2941. 'And Ephron the Hittite answered Abraham' means the state of their receptivity. This is clear from the meaning of 'answering', when assent is being given, as receptivity, as is also evident from what follows shortly. Ephron is here called 'the Hittite' in order that he may represent the spiritual Church as its head and chief.

'Inhabitants,' in Isaiah 26:9, signify the men of the church in good of doctrine and thus in the good of life.

(Verweise: Apocalypse Explained 741)