6778. 'To water their father's flock' means to the end that those governed by good might receive instruction from there. This is clear from the meaning of 'watering' as giving instruction, dealt with in 3772; from the meaning of 'the flock' as those who learn about and are led to the good of charity, dealt with in 343, 3772, 5913, 6048; and from the representation of Reuel, to whom 'father' refers here, and who was a priest, as the good of that Church, a Church where those people are who are guided by the truth that goes with simple good, people dealt with above in 6773, 6775.

3772. 'And water the flock' means that the doctrine was drawn from it. This is clear from the meaning of 'watering', or giving a drink, as giving instruction, dealt with in 3069, 3768, and from the meaning of 'the flock' as people who are governed by the goods and truths of faith, dealt with in 343, 3767. Thus 'watering it' means giving instruction from the Word, and therefore from doctrine.