3266. And these are the names of the sons of Ishmael. That this signifies the qualities of their doctrinal things, namely, of those who are spiritual, is evident from the signification of “name,” as being quality (see n. 144, 145, 1754, 1896, 2009, 2724, 3006); from the signification of “sons,” as being truths, and also doctrinal things (see n. 489, 491, 533, 1147, 2623); and from the representation of Ishmael, as being those who are spiritual (n. 3263).

1897. Verse 2. And Sarai said unto Abram, Behold I pray, Jehovah hath shut me up from bearing; go in I pray unto my handmaid; it may be that I shall be built up by her; and Abram harkened to the voice of Sarai. “Sarai said unto Abram,” signifies that it was so perceived; “Behold I pray, Jehovah hath shut me up from bearing,” signifies the state before the interior or Divine rational man was born; “go in I pray unto my handmaid,” signifies conjunction with the exterior man; “it may be that I shall be built up by her,” signifies that in this way the rational could be born. “And Abram harkened to the voice of Sarai,” signifies that it could not be done in any other way.