7224. And how shall Pharaoh hear me? That this signifies that they who are in falsities will not receive, is evident from the signification of “not hearing,” as being not to receive, (see just above, n. 7223); and from the representation of Pharaoh, as being those who are in falsities (n. 6651, 6679, 6683, 7107, 7110, 7126, 7142). That by Pharaoh are represented those who are in falsities and infest, thus many, is because the king is the head of the people, and therefore by the king is signified the same as by the people (n. 4789).

6680. And they kept the boys alive. That this signifies that truths, being of good, were preserved, is evident from the signification of “keeping alive,” as being to preserve; and from the signification of “sons,” here called “boys,” as being truths (see n. 6676). Sons are here called “boys” because by “boys” is signified the good of innocence (n. 430, 2782, 5236); and therefore “boys” here denote truths which are of good.