Arcana Coelestia #43
43. Verse 22 And God blessed them, saying, Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas; and let birds be multiplied upon the earth.
Everything that has life in it from the Lord is fruitful and multiplies without limit. This does not happen during a person's lifetime, but in the next life it does so to an astonishing extent. In the Word 'to be fruitful' has reference to matters of love, while 'to multiply' has reference to matters of faith. The fruit of love contains the seed by which it multiplies itself to so great an extent. The Lord' s blessing also means, in the Word, fruitfulness and multiplication, for they are the outcome of that blessing.
Verse 23 And there was evening, and there was morning, a fifth day.
Psalms 107:17-22
17
Fools are afflicted because of their disobedience, and because of their iniquities.
18
Their soul abhors all kinds of food. They draw near to the gates of death.
19
Then they cry to Yahweh in their trouble, he saves them out of their distresses.
20
He sends his word, and heals them, and delivers them from their graves.
21
Let them praise Yahweh for his loving kindness, for his wonderful works to the children of men!
22
Let them offer the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with singing.
