3248. While he was yet living. That this signifies to whom he could give life, is evident from the signification of “while he was yet living,” or “while he yet might live,” as being to give life; for by Abraham is here represented the Lord as to the Divine Human. That the spiritual have life from the Lord’s Divine Human may be seen above (n. 2661, 2716, 2833, 2834). When their life is from this source the Lord is said to “live” with them, even in common speech. Hence it is that in the internal sense by “while Abraham was yet living” is signified giving life. Life is given to those who are spiritual by means of the good of faith, which is meant by the words which now follow.

2834. And offered him up for a burnt-offering in the stead of his son. That this signifies their sanctification and adoption, is evident from the signification of “offering for a burnt-offering,” as being to be sanctified (see n. 2776) and from the signification of “in the stead of his son,” as being adoption, namely, by the Lord’s Divine Human, which here is “Abraham” (n. 2833). The adoption of the spiritual is described in John:

Jesus said, I am the vine, ye are the branches; he that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit; for without Me ye can do nothing (John 15:5).

(That a “vine” is the spiritual church may be seen above, n. 1069)