1145. These are the nativities of the sons of Noah. That these signify derivations of the doctrinals and worships of the Ancient Church, which in general is “Noah,” is evident from the signification of “nativities” (of which above [89, 469-474, 610]). In the external or literal sense, “nativities” or “births,” as is known, are generations of one from another; but in the internal sense all things have regard to what is celestial and spiritual, that is, to the things of charity and of faith. Thus here the “nativities” are those of the church, consequently are doctrinal matters, as will be made more clear in what follows.

469. Verse 1. This is the book of the births of Man. In the day that God created Man, in the likeness of God made He him. The “book of the births” is an enumeration of those who were of the Most Ancient Church; “in the day that God created Man” denotes his being made spiritual; and “in the likeness of God made He him” signifies that he was made celestial: thus it is a description of the Most Ancient Church.