5043. 'And gave him favour in the eyes of the governor of the prison-house' means consequent support in temptations. This is clear from the meaning of 'giving favour' as support, for 'giving favour' in temptations is bringing comfort and supporting with hope; from the meaning of 'the governor (or the prince)' as primary truth, dealt with in the next paragraph; and from the meaning of 'the prison-house' as the laying waste of falsity, and therefore temptation, dealt with above in 5038, 5039.

1308. 'And let us make a name for ourselves' means that as a result they might gain a reputation for power. This becomes clear from the meaning of 'making a name for oneself' Indeed they know that everybody wishes to engage in worship of some kind, for that wish is common, existing even with every gentile. When anyone considers the universe' even more someone who considers the order of it, he acknowledges some supreme Being. And because he seeks his own welfare he offers that supreme Being his adoration. Furthermore there is something within which dictates this, for such an idea flows in from the Lord through the angels present with every individual. Anyone with whom this is not the case is under the control of spirits from hell, and does not acknowledge God. Because those who build towers of Babel know this they use matters of doctrine and holy things to make a name for themselves. Without that they could not be worshipped, which is the meaning of the statement coming next about their otherwise being scattered over the face ¹ of the whole earth, that is, receiving no recognition. From this it also follows that the higher such people are able to rear their heads up into heaven, the more they make a name for themselves. Their dominion is greatest with people who have some conscience, for these they lead wherever they like. But those who have no conscience they govern by various external bonds.

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