2430. Let me I pray escape thither. That this signifies that from this small amount of truth it might be permissible to have regard to good, is evident from what precedes and what follows. It was said that he should “escape to the mountain,” by which is signified the good of love and of charity (n. 2419); but it was answered that he could not do this, but could escape to the city, by which is signified the truth of faith (n. 2428); thus that he could regard good from truth, or what is the same, charity from faith. Moreover, that city was situated at the foot of the mountain; and from it he afterwards went up and dwelt on the mountain, but in a cave (verse 30).

2428. Behold I pray this city is near to flee thither. That this signifies that he might be permitted [to think and act] from the truth of faith, is evident from the signification of a “city,” as being what is of doctrine, thus the truth of faith (see n. 402, 2268). It is said to be “near,” because truth is nearly related to good; on which account to “flee thither” signifies that he might be permitted [to think and act] from truth, seeing that he could not do so from good (n. 2422).