3972. That Jacob said unto Laban. That this signifies the good of natural truth to the collateral good from a Divine origin, by which there is a conjunction of the interiors, is evident from the representation of Jacob, as being the good of natural truth (see n. 3659, 3669, 3677, 3775, 3829); and from the representation of Laban, as being collateral good from a Divine origin (n. 3612, 3665, 3778). That the conjunction of the interiors is effected through this good, has been repeatedly explained before (n. 3665, 3690, and elsewhere). This good is signified by the “flock of Laban,” through which Jacob procured for himself his own flock (concerning which in what follows).

3774. Verses 4-6. And Jacob said unto them, My brethren whence are ye? And they said, Of Haran are we. And he said unto them, Know ye Laban, the son of Nahor? And they said, We know him. And he said unto them, Hath he peace? And they said, Peace; and behold Rachel his daughter cometh with the flock. “And Jacob said unto them,” signifies the truth of good; “My brethren whence are ye?” signifies what is the origin of the charity? “And they said, We are from Haran” signifies from the good of a common stock; and he said unto them, “Know ye Laban the son of Nahor?” signifies have they the good of this stock? “And they said, We know him,” signifies affirmation; “and he said unto them, Hath he peace?” signifies, is not this good from the Lord’s kingdom? “And they said, Peace,” signifies affirmation; “and behold Rachel his daughter,” signifies the affection of interior truth; “cometh with the flock,” signifies interior doctrinal things.