Arcana Coelestia # 5408
5408. 'And [Joseph's ten brothers] went down' means an aim and endeavour - an aim and endeavour to acquire truths to itself, and to make these its own, through factual knowledge. This is evident from the meaning of 'going down' - going down to Egypt - as an aim and endeavour.
2 Samuel 22:4-7
4
I will call on Yahweh, who is worthy to be praised: So shall I be saved from my enemies.
5
For the waves of death surrounded me. The floods of ungodliness made me afraid.
6
The cords of Sheol were around me. The snares of death caught me.
7
In my distress I called on Yahweh. Yes, I called to my God. He heard my voice out of his temple. My cry [came] into his ears.
