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.