1672. And the kings that were with him. That this signifies the apparent truth which is of that good, is evident from the signification of “kings” in the Word. “Kings,” “kingdoms,” and “peoples,” in the historical and the prophetical parts of the Word, signify truths and the things which are of truths, as may be abundantly confirmed. In the Word an accurate distinction is made between a “people” and a “nation;” by a “people” are signified truths, and by a “nation” goods, as before shown (n. 1259, 1260). “Kings” are predicated of peoples, but not so much of nations. Before the sons of Israel sought for kings, they were a nation, and represented good, or the celestial; but after they desired a king, and received one, they became a people, and did not represent good or the celestial, but truth or the spiritual; which was the reason why this was imputed to them as a fault (see 1 Samuel 8:7-22, concerning which subject, of the Lord’s Divine mercy elsewhere). As Chedorlaomer is named here, and it is added, “the kings that were with him,” both good and truth are signified; by “Chedorlaomer,” good, and by “the kings,” truth. But what was the quality of the good and truth at the beginning of the Lord’s temptations has already been stated.

'Words,' as in Exodus 34:28, signify everything pertaining to doctrine.

In Genesis 15:1, words signify revelation, after the Lord's boyhood combats. (Arcana Coelestia 1787)

Words signify things, and things are goods and truths. (Arcana Coelestia 1785, 1801, 5272)

In Genesis 11:1, this signifies unity of doctrine. (Arcana Coelestia 1288)

In Exodus 8:10, 13, words signify communication of the Lord's Word and confirmation. (Arcana Coelestia 7406)

In Exodus 20:1, this signifies divine truths for people who are in the heavens and on earth. (Arcana Coelestia 8861, 8862)