342. That the second born of the Church is charity becomes clear from the things which the Church conceives and gives birth to, which are nothing other than faith and charity. The first of those born to Leah by Jacob had a similar meaning. Reuben meant faith; Simeon, faith expressed in action; Levi, charity, Genesis 29:32-34. This also was why the tribe of Levi assumed the function of the priesthood and became representative of the shepherd of the flock. Being the second born of the Church, charity is referred to as 'a brother. and is called 'Abel'.

7008. 'And he will speak for you to the people' means that he will be the teaching presented to the spiritual Church. This is clear from the representation of 'Aaron', of whom it is said that he will speak for Moses to the people, as teaching that presents what is good and true, dealt with in 6998; from the meaning of 'speaking' as confession and declaration, dealt with in 6999; and from the representation of the children of Israel, to whom 'the people' refers here, as the spiritual Church, dealt with in 6426.