Arcana Coelestia #2671
2671. The subject in verses 13-21 is in general the Lord's spiritual kingdom, and specifically it is those who are becoming spiritual. This subject is dealt with in order, from the first state of their reformation to the last. Their state prior to reformation is one in which they wander from one position to another in matters of doctrine regarding faith (verse 14). They are reduced to a state of ignorance, so that they do not know any truth at all (verse 15). This gives rise to grief in them (verse 16), but at the same time comfort and help come from the Lord (verse 17), and enlightenment (verse 18), and instruction from the Word (verse 19). Their state after reformation, compared with those who are celestial, is still obscure (verse 20), but light comes to them from the Lord's Divine Human within their affection for knowledge and apparent truths (verse 21).
Genesis 21:13-21
13
I will also make a nation of the son of the handmaid, because he is your seed."
14
Abraham rose up early in the morning, and took bread and a bottle of water, and gave it to Hagar, putting it on her shoulder; and gave her the child, and sent her away. She departed, and wandered in the wilderness of Beersheba.
15
The water in the bottle was spent, and she cast the child under one of the shrubs.
16
She went and sat down opposite him, a good way off, about a bow shot away. For she said, "Don't let me see the death of the child." She sat over against him, and lifted up her voice, and wept.
17
God heard the voice of the boy. The angel of God called to Hagar out of the sky, and said to her, "What ails you, Hagar? Don't be afraid. For God has heard the voice of the boy where he is.
18
Get up, lift up the boy, and hold him in your hand. For I will make him a great nation."
19
God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water. She went, filled the bottle with water, and gave the boy drink.
20
God was with the boy, and he grew. He lived in the wilderness, and became, as he grew up, an archer.
21
He lived in the wilderness of Paran. His mother took a wife for him out of the land of Egypt.
