3687. And Esau went to Ishmael, and took Mahalath, the daughter of Ishmael, Abraham’s son. That this signifies the conjunction of this good with truth from a Divine origin, is evident from the representation of Esau, as being the good of the natural (concerning which see above); and from the representation of Ishmael, Abraham’s son, as being truth from a Divine origin. That Ishmael represents the Lord’s spiritual church, consequently truth, may be seen above (n. 1949-1951, 2078, 2691, 2699, 3268); and that Abraham represents the Lord’s Divine called the “Father,” see above (n. 2011, 3251, 3439). Hence by “Mahalath the daughter of Ishmael the son of Abraham,” is signified truth from a Divine origin. That “taking a wife” signifies to be associated and conjoined, is manifest; and from this it is evident that by “Esau going to Ishmael, and taking Mahalath the daughter of Ishmael Abraham’s son,” is signified the conjunction of this good with truth from a Divine origin.

2078. Would that Ishmael might live before Thee! That this signifies that others who are rational from truth should not perish, is evident from the representation and consequent signification of “Ishmael,” as being the rational (explained in the foregoing chapter, where Ishmael is treated of). There are two kinds of men within the church; the spiritual, and the celestial. The spiritual become rational from truth, but the celestial from good. What the distinction between them is may be seen above (n. 2069), and in many places in Part First. The spiritual, who become rational by means of truth, are here meant by “Ishmael;” for “Ishmael” denotes rational truth in its genuine sense, as before shown (n. 1893, 1950, 1951). When this rational truth is being adopted and desired by good, as here by the Lord who is meant by “Abraham,” it signifies what is spiritual, thus the spiritual man, or what is the same, the spiritual church, the salvation of which was desired by the Lord from Divine love (see just above, n. 2077). This is expressed by the words, “would that Ishmael might live before Thee.”