2856. Abraham returned unto his boys. That this signifies conjunction again with the former rational, is evident from the signification of the “boys,” as being the former or merely human rational, which was to serve the Divine rational (see above n. 2782, 2792); and from the signification of “returning to them,” as being to be conjoined (see also above, n. 2795). That the Lord separated the merely human rational from Himself when He underwent the most grievous temptations, is evident from the explication of verse 5 (n. 2791-2793, 2795); and that after the temptations He again conjoined Himself with that rational is evident from what has been said before (n. 2795), and from these things in this verse.

2792. Abraham said unto his boys, Abide ye here with the ass. That this signifies the separation of the former rational together with the natural at that time, is evident from the signification of “abiding here,” as being to be separated so long; from the signification of the “boys,” as being the former rational (explained above, n. 2782); and from the signification of the “ass,” as being the natural man, or the natural (also explained above, n. 2781).