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'.

5625. 'Perhaps it was a mistake' means lest he becomes unfriendly. This is clear from the meaning of 'a mistake' as an unfriendly act, for an error of that kind is meant here. The mistake could have been that they had forgotten to hand over their silver and so had brought it back, each man's in his own sack; it could have been this that had caused the unfriendliness towards them. Indeed they themselves believed this to be so, for when in their fear they were brought to Joseph's house they said,

Over the matter of the silver put back in our pouches at the beginning are we brought to this place, so that he may come down on us and fall on us, and take us as slaves, and our asses. Verse 18.

Furthermore 'sin' means separation and an unfriendly turning away, 5229, 5474; so too does 'a mistake' if this entails some sin, though a minor one. This is why the expression 'lest he becomes unfriendly' is used.