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)

7189. And by a strong hand shall he drive them out of his land. That this signifies that with all force and power they shall make them flee from their neighborhood, is evident from the signification of a “strong hand,” as being with all force and power (of which just above,n. 7188); from the signification of “driving them out,” as being to put to flight; and from the signification of “their land,” as being their neighborhood. (That the land where they of the spiritual church are infested by falsities is near the hells which infest, and is called the “lower earth,” see n. 7090.) Hence “from their land” denotes from their neighborhood.