2566. Flock and herd. That this signifies that it was enriched with rational goods and natural goods, is evident from the signification of “flock and herd.” Those within the church are called the “flock” who are truly rational, that is, are internal men; hence also it is that in the abstract rational or internal goods themselves are signified by “flock” (concerning which signification of “flock” see above, n. 343, 415, 1565). But those within the church are called the “herd” who are natural, that is, are external men; hence also in the abstract natural or external goods themselves are signified by “herd;” (concerning which signification of “herd” see also above, n. 2180. That such things are signified by “beasts” has been shown above, n. 45, 46, 142, 143, 246, 714, 715, 776, 1823, 2179). Its being said that “Abimelech took and gave” signifies that the doctrine of faith was enriched; for as already said by “Abimelech” is signified the doctrine of faith.

1565. That “flock and herd” signify the possessions of the external man, is evident from the signification of “flock” and “herd,” as being goods (see n. 343, 415); but here they signify things that are to be separated, and thus things that are not good, because they are attributed to Lot, who was being separated from Abram. That “flock” and “herd” signify also things not good, is evident from the following passages of the Word.

In Zephaniah:

I will destroy thee, that there shall be no inhabitant. And the sea coast shall be habitations dug out for shepherds, and folds for a flock (Zeph. 2:5-6).

In Jeremiah:

I will disperse in thee the shepherd and the flock; and I will disperse in thee the husbandman and his yoke (Jeremiah 51:23).

In the same:

Go ye up to Arabia, and lay waste the sons of the east; their tents and their flocks shall they take (Jeremiah 49:28-29).