4445. Because he had wrought folly in Israel, in lying with Jacob’s daughter, and so it ought not to be done. That this signifies a conjunction that in their eyes was unlawful, because contrary to the truth which they had, is evident from the signification of “committing folly in lying with Jacob’s daughter,” as being unlawful conjunction. (That to lie with her and thus defile her, denotes conjunction not legitimate, may be seen above, n. 4439.) It is said “in Israel,” because by “Israel” is signified the internal of the church; and it is next said “Jacob’s daughter,” because by “Jacob” is signified the external of the church. (That “Israel” is the internal of the church and “Jacob” the external, may be seen above, n. 4286, 4292, 4439.) That although lawful, the conjunction appeared in their eyes unlawful, may be seen from what has been said and shown just above (n. 4444), and in other places.
Genesis 34:14-16
14
And they said unto them, We cannot do this thing, to give our sister to one that is uncircumcised; for that were a reproach unto us:
15
But in this will we consent unto you: If ye will be as we be, that every male of you be circumcised;
16
Then will we give our daughters unto you, and we will take your daughters to us, and we will dwell with you, and we will become one people.
Numbers 15:14-16
14
If a stranger lives as a foreigner with you, or whoever may be among you throughout your generations, and will offer an offering made by fire, of a pleasant aroma to Yahweh; as you do, so he shall do.
15
For the assembly, there shall be one statute for you, and for the stranger who lives as a foreigner [with you], a statute forever throughout your generations: as you are, so shall the foreigner be before Yahweh.
16
One law and One ordinance shall be for you, and for the stranger who lives as a foreigner with you.'"
