3092. 'And gave him a drink' means introduction. This is clear from the meaning of 'to drink' (potare), an expression meaning almost the same as 'to drink' (bibere). 'To drink' (potare) here however entails a more active role on the part of the one who drinks. 'To drink' (bibere) means to receive, and also to be joined to, see 3069, 3089, so that 'giving a drink to' (facere potare) means imparting the ability to receive, which is the initial stage of the introduction.

In Exodus 32:20, see Strewed.

'To give provender to his donkey,' as in Genesis 42:27, signifies reflection upon scientific ideas, because 'provender' is the food with which donkeys are fed, consisting of straw and chaff, and so it denotes all reflection on scientific ideas, for reflection principally feeds them. 'Provender' signifies the good of scientific truths.

(Reference: Arcana Coelestia 5670)