5656. And it came to pass when we came to the inn and we opened our bags. That this signifies introspection into the exterior natural, is evident from the signification of an “inn,” as being the exterior natural in general (see n. 5495); and from the signification of “opening,” as being introspection, for he who opens does so for the sake of looking in; and from the signification of a “bag,” as being specifically the exterior natural (n. 5497).

5494. And one opened his sack. That this signifies observation, is evident from the signification of a “sack,” as being a receptacle in the natural (n. 5489, 5497), which was endowed with good from truth (n. 5487). That to “open” it denotes to observe, is plain from the series; for by the words which follow, “to give his ass provender in the inn,” is signified when they reflected upon the memory-knowledges in the exterior natural.