8557. 'And all the assembly of the children of Israel travelled on' means a further development of spiritual life. This is clear from the meaning of 'travelling on' as a further stage and continuation of life, dealt with in 4375, 4554, 4585, 5996, 8181, 8345, 8397, at this point a further stage or development of spiritual life, that is, an increase of it, which temptations are constantly bringing about. The reason why temptations bring about an increase of spiritual life is that the truths of faith are corroborated by means of them and joined to the good of charity. For the meaning of 'the assembly of the children of Israel' as those who belong to the spiritual Church, see 7830, 7843.

4554. 'They travelled on' means a continuation. This is clear from the meaning of 'travelling on' as a further stage, dealt with in 4375, and so a continuation, that is to say, a continuation of the progress towards aspects more interior.