'A nation,' as in Genesis 21:18, signifies the spiritual church which should receive the good of faith.

In Isaiah 1:4, this signifies evils of the will, or lusts, while people signify falsities of the understanding, or persuasions. (Arcana Coelestia 622)

In Psalm 106:5, this signifies the Lord's kingdom. (Arcana Coelestia 1416[5])

In Ezekiel 29:15, this signifies the gentiles who will no longer be under the dominion of external truths. (Arcana Coelestia 409, 410)

In Micah 7:16, this signifies people who trust in themselves. (Arcana Coelestia 249)

(Odkazy: Arcana Coelestia 2699; Jeremiah 5, 5:17, Jeremiah 17)

1417. That the expression 'great nation' is used from things that are celestial and good is clear from what has just been stated and shown, and also from what has appeared already in 1259. From this one may see what is meant in the proper sense by the Church among 'the nations'.