4011. And Jacob fed the rest of Laban’s flocks. That this signifies that from what was left he took those goods and truths that could be conjoined, is evident from the signification of “flocks,” as being goods and truths (see n. 343, 2566, 3767, 3768, 3772, 3783). That “to feed the rest of the flocks” denotes to take from what was left those goods and truths that could be conjoined, is evident from what follows, for there this is the subject treated of.

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.