2080. God said. That this signifies an answer perceived, is evident from the signification of “saying,” as being to perceive (explained just above, n. 2077). And as in the preceding verse we read that “Abraham said,” and this signified perception, and as here we read that “God said,” or answered, it follows that this signifies an answer perceived, or an answer of perception. In all perception whatever there is both a propounding and a reply. The perception of both of these is here expressed in the historical sense by the words “Abraham said unto God,” and “God said.” (That “God said” denotes to perceive, may be seen above, n. 1791, 1815, 1819, 1822, 1898, 1919; and also in this chapter repeatedly.)

1816. Who led thee forth out of Ur of the Chaldees. That this signifies the first state of His external man, may be seen from the signification of “Ur of the Chaldees.” The maternal which the Lord received from birth, or the inheritance from the mother, is what is here signified by “Ur of the Chaldees.” The nature of this has been described before. It was out of this maternal, or inheritance from the mother, that He was led forth whenever He conquered evils and falsities, that is, the hells.