2981. The same is Hebron. That this signifies that this is a new church, is evident from the signification of “Hebron,” as being the spiritual church (concerning which see above in this chapter, n. 2909). It was there said, “Kiriath-arba, the same is Hebron,” for the reason that by “Kiriath-arba” is signified the church as to truth, and by “Hebron,” the church as to good; but here Kiriath-arba is no longer mentioned, but Hebron, because the regenerated man is treated of, who no longer acts from truth, but from good (as said above, n. 2979).

2975. To the eyes of the sons of Heth. That this signifies to their understanding, that is to say, to the understanding of those who are of the new spiritual church, is evident from the signification of the “eyes,” as being the understanding (see n. 212, 2701); and from the signification of the “sons of Heth,” as being those who are of the new spiritual church (see n. 2913, 2928). It was said above (verse 16), that Abraham spoke “in the ears” of the sons of Heth, by which was signified that it was according to their capacity (n. 2965, 2967); here however it is said “to the eyes” of the sons of Heth, by which is signified to their understanding. What was said before involves application to their will; but what is said here, to their understanding, for man is reformed as to both parts; for if the will and understanding do not agree, even so as to make a one, the man has not been regenerated; that is, if good and truth, or what is the same, charity and faith, are not a one; for charity is of the will, and faith is of the understanding. It is because of this that it was before said “in the ears of the sons of Heth;” but here, “before the eyes of the sons of Heth.”