1960. Hagar bare Abram a son. That this signifies the rational man born from this conception and conjunction, is evident from the representation and signification of “Hagar,” of “Abram,” and of “a son.” That “Hagar” signifies the life of the affection of memory-knowledges in the exterior man, has been said above (n. 1895, 1896); also that “Abram” signifies the Lord’s internal man (n. 1893, 1950); and that “a son” signifies truth, and thus the truth that was of this rational (n. 264, 489, 491, 533, 1147). Hence that “Hagar bare a son to Abram,” signifies the rational man that was born from this conception and conjunction. Into this sense is the sense of the letter changed when it reaches the angels, or is in the presence of the angels.

491. The same things are signified by “sons” and “daughters” in this chapter (verses 4, 7, 10, 13, 16, 19, 26, 30), but such as is the church, such are the “sons and daughters” that is, such are the goods and truths; the truths and goods here spoken of are such as were distinctly perceived, because they are predicated of the Most Ancient Church, the principal and parent of all the other and succeeding churches.