corn and bread, even food for his father for the way.

24 And he sendeth his brethren away, and they go; and he saith unto them, `Be not angry in the way.'

25 And they go up out of Egypt, and come in to the land of Canaan, unto Jacob their father,

26 and they declare to him, saying, `Joseph [is] yet alive,' and that he [is] ruler over all the land of Egypt; and his heart ceaseth, for he hath not given credence to them.

27 And they speak unto him all the words of Joseph, which he hath spoken unto them, and he seeth the waggons which Joseph hath sent to bear him away, and live doth the spirit of Jacob their father;

28 and Israel saith, `Enough! Joseph my son [is] yet alive; I go and see him before I die.'

  

Exploring the Meaning of Genesis 45      

Napsal(a) Helen Kennedy

Genesis 45

In this chapter, we have a story that tells us about the way that our inner self can get to be "at one" again with our more external self.

1. Then Joseph could not refrain himself before all them that stood by him; and he cried, “Make everyone go from me. So no one stood with him while Joseph made himself known to his brothers.

In Verse 1, Joseph represents the innermost heavenly part of us. See Arcana Coelestia 5868. “Could not refrain himself,” shows the desire and urgency that our inner spirit has to flow into the external or most troubled parts of us. When Joseph cries out for everyone to leave the room, it shows how all non-essential things are banished to the sidelines.

In Verse 2, Joseph weeps aloud. This is a metaphor that shows the great joy that the inmost heavenly part of our mind experiences when it is conjoined with our outer self. This strong emotion shows the depth of the Lord's merciful love, and the house of Pharaoh hearing it shows that it is felt throughout the whole of the natural mind.

In Verse 3, when Joseph says to his brothers, "I am Joseph; is my father still alive?", they can't answer him. They're troubled. Why? Our natural self perceives the movement of the inner spiritual self, but instead of being filled with joy, it experiences turmoil and confusion. This new opening to deeper things is going to change things; our natural self is going to be ashamed of the way it has been treating spiritual things.

When, in Verse 4, Joseph asks his brothers to come closer to him, this symbolizes our inner spirit becoming more apparent to the external or natural part of us. The brothers go closer, indicating that the natural is starting to better grasp the new situation.

It's the affection of truth which allows us to love others. The brothers, when they sold Joseph into Egypt as a slave, showed how our outermost mind starts with little or no affection or love for inner spiritual things.

But the Lord works with us. Our inner spiritual mind gets sent to Egypt, but Providence is working all the time, long before we are aware of it. In Verse 5, Joseph urges his brothers not to worry. Our inner spirit does not want us to have anxiety in our hearts about this past alienation.

The famine in the land indicates the severe lack of good in the natural or outer self. There are still five years to go, which shows the length of time before the remnants of good and truth the Lord has instilled in us while we were young will be able to shine forth. Still, at this point, two years in, something is happening. Those remnants are starting to be taken out from our innermost recesses of mind, where they have been stored.

In Verse 7, that "God sent me before you to preserve a posterity for you in the earth," is the inner self assuring our natural self that Providence is taking care of things, that the stored remnants of good and truth are enough to seed the future.

Before the deepest spiritual levels can reveal themselves as part of our lives, we need to be instructed in factual knowledge and other natural truths, all represented by the Pharoah and Egypt. However, these naturals truths depend on spiritual truths for their existence. That's what is meant in Verse 8, when it says that Joseph was “a father to Pharoah.”

In Verse 9, hastening or hurrying shows a joyful desire for connection. For the brothers to go back to their father and tel him about Joseph shows how a deeper, inner level that we thought was long lost can speak to us again.

“Come down to me; and do not tarry,” again shows the enthusiasm and happiness of the inner spirit at the possibility of being joined with the natural, outer self. “God has made me lord of all Egypt” emphasizes that our natural selves need to act in accordance with the more profound, inner things.

Dwelling together in the land of Goshen, in Verse 10, with the children and grandchildren, illustrates that in this new state, the spiritual and natural will be joined together forever and not separated again.

In Verse 11, we're given an image of how the spiritual always provides for and nourishes life on the natural level.

Verse 12 is a reassurance that what Joseph is saying is true. Joseph emphasizes it by saying, “And the eyes of my brother, Benjamin”. Benjamin signifies an intermediary between the deepest levels meant by Joseph and the outermost levels meant by Joseph’s brothers.

In Verse 13, the reference to glory is made, because when the natural level perceives something from the spiritual level it comes with light, brilliance and radiance. Joseph's urging his brothers to bring their father to him is another example of how, with love and emotion, the spiritual within us can barely contain its joy.

In verses 14 and, 15, Joseph and Benjamin weeping while holding one another gives a profound image of how deeply and completely the Lord desires to be united with us. Joseph’s brothers being able to talk with him comes in the aftermath of the outer or natural’s acceptance of deeper truths and realities, and there being a communication between inner and outer things.

In Verse 16, it says that the report of these events "was heard in Pharoah’s house, saying, Joseph’s brothers have come: so it pleased Pharoah and his servants well." The deeper truths have infilled the natural and there is joy everywhere, even down to the lowest things, meant here by Pharoah’s servants.

In Verse 17, Pharaoh says to Joseph, “Say to your brothers, ‘Do this: Load your animals and depart; go to the land of Canaan. The phrase “Pharoah said,” means that it was done. Factual knowledges or outward truths, which are vessels for inner truths, were being filled with good or affection, which is represented by loading the animals.

In Verse 18, Joseph tells his brothers to bring their father and their households to him. This shows how inner truths are drawing closer to outward or factual knowledge. For example, a person may know the fact that life continues after death. By the brothers bringing their father and their households, the person becomes aware of that reality and rejoices that it’s true. “Eating the fat of the land” signifies a person making that truth their own or really believing it.

Being commanded, in Verse 19, means that a person needs to will this, do this, believe this. The truths that infill our natural facts are described as ‘doctrines’ which will teach the “little ones, and your wives,” or people who do not already know of these truths and their inner realities. “Bringing Joseph’s father” completes the reality because he represents the spiritual good which the truths must look towards.

Verse 20 is an admonition for us to let go of our former things, the things we thought were important in our lives. The best of all of Egypt will be given to us, and instead of just empty, factual knowledge, our knowledges will be filled with inner, deeper truths that look to good as their end. For example, instead of knowing we need to be kind to others, we will actually hold charitable thoughts and intend kind and good things towards others.

In Verse 21, when we obey and start the journey, we put things into effect; spiritual things can start flowing into the natural. We receive truths that are pleasing to use, and the support we need to use the newer truths in their lives.

22 He gave to all of them, to each man, changes of garments; but to Benjamin he gave three hundred pieces of silver, and five changes of garments.

In Verse 22, the garments, like the provisions for the journey, show that Joseph provided all the things the brothers might need to make their journey. Clothes here mean truths which are new or enlivened by good. The love which Joseph has for Benjamin serves as an intermediary; the truth represented by the silver is a more interior conjunction. Anything with the number three, or a combination of it, means what is complete.

In Verse 23, these gifts which were freely given represent the things that flow freely from the Lord through the spirit into our natural minds. The things of Egypt are factual knowledges that serve our spiritual life. The male and female donkeys represent truths and goods, respectively.

In Verse 24, when Joseph sends his brothers away, it means that our inner life passes through changes - this time referring to a state when it becomes less apparent and seemingly concealed from us. “See that you do not become troubled along the way” shows the desire of the inner spirit for our natural self to not be disturbed or troubled when this happens. It seems like the Lord is saying to us here, that even though we can’t see Him, we can remain peaceful because He really is still there.

In Verse 25, the brothers leave Egypt. They return to Jacob, who represents natural, but not spiritual good. (When Jacob's name is changed to "Israel", this represents a change of state from the natural to the spiritual.)

When, in Verse 26, the brothers tell Jacob that Joseph is still alive, it represents that natural part of us being told that spiritual states, or more inward things, are real or alive. That Joseph is governor of Egypt shows that inner spiritual things have power over outer, natural ones. Jacob's disbelief and fainting shows a lack of understanding in out natural minds, about how all this could be so.

The natural mind comes around. In Verse 27, being told “all the words of Joseph” shows an influx of inner spiritual things into the natural. Seeing “the wagons which Joseph had sent” shows a dawning awareness. Being revived shows that our natural mind begins to be able to experience a new goodness of life.

In Verse 28, Israel (not Jacob!) says, "It is enough; Joseph my son is still alive: I will go and see him before I die."

The use of the name Israel shows that now good from the inner states is being made a part of our lives. Our joy comes from learning that spiritual things which were concealed were not really lost. “I will go and see him” being said shows an immediate willingness and eagerness to experience the deeper, inner things of our spiritual life.

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Exploring the Meaning of Genesis 45      

Napsal(a) Helen Kennedy

Genesis 45

In this chapter, we have a story that tells us about the way that our inner self can get to be "at one" again with our more external self.

1. Then Joseph could not refrain himself before all them that stood by him; and he cried, “Make everyone go from me. So no one stood with him while Joseph made himself known to his brothers.

In Verse 1, Joseph represents the innermost heavenly part of us. See Arcana Coelestia 5868. “Could not refrain himself,” shows the desire and urgency that our inner spirit has to flow into the external or most troubled parts of us. When Joseph cries out for everyone to leave the room, it shows how all non-essential things are banished to the sidelines.

In Verse 2, Joseph weeps aloud. This is a metaphor that shows the great joy that the inmost heavenly part of our mind experiences when it is conjoined with our outer self. This strong emotion shows the depth of the Lord's merciful love, and the house of Pharaoh hearing it shows that it is felt throughout the whole of the natural mind.

In Verse 3, when Joseph says to his brothers, "I am Joseph; is my father still alive?", they can't answer him. They're troubled. Why? Our natural self perceives the movement of the inner spiritual self, but instead of being filled with joy, it experiences turmoil and confusion. This new opening to deeper things is going to change things; our natural self is going to be ashamed of the way it has been treating spiritual things.

When, in Verse 4, Joseph asks his brothers to come closer to him, this symbolizes our inner spirit becoming more apparent to the external or natural part of us. The brothers go closer, indicating that the natural is starting to better grasp the new situation.

It's the affection of truth which allows us to love others. The brothers, when they sold Joseph into Egypt as a slave, showed how our outermost mind starts with little or no affection or love for inner spiritual things.

But the Lord works with us. Our inner spiritual mind gets sent to Egypt, but Providence is working all the time, long before we are aware of it. In Verse 5, Joseph urges his brothers not to worry. Our inner spirit does not want us to have anxiety in our hearts about this past alienation.

The famine in the land indicates the severe lack of good in the natural or outer self. There are still five years to go, which shows the length of time before the remnants of good and truth the Lord has instilled in us while we were young will be able to shine forth. Still, at this point, two years in, something is happening. Those remnants are starting to be taken out from our innermost recesses of mind, where they have been stored.

In Verse 7, that "God sent me before you to preserve a posterity for you in the earth," is the inner self assuring our natural self that Providence is taking care of things, that the stored remnants of good and truth are enough to seed the future.

Before the deepest spiritual levels can reveal themselves as part of our lives, we need to be instructed in factual knowledge and other natural truths, all represented by the Pharoah and Egypt. However, these naturals truths depend on spiritual truths for their existence. That's what is meant in Verse 8, when it says that Joseph was “a father to Pharoah.”

In Verse 9, hastening or hurrying shows a joyful desire for connection. For the brothers to go back to their father and tel him about Joseph shows how a deeper, inner level that we thought was long lost can speak to us again.

“Come down to me; and do not tarry,” again shows the enthusiasm and happiness of the inner spirit at the possibility of being joined with the natural, outer self. “God has made me lord of all Egypt” emphasizes that our natural selves need to act in accordance with the more profound, inner things.

Dwelling together in the land of Goshen, in Verse 10, with the children and grandchildren, illustrates that in this new state, the spiritual and natural will be joined together forever and not separated again.

In Verse 11, we're given an image of how the spiritual always provides for and nourishes life on the natural level.

Verse 12 is a reassurance that what Joseph is saying is true. Joseph emphasizes it by saying, “And the eyes of my brother, Benjamin”. Benjamin signifies an intermediary between the deepest levels meant by Joseph and the outermost levels meant by Joseph’s brothers.

In Verse 13, the reference to glory is made, because when the natural level perceives something from the spiritual level it comes with light, brilliance and radiance. Joseph's urging his brothers to bring their father to him is another example of how, with love and emotion, the spiritual within us can barely contain its joy.

In verses 14 and, 15, Joseph and Benjamin weeping while holding one another gives a profound image of how deeply and completely the Lord desires to be united with us. Joseph’s brothers being able to talk with him comes in the aftermath of the outer or natural’s acceptance of deeper truths and realities, and there being a communication between inner and outer things.

In Verse 16, it says that the report of these events "was heard in Pharoah’s house, saying, Joseph’s brothers have come: so it pleased Pharoah and his servants well." The deeper truths have infilled the natural and there is joy everywhere, even down to the lowest things, meant here by Pharoah’s servants.

In Verse 17, Pharaoh says to Joseph, “Say to your brothers, ‘Do this: Load your animals and depart; go to the land of Canaan. The phrase “Pharoah said,” means that it was done. Factual knowledges or outward truths, which are vessels for inner truths, were being filled with good or affection, which is represented by loading the animals.

In Verse 18, Joseph tells his brothers to bring their father and their households to him. This shows how inner truths are drawing closer to outward or factual knowledge. For example, a person may know the fact that life continues after death. By the brothers bringing their father and their households, the person becomes aware of that reality and rejoices that it’s true. “Eating the fat of the land” signifies a person making that truth their own or really believing it.

Being commanded, in Verse 19, means that a person needs to will this, do this, believe this. The truths that infill our natural facts are described as ‘doctrines’ which will teach the “little ones, and your wives,” or people who do not already know of these truths and their inner realities. “Bringing Joseph’s father” completes the reality because he represents the spiritual good which the truths must look towards.

Verse 20 is an admonition for us to let go of our former things, the things we thought were important in our lives. The best of all of Egypt will be given to us, and instead of just empty, factual knowledge, our knowledges will be filled with inner, deeper truths that look to good as their end. For example, instead of knowing we need to be kind to others, we will actually hold charitable thoughts and intend kind and good things towards others.

In Verse 21, when we obey and start the journey, we put things into effect; spiritual things can start flowing into the natural. We receive truths that are pleasing to use, and the support we need to use the newer truths in their lives.

22 He gave to all of them, to each man, changes of garments; but to Benjamin he gave three hundred pieces of silver, and five changes of garments.

In Verse 22, the garments, like the provisions for the journey, show that Joseph provided all the things the brothers might need to make their journey. Clothes here mean truths which are new or enlivened by good. The love which Joseph has for Benjamin serves as an intermediary; the truth represented by the silver is a more interior conjunction. Anything with the number three, or a combination of it, means what is complete.

In Verse 23, these gifts which were freely given represent the things that flow freely from the Lord through the spirit into our natural minds. The things of Egypt are factual knowledges that serve our spiritual life. The male and female donkeys represent truths and goods, respectively.

In Verse 24, when Joseph sends his brothers away, it means that our inner life passes through changes - this time referring to a state when it becomes less apparent and seemingly concealed from us. “See that you do not become troubled along the way” shows the desire of the inner spirit for our natural self to not be disturbed or troubled when this happens. It seems like the Lord is saying to us here, that even though we can’t see Him, we can remain peaceful because He really is still there.

In Verse 25, the brothers leave Egypt. They return to Jacob, who represents natural, but not spiritual good. (When Jacob's name is changed to "Israel", this represents a change of state from the natural to the spiritual.)

When, in Verse 26, the brothers tell Jacob that Joseph is still alive, it represents that natural part of us being told that spiritual states, or more inward things, are real or alive. That Joseph is governor of Egypt shows that inner spiritual things have power over outer, natural ones. Jacob's disbelief and fainting shows a lack of understanding in out natural minds, about how all this could be so.

The natural mind comes around. In Verse 27, being told “all the words of Joseph” shows an influx of inner spiritual things into the natural. Seeing “the wagons which Joseph had sent” shows a dawning awareness. Being revived shows that our natural mind begins to be able to experience a new goodness of life.

In Verse 28, Israel (not Jacob!) says, "It is enough; Joseph my son is still alive: I will go and see him before I die."

The use of the name Israel shows that now good from the inner states is being made a part of our lives. Our joy comes from learning that spiritual things which were concealed were not really lost. “I will go and see him” being said shows an immediate willingness and eagerness to experience the deeper, inner things of our spiritual life.

Swedenborg

Hlavní výklad ze Swedenborgových prací:

Arcana Coelestia 5867, 5868, 5869, 5870, 5871, 5872, 5876, ...

Další odkazy Swedenborga k této kapitole:

Arcana Coelestia 4286, 4592, 5710, 5873, 5874, 5875, 5882, ...

Doctrine of the Lord 47

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217 - Joseph Part 4 of 4: Reunited in Goshen

216 - Joseph Part 3 of 4: Joseph's Rough Talk

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Allegories of Genesis

Creation

Survey of the Arcana Coelestia

The Language of Parable

The Path: The Inner Life of Jesus Christ

The Story of Creation in Genesis

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Genesis 27:28, 33:4, 37:28, 41:37, 41, 43, 42:23, 24, 29, 43:34, 45:8, 26, 46:5, 28, 30, 34, 47:1, 4, 6, 12, 48:11, 50:19, 20, 21

Judges 14:12, 17:10

Esther 4:14, 10:3

Psalms 105:17

Proverbs 25:25

Isaiah 22:21

Zechariah 12:10

Luke 24:11, 39

Acts of the Apostles 7:13, 14

2 Corinthians 2:7

1 John 1:1

Významy biblických slov

joseph
'The tribe of Zebulon' signifies the conjunction of people in the third heaven with the Lord, 'the tribe of Joseph,' the conjunction of people in...

before
In most cases, the meaning of "before" is pretty straightforward, both as a way of assessing relative time, and in its use meaning "in someone's...

standing
'To stand,' and 'come forth' as in Daniel 7:10, refers to truth. In Genesis 24:13, it signifies a state of conjunction of divine truth with...

calleth
'To proclaim' signifies exploration from influx of the Lord.

Put
'To put' has reference to order, arrangement, application, and influx.

man
"Man" is a tricky word to discuss, because the Hebrew of the Old Testament uses six different words that are generally translated as "man," with...

stood
'To stand,' and 'come forth' as in Daniel 7:10, refers to truth. In Genesis 24:13, it signifies a state of conjunction of divine truth with...

known
Like so many common verbs, the meaning of "know" in the Bible is varied and dependent on context. And in some cases – when it...

brethren
Brethren (Gen. 27:29) signify the affections of good.

giveth
Like other common verbs, the meaning of "give" in the Bible is affected by context: who is giving what to whom? In general, though, giving...

voice
In Genesis 27:22, 'voice' relates to truth, and 'hand,' to good.

weeping
'Weeping' represents both sorrow and love.

egyptians
In the Bible, Egypt means knowledge and the love of knowledge. In a good sense that means knowledge of truth from the Lord through the...

hear
'To hearken to father and mother,' as mentioned in Genesis 28:7, signifies obedience from affection. 'To hearken,' as mentioned in Genesis 30:22, signifies providence. See...

house
A "house" is essentially a container - for a person, for a family, for several families or even for a large group with shared interests...

pharaoh
'Pharaoh' signifies scientific ideas, or the natural principle in general. 'Pharaoh' signifies false ideas infesting the truth of the church. Pharaoh,' in Genesis 40, represents...

heareth
'To hearken to father and mother,' as mentioned in Genesis 28:7, signifies obedience from affection. 'To hearken,' as mentioned in Genesis 30:22, signifies providence. See...

saith
As with many common verbs, the meaning of “to say” in the Bible is highly dependent on context. Who is speaking? Who is hearing? What...

father
Father in the Word means what is most interior, and in those things that are following the Lord's order, it means what is good. In...

answer
To "answer" generally indicates a state of spiritual receptivity. Ultimately this means being receptive to the Lord, who is constantly trying to pour true ideas...

nigh
'Nigh' denotes truth in affinity with good.

brother
There are two ways "brother" is used in the Bible, ways that are still reflected in modern language. One denotes an actual blood relationship; the...

sold
'To sell,' as in Genesis 41:56, means transferring to another as their own, because what is sold becomes the property of the one who buys...

egypt
Egyptians represent those who are in natural science, thus the natural, but the Hebrews, those who are of the church, thus respectively the spiritual. The...

eyes
It’s common to say “I see” when we understand something. And indeed, “seeing” in the Bible represents grasping and understanding spiritual things. So it makes...

God
When the Bible speaks of "Jehovah," it is representing love itself, the inmost love that is the essence of the Lord. That divine love is...

sent
'To send' signifies revealing.

land
Is there any difference in meaning between “earth” and “ground”? At first it doesn’t seem so; both refer to the soil making up the land...

five
Five also signifies all things of one part.

ploughing
'Ploughing' denotes preparation for good to receive truths.

harvest
'A harvest' symbolizes the state of the church with respect to Divine truth. The reason is that a harvest yields the grain used to make...

great
The word "great" is used in the Bible to represent a state with a strong degree of love and affection, of the desire for good;...

lord
In most cases, a "master" in the Bible refers to truth: knowledge, an understanding of the situation at hand, an understanding of the Lord's wishes,...

haste
'To hasten' or 'hastiness' in the internal sense, does not denote what is quick, but what is certain, and also what is full, thus every...

go up
When we talk about "going up" in the modern world, we usually mean either that we're going north – which is toward the top of...

said
As with many common verbs, the meaning of “to say” in the Bible is highly dependent on context. Who is speaking? Who is hearing? What...

son
Marriages in the Bible represent the union we all can have between the desire for good and the understanding of truth (or an understanding of...

Come down
To come down (Gen. 11:5), is predicated of Jehovah, by reason of his being called the Highest. This is spoken according to appearance.

down
"Down" is used many different ways in natural language, and its spiritual meaning in the Bible is highly dependent on context. Phrases like "bowing down,"...

stay
'To stay with,' as in Genesis 32:4, relates to the life of truth when accompanied by good, and in this instance, it means to take...

dwelt
Many people were nomadic in Biblical times, especially the times of the Old Testament, and lived in tents that could be struck, moved and re-raised...

goshen
‘The land of Goshen,’ as in Genesis 46:28, signifies the innermost parts of the natural mind.

son's
'A son,' as in Genesis 5:28, signifies the rise of a new church. 'Son,' as in Genesis 24:3, signifies the Lord’s rationality regarding good. 'A...

flock
It’s pretty easy for most people to read the Bible and get a sense for what “sheep” means without any help. They are simple, peaceful,...

herd
'A herd,' as mentioned in Genesis 32:7, denotes exterior or natural good, and also not good things.

household
A "house" is essentially a container - for a person, for a family, for several families or even for a large group with shared interests...

seeing
The symbolic meaning of "seeing" is "understanding," which is obvious enough that it has become part of common language (think about it; you might see...

Benjamin
'The tribe of Zebulon' signifies the conjunction of people in the third heaven with the Lord, 'the tribe of Joseph,' the conjunction of people in...

mouth
In most cases, "mouth" in the Bible represents thought and logic, especially the kind of active, concrete thought that is connected with speech. The reason...

speaking
Like "say," the word "speak" refers to thoughts and feelings moving from our more internal spiritual levels to our more external ones – and ultimately...

declared
To "declare" something means to say it formally, publicly and with emphasis; you might say what you think, but you only declare things you're sure...

seen
The symbolic meaning of "seeing" is "understanding," which is obvious enough that it has become part of common language (think about it; you might see...

hasted
'To hasten' or 'hastiness' in the internal sense, does not denote what is quick, but what is certain, and also what is full, thus every...

falleth
Like other common verbs, the meaning of "fall" is highly dependent on context in regular language, and is highly dependent on context in a spiritual...

neck
'The neck' signifies influx and the communication of interior and exterior levels and the following conjunction. The inmost or third heaven has reference to the...

and Benjamin
'The tribe of Zebulon' signifies the conjunction of people in the third heaven with the Lord, 'the tribe of Joseph,' the conjunction of people in...

wept
'Weeping with a loud voice' signifies the ultimate of grief.

kisseth
To kiss' signifies uniting or conjunction from affection. To kiss,' as in c, signifies initiation. 'To kiss' signifies conjunction and acknowledgment.

heard
'To hearken to father and mother,' as mentioned in Genesis 28:7, signifies obedience from affection. 'To hearken,' as mentioned in Genesis 30:22, signifies providence. See...

come
Coming (Gen. 41:14) denotes communication by influx.

servants
“Servant” literally means “a person who serves another,"" and its meaning is similar in reference to the spiritual meaninngs of the Bible. Our lives in...

say
As with many common verbs, the meaning of “to say” in the Bible is highly dependent on context. Who is speaking? Who is hearing? What...

go
In the physical world, the places we inhabit and the distances between them are physical realities, and we have to get our physical bodies through...

enter
All changes of place in the Bible represent changes in spiritual state. “Entering” – usually used as entering someone’s house or “going in unto” someone...

canaan
Canaan signifies a worship in things external without internals, which arose out of the internal church corrupted, called Ham. Thus it is that Ham is...

fat
Fat signifies the celestial principle. Fat things, full of marrow, signify goodnesses. Fat and blood signify interior goods and truths, and hence the Israelites, prior...

give
Like other common verbs, the meaning of "give" in the Bible is affected by context: who is giving what to whom? In general, though, giving...

eat
When we eat, our bodies break down the food and get from it both energy and materials for building and repairing the body. The process...

commanded
To command is to give an order that something must be done, and is directed to an individual, or a group. It is an imperative,...

wives
The Hebrew of the Old Testament has six different common words which are generally translated as "wife," which largely overlap but have different nuances. Swedenborg...

eye
It’s common to say “I see” when we understand something. And indeed, “seeing” in the Bible represents grasping and understanding spiritual things. So it makes...

vessels
'Vessels,' in the internal sense, signify things serving as a receptacle, as scientific ideas and knowledges are to truths, and as truths themselves are to...

Sons of Israel
'The camp of the sons of Israel' represents the church.

israel
Jacob is told twice that his name will now be Israel. The first time is when he wrestles with an angel on his journey to...

way
These days we tend to think of "roads" as smooth swaths of pavement, and judge them by how fast we can drive cars on them....

given
Like other common verbs, the meaning of "give" in the Bible is affected by context: who is giving what to whom? In general, though, giving...

garments
'Raiment of camel's hair,' as in Matthew 3:4, signifies the Word in its literal sense regarding truth, which is a clothing for the internal sense.

three
The Writings talk about many aspects of life using the philosophical terms "end," "cause" and "effect." The "end" is someone’s goal or purpose, the ultimate...

Three hundred
'Three hundred' signifies fullness, because the number comes from three and a hundred multiplied. Both 'three' and 'a hundred' signifies fullness. The significance of products...

hundred
It's a landmark for a young child to count to 100; it sort of covers all the "ordinary" numbers. One hundred is obviously significant for...

ten
Most places in Swedenborg identify “ten” as representing “all,” or in some cases “many” or “much.” The Ten Commandments represent all the guidance we get...

asses
Donkeys signify the things relating to the self-intelligence of the sensual man; and camels, the things of self-intelligence in the natural man (Isa 30:6, 7.)

bearing
Like many verbs, the spiritual meaning of "bearing" something depends greatly on context – what it is that's being borne, and why. It is further...

bread
The word “bread” is used two ways in the Bible. In some cases it means actual bread; in others it stands for food in general....

food
To give food, as in Genesis 41:48, signifies to store up.

Jacob
Jacob is told twice that his name will now be Israel. The first time is when he wrestles with an angel on his journey to...

declare
To "declare" something means to say it formally, publicly and with emphasis; you might say what you think, but you only declare things you're sure...

To
‘To grieve at heart’ is in reference to love, and ‘to repent,’ to wisdom, as in Genesis 6:6.

heart
The heart means love. A good heart means love to the Lord and to the neighbor while a hard or stony heart means the love...

words
'Word,' as in Psalms 119:6-17, stands for doctrine in general. 'The Word,' as in Psalms 147:18, signifies divine good united with divine truth. 'Word,' as...

seeth
To look,' as in Genesis 18:22, signifies thinking, because seeing denotes understanding. Look not back behind thee,' as in Genesis 19:17, means that Lot, who...

bear
Like many verbs, the spiritual meaning of "bearing" something depends greatly on context – what it is that's being borne, and why. It is further...

Enough
'Sufficiency' relates to the reception of good, because good is the spiritual nourishment of the soul, as natural food is the nourishment of the body.

see
The symbolic meaning of "seeing" is "understanding," which is obvious enough that it has become part of common language (think about it; you might see...

die
Dead (Gen. 23:8) signifies night, in respect to the goodnesses and truths of faith.

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 Bring an Offering of Thanksgiving
Worship Talk | Ages 7 - 14

 Dramatize the Story of Joseph Receiving His Brothers
Retell the story or read selected portions from the Word as the children dramatize the story of the brothers going to Egypt and being reunited with Joseph. 
Activity | Ages 4 - 10

 Family Worship: The Joseph Story
Religion Lesson | All Ages

 Food for the Soul
Spiritual tasks offer a reflection on a Biblical story and suggest a task for spiritual growth.
Activity | Ages over 18

 Joseph Forgives His Brothers
If we love the Lord and try to obey His commandments, He will be with us to turn even our bad experiences into things that are good for us, that will prepare us for heaven.
Worship Talk | Ages 7 - 14

 Joseph Is Reunited with Brothers
This lesson discusses a story from the Word and suggests projects and activities for young children.
Sunday School Lesson | Ages 4 - 6

 Joseph Is Reunited with His Brothers
A coloring page showing Joseph in joyful reunion with his brothers.
Coloring Page | All Ages

 Joseph Reveals Himself - Level A
Complete lesson with activity choices: sing an action song about Joseph's family reunion (video demonstration), make a trifold picture that shows Joseph revealing himself to his brothers, scripted story discussion, coloring picture, and a memory verse.
Sunday School Lesson | Ages 4 - 6

 Joseph Reveals Himself - Level B
Complete lesson with activity choices: try a water experiment to see how the Lord's forgiveness works (video demonstration), make a trifold picture that shows Joseph revealing himself to his brothers, do a "wrinkled heart" activity to show how hard it can be to heal hurt feelings, scripted story discussion, coloring picture, and a memory verse.
Sunday School Lesson | Ages 7 - 10

 Joseph Reveals Himself - Level C
Complete lesson with activity choices: watch and discuss a video about what Benjamin represents and how we need that quality in our lives, read several scenarios written in the style of news headlines and consider whether various actions should be forgiven or whether another response is called for, read a door handle sign with the Prayer of Saint Francis reflect on how you can forgive others, and a scripted story discussion.
Sunday School Lesson | Ages 11 - 14

 Joseph Reveals Himself - Level D
Complete lesson with activity choices: watch and discuss a video about what Benjamin represents and how we need that quality in our lives, consider how true ideas can connect us with the Lord and help us get to heaven, read a door handle sign with the Prayer of Saint Francis reflect on how you can forgive others, and a scripted story discussion.
Sunday School Lesson | Ages 15 - 17

 Joseph Reveals Himself Trifold
Create a tri-fold picture that can be opened to show Joseph revealing his identity to his brothers in Egypt.
Project | All Ages

 Joseph Welcomes His Family
Lesson outline provides teaching ideas with questions for discussion, projects, and activities.
Sunday School Lesson | Ages 7 - 10

 Qualities of the Lord
Look at colored pictures of stories from the Word. Using a word bank, identify the quality of the Lord shown in each picture.
Project | Ages 9 - 14

 The Story of Joseph
Examining the life and character of Joseph teaches us about how the Lord leads each of our lives.
Worship Talk | Ages over 18

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