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.

715. As the most ancient people knew, and when they were in self-humiliation acknowledged, that they were nothing but beasts and wild beasts, and were men solely by virtue of what they had from the Lord, therefore whatever pertained to themselves they not only likened to but called beasts and birds; things of the will they compared to beasts, and called beasts; and things of the understanding they compared to and called birds. But they distinguished between good affections and evil affections. Good affections they compared to lambs, sheep, kids, she-goats, he-goats, rams, heifers, oxen-for the reason that they were good and gentle, and serviceable to life, since they could be eaten, and their skins and wool could furnish clothing. These are the principal clean beasts. But those which are evil and fierce, and not serviceable to life, are unclean beasts.