Arcana Coelestia #6147
6147. From one end of the border of Egypt even to the other end thereof. That this signifies extension through the whole natural where memory-knowledges are, is evident from the meaning of the expression, “from one end of the border to the other end thereof,” as being extension through the whole; and from the signification of “Egypt,” as being memory-knowledge in the natural (of which often above), thus the natural where memory-knowledges are. For the natural is what contains, and memory-knowledges are what are contained. Thus by “Egypt” is signified both what contains and what is contained, that is, both the natural and the memory-knowledge. Wherefore also by “Pharaoh the king of Egypt,” is signified the natural in general (n. 5160, 5799), and also memory-knowledge in general (n. 6015); and by the “land of Egypt,” the natural mind (n. 5276, 5278, 5280, 5288, 5301).
Numbers 8:16-19
16
For they are wholly given to me from among the children of Israel; instead of all who open the womb, even the firstborn of all the children of Israel, I have taken them to me.
17
For all the firstborn among the children of Israel are mine, both man and animal. On the day that I struck all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, I sanctified them for myself.
18
I have taken the Levites instead of all the firstborn among the children of Israel.
19
I have given the Levites as a gift to Aaron and to his sons from among the children of Israel, to do the service of the children of Israel in the Tent of Meeting, and to make atonement for the children of Israel; that there be no plague among the children of Israel, when the children of Israel come near to the sanctuary."
