2090. And I will make him a great nation. That this signifies the fruition of goods and their increase, is evident from the signification of “nations,” as being goods (explained in Part First, n. 1159, 1258-1260, 1416, 1849); and therefore to “make a great nation,” here signifies both the fruition and the increase of goods.

1849. And also that nation whom they shall serve. That this signifies the evil who oppress, is evident from the signification of a “nation” and of “serving.” In the genuine sense a “nation” signifies goods, or what is the same, good persons; for when goods are spoken of in the abstract, they are in a subject; and this is a man, a spirit, or an angel. But in the opposite sense a “nation” signifies evils, or what is the same, the evil (see n. 1159, 1258-1260). But to “serve,” or “servitude,” signifies oppression, as in the preceding verse.