1086. 'They went backwards' means that they took no notice of errors and perversities This becomes clear from the meaning of 'going backwards' as turning away the eyes and not seeing, as is also evident from what follows where it is said that 'they did not see their father's nakedness'. In the internal sense 'not seeing' is taking no notice of.

In Genesis 40:10, this signifies a state near the rebirth, or regeneration, for to bud forth or to branch is a step towards the bearing of fruit. (Arcana Coelestia 5115-5116)

In Ezekiel 17:6, this signifies becoming a church. (The Inner Meaning of the Prophets and Psalms 140; Arcana Coelestia 2702)