2014. I will make thee nations. That this signifies that all good is from Him, is evident from the signification of “nations” in its genuine and primitive sense, as being good (spoken of in Part First, n. 1259, 1260, 1416, 1849).

1849. And also that nation whom they shall serve. That this signifies the evil who oppress, is evident from the signification of a “nation” and of “serving.” In the genuine sense a “nation” signifies goods, or what is the same, good persons; for when goods are spoken of in the abstract, they are in a subject; and this is a man, a spirit, or an angel. But in the opposite sense a “nation” signifies evils, or what is the same, the evil (see n. 1159, 1258-1260). But to “serve,” or “servitude,” signifies oppression, as in the preceding verse.