2980. 'At the cave of the field of Machpelah facing Mamre' means that in this way they were regenerated to the extent that they could be. This is clear from the meaning of 'the cave' as the truth of faith enveloped in obscurity, dealt with in 2935; from the meaning of 'the field' as the good of faith, dealt with in 2971; from the meaning of 'Machpelah facing (or before) Mamre', as the nature and extent of regeneration, dealt with in 2970. Thus the meaning is that they were regenerated by means of the good and truth of faith to the extent that they could be, that is, according to their ability and understanding, 2913, 2928, 2975.

2971. 'The field and the cave which was in it' means as regards the good and truth of faith. This is clear from the meaning of 'the field' as the Church and also good itself which constitutes the Church (that which is celestial - or good that stems from love to the Lord and charity towards the neighbour - is compared to 'the ground' as well as to the field, and is actually called these, because that which is celestial - or good - is the recipient of the truths of faith; and these truths are compared to and are also actually called 'seeds'); and from the meaning of 'a cave' as the truth of faith which is enveloped in obscurity, dealt with in 2935. It is said to be in obscurity because it is with spiritual people, see 1043, 2708, 2715.