Food in the Bible generally relates to the desire for good, and drink generally relates to ideas of what is true. It makes sense then, that being hungry represents a lack of good intentions and a desire for them, while thirsting or being thirsty represents a lack of knowledge and a desire to learn what is true about life, the Lord, and what we are called to do and be.

(Reference: Apocalypse Explained 480; Apocalypse Revealed 381, 889, 956; Arcana Coelestia 4017, 8568)

45. This was how people who lived in most ancient times envisaged matters of the understanding and those of the will. Among the Prophets therefore, and consistently throughout the Old Testament Word, like matters are represented by various kinds of living creatures. There are two kinds of beasts - evil ones, because they are harmful, and good ones, because they are gentle. Evil [and harmful] things in man were meant by such beasts as bears, wolves, and dogs, while good and gentle things were meant by beasts such as calves, sheep, and lambs. As the subject here is those persons who are to be regenerated, 'the beasts' are good and gentle ones, which mean affections. Things of a baser nature that derive from the body are called 'wild animals of the earth'. These are desires and pleasures.