491. The same things are signified by “sons” and “daughters” in this chapter (verses 4, 7, 10, 13, 16, 19, 26, 30), but such as is the church, such are the “sons and daughters” that is, such are the goods and truths; the truths and goods here spoken of are such as were distinctly perceived, because they are predicated of the Most Ancient Church, the principal and parent of all the other and succeeding churches.

10251. 'And you, take for yourself the chief spices' means truths together with forms of good from the Word, which are perceived with pleasure. This is clear from the meaning of 'spices' as truths joined to forms of good, which bring pleasure, dealt with in 10199. The reason why those that are perceived with pleasure is meant is that 'odour' means perception, so that 'a sweet-smelling odour' means a perception that brings pleasure. For the meaning of 'odour' as perception, see 3577, 4624-4634, 4748, 10054. The reason why truths joined to forms of good from the Word are meant is that the words here are addressed to Moses, for they say, 'You, take for yourself spices', and Moses represents the Lord in respect of the Word, 9372. Furthermore the Word is the source of all the truths the Church possesses, for the Word is Divine Truth itself sent down from heaven by the Lord.