3707. And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth. That this signifies that Divine truth natural would be as natural good, is evident from the signification of “seed,” as being truth (see above, n. 3706); hence “thy seed,” or the seed of Jacob, is Divine truth natural, for by Jacob is represented the Lord’s Divine natural, as shown above-and from the signification of the “dust of the earth,” as being good (see n. 1610). Therefore “thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth,” signifies in the internal sense that Divine truth natural should be as Divine good natural. That the “dust of the earth” signifies good, is because by “earth” is signified the Lord’s kingdom, consequently good, as shown above (n. 3705); the “dust of that earth” therefore signifies good, but natural good, because by “earth,” as also shown above, is signified that which is lower in the Lord’s kingdom, thus the natural; while “heaven,” when it also is mentioned, signifies that which is interior, or the rational. This is the reason why fructification of good and multiplication of truth are expressed in the Word throughout by “seed becoming as the stars of the heavens and as the dust of the earth.” By the “stars of the heavens” are there signified rational things; and by the “dust of the earth,” natural things, which thus increase. What is meant by natural truth being as natural good, will of the Lord’s Divine mercy be explained hereafter.

3341. Inasmuch as the representations in the other life cannot take place except by means of differences of light and shade, be it known that all light, consequently all intelligence and wisdom, are from the Lord; and that all shade, consequently all insanity and folly, are from that which is their own in man, spirit, and angel; from these two origins flow forth and are derived all the variegations which are of light and shade in the other life.