2859. And Abraham dwelt in Beersheba. That this signifies that the Lord is that doctrine itself, is evident from the signification of “dwelling;” from the representation of Abraham; from the signification of “Beersheba” (explained before); and at the same time from the things which just precede. To “dwell in Beersheba” is to be in doctrine, but when predicated of the Lord it is to be doctrine; just as to dwell in heaven, which is also said of the Lord, signifies not only that He is in heaven, but also that He Himself is heaven; for He is the all of heaven (n. 551, 552). That the Lord is the Word is known, and therefore the Lord is doctrine (n. 2531), for all doctrine is from the Word. The all of doctrine in the Word is from the Lord, and is concerning the Lord. In the internal sense of the Word nothing but the Lord and His kingdom is treated of, as has been shown many times. It is the Lord’s Divine Human of which the internal sense of the Word especially treats; and the all of doctrine in the Word as regards man is to worship Him and love Him.

433. That Cain’s being “avenged sevenfold” signifies that it was sacrilege to do violence to that separated faith which is meant by “Cain” has been already shown at verse 15. And that by a “seventy and sevenfold avengement” is signified a far greater sacrilege the consequence of which is damnation, is evident from the signification of “seventy and sevenfold.” That the number “seven” is holy, originates in the fact that the “seventh day” signifies the celestial man, the celestial church, the celestial kingdom, and, in the highest sense, the Lord Himself. Hence the number “seven” wherever it occurs in the Word, signifies what is holy, or most sacred; and this holiness and sanctity is predicated of, or according to, the things that are being treated of. From this comes the signification of the number “seventy” which comprises seven ages; for an age, in the Word, is ten years. When anything most holy or sacred was to be expressed, it was said “seventy-sevenfold” as when the Lord said that a man should forgive his brother not until seven times, but until seventy times seven (Matthew 18:22), by which is meant that they should forgive as many times as he sins, so that the forgiving should be without end, or should be eternal, which is holy. And here, that Lamech should “be avenged seventy and sevenfold” means damnation, because of the violation of that which is most sacred.