6146. And as for the people, he removed it to the cities. That this signifies that the truths of memory-knowledge were brought into relation to doctrinal things, is evident from the signification of the “people,” as being truths (see n. 1259, 1260, 3295, 3581), here truths of memory-knowledge because they are predicated of the people of Egypt; and from the signification of “cities,” as being doctrinal things (n. 402, 2449, 3216, 4492, 4493). Therefore “to remove the people to the cities,” is to bring the truths of memory-knowledge into relation to doctrinal things. This follows from what goes before, namely, from this, that truths were brought into relation to what is general in the natural (n. 6115); for doctrinal things are the generals to which truths are brought into relation; because the doctrine of the church is divided into its heads, and each head is a general of the church. For this reason also the people was removed to the cities by Joseph, that thereby might be represented the relation of truths to generals, thus to doctrinal things.

3581. Peoples shall serve thee. That this signifies the truths of the church, and that “peoples shall bow down themselves to thee” signifies the truths of good, is evident from the mention of serving,” as being concerning truths (n. 2567, 3409); and from the signification of “peoples,” as being truths (n. 1259, 1260, 2928, 3295). By the “peoples” first mentioned are signified the truths of the church, which are called spiritual truths; and by the “peoples” mentioned the second time are signified the truths of good, which are spiritual goods, and are called truths relatively, the goods of charity being such truths. Because there is this distinction, the “peoples” mentioned in the first place and in the second are not expressed in the Hebrew tongue by the same word, but yet by a word somewhat akin.