3115. 'And a place to spend the night' means that state. This is clear from the meaning of 'a place' as a state, dealt with in 2625, 2837, and from the meaning of 'spending the night' as abiding or having a resting-place, dealt with in 2330. Here therefore the state of the affection for truth, as to its origin, is meant. Its origin is described by the things represented by Bethuel, Milkah, and Nahor, and its relationships by Laban who is mentioned later on. Since the origin of that affection is obscure its state is therefore meant by 'a place to spend the night', as also above in 3111.

9888. 'Before the face of it' means to eternity. This is clear from the meaning of 'before the face' as to eternity; for 'the breastplate' means heaven and every good and truth that constitutes it, 9879. What is 'before the face' in heaven is in the Lord's everlasting sight, thus is preserved to eternity.