5281. By reason of that famine after it, for it shall be very grievous. That this signifies on account of such a lack, is evident from the signification of “famine,” as being a lack of the knowledges of good, consequently a lack of truth (of which above, n. 5277, 5278), and finally despair on account of such a lack (n. 5279); and from the signification of “very grievous,” as being what is huge. The subject of the last state of desolation, which is one of despair, and of its increasing grievousness, is here continued (of which above, n. 5279).

5277. And there shall arise after them seven years of famine. That this signifies the states that follow when there is a lack of truth, is evident from the signification of “years,” as being states (see n. 482, 487, 488, 493, 893); and from the signification of “famine,” as being a lack of knowledges (n. 1460, 3364); and from the signification of “after them,” as being those which follow.