The Bible

 

Genesis 29:24

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24 And Laban gave Zilpah, his servant-girl, to Leah, to be her waiting-woman.

From Swedenborg's Works

 

Arcana Coelestia #3879

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3879. 'She conceived again and bore a son' means spiritual conception and birth from what is external towards that which is more internal still. This is clear from what has been stated in 3860, 3868, where similar words occur.

  
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Thanks to the Swedenborg Society for the permission to use this translation.

Commentary

 

Sheep

  

It's pretty easy for most people to read the Bible and get a sense for what “sheep” means without any help. They are simple, peaceful, trusting and willing to be led, and the image of the Lord as both a shepherd and a lamb reinforces a sense of innocence. And indeed, sheep represent people who desire what is good, to be good, and to do what is good. Arriving at such a state requires the work of a lifetime -- learning what's right, setting aside what's evil, determining to follow the Lord -- but once we arrive at such a state, we can be cared for by the Lord in peace.