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.

8161. And behold the Egyptian marching after them. That this signifies the grievousness of falsity continually increasing, is evident from the signification of “the Egyptian,” as being those who are in falsities from evil, thus also the falsity itself from evil (see n. 8132, 8135, 8146, 8148); and from the signification of “marching after them,” as being a nearer influx and communication. By “Pharaoh drew nigh” was signified the influx of falsity from evil (n. 8159), therefore by “marching after them” is signified influx still nearer, thus more grievous; hence it is that there is signified the grievousness of falsity continually increasing. In what presently follows is described temptation, and as this arises through an influx of falsity from evil from the hells, its approach is now described, that is, its increasing grievousness.