Exploring the Meaning of Genesis 21
Par New Christian Bible Study Staff
Here are some excerpts from Swedenborg's "Arcana Coelestia" that help explain the inner meaning of this chapter:
AC 2610. In the internal sense of this chapter the Lord‘s Divine Rational is first treated of, which is represented by "Isaac" (verses 1-8).
AC 2611. Next the merely human rational, which was then separated, and which is the "son of Hagar the Egyptian" (verses 9-12).
AC 2612. After this had been separated, the spiritual church is represented by the same, namely, by Hagar’s son, as well as by his mother; which church and its state are treated of in (verses 13 to 21).
AC 2613. Concerning the human rational things that were adjoined to the doctrine of faith, which in itself is Divine (verses 22-34).
AC 2614. This doctrine together with those things adjoined is "Beer-sheba" (verses 14, 31, 33).
Arcana Coelestia #2613
2613. Merely human rational ideas allied to the doctrine of faith, which in itself is Divine, are the subject in verses 22-end.
