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.

246. That the “beast and the wild animal of the field” signify affections, is evident from what was previously said concerning them n. 45, 46), to which it is permitted to add the following passage from David:

Thou, O God, dost send the rain of Thy kindnesses; Thou confirmest Thy laboring inheritance; Thy wild animal shall dwell therein (Psalms 68:9-10),

where also “wild animal” denotes the affection of good, because it is said that it shall “dwell in the inheritance of God.” The reason why here, and also in chapter 2, the “beast and the wild animal of the field” are mentioned, while in chapter 1, the “beast and the wild animal of the earth” are named, is that the present passage treats of the church or regenerated man, whereas the first chapter related to what was as yet not a church, or to man about to become regenerate; for the word “field” is applied to the church, or to the regenerate.