45. This was how people who lived in most ancient times envisaged matters of the understanding and those of the will. Among the Prophets therefore, and consistently throughout the Old Testament Word, like matters are represented by various kinds of living creatures. There are two kinds of beasts - evil ones, because they are harmful, and good ones, because they are gentle. Evil [and harmful] things in man were meant by such beasts as bears, wolves, and dogs, while good and gentle things were meant by beasts such as calves, sheep, and lambs. As the subject here is those persons who are to be regenerated, 'the beasts' are good and gentle ones, which mean affections. Things of a baser nature that derive from the body are called 'wild animals of the earth'. These are desires and pleasures.

10212. 'Throughout your generations' means members of the Church with whom the truths and forms of the good of faith are present. This is clear from the meaning of 'generations' as matters of faith and charity, dealt with in the places referred to in 10204. The reason why members of the Church are meant is that real truths and forms of the good of faith and love exist only with them, because with them the Word is present; and the children of Israel (it is their generations who should be understood here) mean the Church, see the places referred to in 9340.