9155. To see whether he hath put his hand to his companion’s work. That this signifies to see whether they have entered into good, is evident from the signification of “whether he hath put his hand,” as being whether good has caused to be of its own right and power; and from the signification of “in his companion’s work,” as being the truth and memory-knowledge which have been taken away; for the silver and vessels that were given to be taken care of, and were stolen, are what are called the “companion’s work.” (That the “silver and vessels” denote truths and memory-knowledges, see above, n. 9149) From this it is evident that by “to see whether the lord of the house hath put his hand to his companion’s work” is signified whether good has caused to be of its own right and power the truths and memory-knowledges that had been taken away; thus whether these had previously entered into good (according to what was shown just above, n. 9154). (That “the hand” denotes power, see n. 878, 3387, 4931-4937, 5296, 6292, 7188, 7189, 7518, 7673, 8153; also that “in the hand” denotes that which is with anyone and in anyone, n. 9133)

5544. Give him upon my hand. That this signifies so far as was in its power, is evident from the signification of the “hand,” as being power (see n. 878, 3387, 4931-4937, 5327, 5328). “To give him upon his hand” is in the strict sense to intrust him to him; but as faith in the understanding, which is represented by Reuben, has little strength to be trusted to (for the truth which is of faith has its power from the good which is of charity, see n. 3563), therefore by “Give him upon my hand,” is signified so far as was in its power.