9266. Because a present blindeth those who have their eyes open. That this signifies that matters of self-advantage cause truths not to appear, is evident from the signification of “a present,” as being any kind of self-advantage (of which just above, n. 9265); from the signification of “blinding” when said with respect to truths, as being to cause them not to appear; and from the signification of “those who have their eyes open,” that is, who see, as being those who know truths and discern what is true; for “to see” signifies to know, understand, and acknowledge truths, and also to have faith (n. 897, 2150, 2325, 2807, 3764, 3863, 3869, 4403-4421, 5114, 5286, 5400, 6805, 8688, 9128). Wherefore “those who have their eyes open” are called “the wise” in another passage: “a present blindeth the eyes of the wise” (Deuteronomy 16:19).

5286. And now let Pharaoh see. That this signifies the looking forward of the natural, is evident from the signification of “seeing,” or “looking,” as being to look forward; for “seeing” here implies activity, namely, in doing; but when it does not imply that something is to be done, it signifies understanding and perceiving (as was shown above, n. 2150, 2325, 2807, 3764, 3863, 4403-4421, 4567, 4723, 5114). With the looking forward of the natural the case is this. Man’s natural, or his natural mind, which is beneath his rational mind, does not of itself look forward to anything, although it appears to do this as of itself; but its looking forward is from within, for the inner looks forward in the outer very much as a man looks at himself in a mirror, in which the figure appears as if it were there. This is also presented in the internal sense by Joseph’s speaking thus to Pharaoh; for by Joseph is represented the celestial of the spiritual, which is inner, and by Pharaoh the natural, which is outer; and Joseph seemed to Pharaoh to be that very man intelligent and wise who is here spoken of.