3550. 'I am Esau your firstborn' means that it believed itself to be natural good itself. This is clear from the representation of 'Esau' and from the meaning of 'firstborn' as good, and indeed natural good, represented by 'Esau'. For the truth which a person possesses prior to regeneration is believed by him to be good itself. People who have perception know that it is not good but truth appearing under the form of good; but those who do not have perception are not aware of any such difference, as will also be more evident from what follows below.

In Isaiah 63:15, this signifies love or mercy. (Arcana Coelestia 1803[3])

In Jeremiah 31:20, this signifies the Lord's love itself or mercy itself, and compassion toward the whole human race. (Arcana Coelestia 1803[4])