31
These are the sons of Shem, after their families, after their tongues, in their lands, after their nations.
31
These are the sons of Shem, after their families, after their tongues, in their lands, after their nations.
1262. From what has been said it may now be seen that by “the earth” is here signified the church; for when “earth” (or “land”) is mentioned, there cannot but be a perception of the nation or people there; and when a nation or people is perceived, there must be a perception of their quality. Hence by “the earth” nothing else is signified than the church, as has been shown before n. 662, 1066).