8669. For Israel’s sake. That this signifies in behalf of those who were of the spiritual church, is evident from the representation of Israel, as being those who are of the spiritual church (see n. 6426, 6637, 6862, 6868, 7035, 7062, 7198, 7201, 7215, 7223).

7223. Behold the sons of Israel have not heard me. That this signifies that the spiritual did not receive the things announced to them, is evident from the representation of the sons of Israel, as being the spiritual, that is, those who are of the Lord’s spiritual church (see n. 6426, 6637); and from the signification of “not hearing,” as being not to receive from faith and obedience (of which above, n. 7216); that it denotes the things announced to them, that is, about liberation, is evident.