8187. And they shall come after them. That this signifies an endeavor to offer violence by means of the influx of falsity from evil, is evident from the signification of “coming after them,” as being the influx of falsity from evil, and also an endeavor to subjugate, thus to offer violence; for by “drawing nigh” is signified influx (n. 8159); by “marching after them,” a closer influx and communication (n. 8161); and by “pursuing after them,” an endeavor to subjugate (n. 8136, 8152, 8154); consequently by “coming after them” is signified an endeavor to offer violence by means of the influx of falsity from evil.

8154. And the Egyptians pursued after them. That this signifies the effect from the endeavor to subjugate on the part of those who were in falsities from evil, is evident from the signification of “pursuing,” as being an endeavor to subjugate (n. 8152), here the effect resulting from this endeavor, because it is said twice; and from the signification of “the Egyptians,” as being those who are in falsities from evil (as frequently above).