'A shrub' or 'plant,' as in Genesis 21:15, denotes perception, but so little that it is hardly anything, in same way as 'trees,' but to a lesser degree. So 'to be cast under one of the shrubs,' signifies being destroyed regarding truth and good, to the point of desperation.

(References: Arcana Coelestia 2682 [1-3])

2232. That 'sons' means people governed by truths is clear from the meaning of 'a son' in the Word as truth, dealt with in 489, 491, 533, 1147. 'Sons' in the abstract sense means truths, but when used in reference to man 'sons' are all who are governed by truths.