2509. And Abimelech king of Gerar sent. That this signifies the doctrine of faith, is evident from what was said above (n. 2504), namely, that by “Philistia” is signified the memory-knowledge of the knowledges of faith (n. 1197, 1198); by “Gerar,” which was in Philistia, faith (n. 1209, 2504); and by a “king,” the truth itself of faith (n. 1672, 2015, 2069). Hence by “Abimelech” is signified the doctrine of faith, but the doctrine of faith looking to rational things; as will be manifest from what now follows.

1209. That by “Gerar” are signified the things that have been revealed concerning faith, and thus in general faith itself, is evident from the passages where Gerar is mentioned (as Genesis 20:1; 26:1, 17), concerning which signification of “Gerar,” of the Lord’s Divine mercy hereafter.