1672. And the kings that were with him. That this signifies the apparent truth which is of that good, is evident from the signification of “kings” in the Word. “Kings,” “kingdoms,” and “peoples,” in the historical and the prophetical parts of the Word, signify truths and the things which are of truths, as may be abundantly confirmed. In the Word an accurate distinction is made between a “people” and a “nation;” by a “people” are signified truths, and by a “nation” goods, as before shown (n. 1259, 1260). “Kings” are predicated of peoples, but not so much of nations. Before the sons of Israel sought for kings, they were a nation, and represented good, or the celestial; but after they desired a king, and received one, they became a people, and did not represent good or the celestial, but truth or the spiritual; which was the reason why this was imputed to them as a fault (see 1 Samuel 8:7-22, concerning which subject, of the Lord’s Divine mercy elsewhere). As Chedorlaomer is named here, and it is added, “the kings that were with him,” both good and truth are signified; by “Chedorlaomer,” good, and by “the kings,” truth. But what was the quality of the good and truth at the beginning of the Lord’s temptations has already been stated.

7992. 'For all the children of Israel (to observe] throughout their generations' means those belonging to the spiritual Church among whom there is good resulting from truth and truth springing from good. This is clear from the representation of 'the children of Israel' as those belonging to the spiritual Church, dealt with often; and from the meaning of 'generations' as matters of faith and charity, dealt with in 2010, 2584, 6239. Those among whom there is good resulting from truth and truth springing from good are accordingly meant; for people belonging to the spiritual Church are led through the truth of faith into the good of charity, and having been led into good are then led from good to truths. Those led from good to truths are people who constitute the internal Church, whereas those led through truth into good are people who constitute the external Church.