2968. Verses 17-18 And the field of Ephron, which was in Machpelah - which was before Mamre - the field and the cave which was in it, and every tree which was in the field, which was in all its borders round about, was made over to Abraham as an acquisition, before the eyes of the sons of Heth, in [the presence] of all entering the gate of his city. 'The field of Ephron' means that which constitutes the Church. 'Which was in Machpelah, which was before Mamre' means the nature and extent of regeneration. 'The field and the cave which was in it' means as regards the good and truth of faith. 'And every tree which was in the field' means the interior cognitions of the Church. 'Which was in all its borders round about' means exterior cognitions. 'Was made over to Abraham as an acquisition' means that these were considered to be the Lord's alone. 'Before the eyes of the sons of Heth' means according to their understanding. 'In [the presence] of all entering the gate of his city' means as regards all matters of doctrine.