Arcana Coelestia #2660
2660. 'The matter was deeply distressing to Abraham' means the Lord's state at first when He thought about that rational being separated from Himself, namely a state when because of His love He suffered grief, as becomes clear without explanation.
Matthew 18:11-13
11
For the Son of Man came to save that which was lost.
12
"What do you think? If a man has one hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, doesn't he leave the ninety-nine, go to the mountains, and seek that which has gone astray?
13
If he finds it, most certainly I tell you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine which have not gone astray.
