4734. And Reuben said unto them. This signifies exhortation, in the proximate sense confession of the faith of the church in general (which is “Reuben,” n. 4731) exhorting or dictating that they should not do violence, as in what follows.

3734. And will give me bread to eat. That this signifies even to conjunction with Divine good, is evident from the signification of “bread,” as being all celestial and spiritual good which is from the Lord, and in the supreme sense the Lord Himself as to Divine good (n. 276, 680, 1798, 2165, 2177, 3464, 3478); and from the signification of “eating,” as being to be communicated, appropriated, and conjoined (n. 2187, 2343, 3168, 3513, 3596).