5973. And Israel said. That this signifies spiritual good now, is evident from the representation of Israel, as being spiritual good (see n. 5801, 5803, 5807, 5817, 5819, 5826, 5832, 5833). (What is meant by the spiritual good which is “Israel,” and what by the natural good which is “Jacob,” may be seen above, n. 5965.) He who is unacquainted with the internal sense of the Word cannot possibly know why Jacob is sometimes called “Jacob,” and sometimes “Israel;” for in the same chapter, and even in the same verse, now one name is used and now the other. Hence it is very evident that there is an internal sense in the Word, as here where it is said, “the spirit of Jacob their father revived, and Israel said;” and in like manner in other passages:

Benjamin, Joseph’s brother, Jacob sent not with his brethren; and the sons of Israel came in the midst of those who came (Genesis 42:4-5).

Israel journeyed; God said to Israel in the visions of the night, Jacob, Jacob; and he said, Behold me (Genesis 46:1-2).

Jacob rose up from Beersheba; and the sons of Israel carried Jacob their father (Genesis 46:5).

All the souls of the house of Jacob that came into Egypt were seventy; Joseph harnessed his chariot, and went up to meet Israel; and Israel said unto Joseph (verses 27, 29-30).

Israel dwelt in the land of Egypt, in the land of Goshen; Jacob lived in the land of Egypt seventeen years; and the days of Israel drew near to die (Genesis 47:27-29).

And one told Jacob and said, Behold thy son Joseph cometh unto thee; and Israel strengthened himself, and sat upon the bed; and Jacob said unto Joseph (Genesis 48:2-3).

Jacob called his sons, and said, Assemble yourselves, and hear, ye sons of Jacob; listen to Israel your father (Genesis 49:1-2).

Cursed be their anger, for it was vehement, and their wrath, for it was hard; I will divide them in Jacob, and scatter them in Israel (Genesis 49:7).

The arms of his hands shall be made strong by the hands of the strong one of Jacob; from thence is the shepherd, the stone of Israel (Genesis 49:24);

besides frequently in the prophets.