6147. From one end of the border of Egypt even to the other end thereof. That this signifies extension through the whole natural where memory-knowledges are, is evident from the meaning of the expression, “from one end of the border to the other end thereof,” as being extension through the whole; and from the signification of “Egypt,” as being memory-knowledge in the natural (of which often above), thus the natural where memory-knowledges are. For the natural is what contains, and memory-knowledges are what are contained. Thus by “Egypt” is signified both what contains and what is contained, that is, both the natural and the memory-knowledge. Wherefore also by “Pharaoh the king of Egypt,” is signified the natural in general (n. 5160, 5799), and also memory-knowledge in general (n. 6015); and by the “land of Egypt,” the natural mind (n. 5276, 5278, 5280, 5288, 5301).

5300. Against the seven years of famine. That this signifies according to the need in cases of deficiency, is evident from the signification of “famine,” as being a lack of truth (of which above, n. 5277, 5278). That it is for a case of need then is plain; for “years” in the internal sense are states (as often shown), and therefore “against those years” denotes those states when there is need.