670. That 'living creature' ¹ means things of the understanding, and 'all flesh' those of the will, becomes clear from what has been stated already, and also from what follows. In the Word 'living creature' means all animal life in general, as in Genesis 1:10, 21, 24; 2:19. Here however, because the phrase 'all flesh' is added immediately after, it means things which belong to the understanding, for the reason given already, that the regeneration of the member of this Church had to begin in the things of the understanding. This also is why in the next verse 'birds' are mentioned first, which mean things of the understanding or the rational, and 'beasts', which are those of the will, second. 'Flesh' in particular means bodily-mindedness which is a feature of the will.

Voetnoten:

5813. 'And should he leave his father, [his father] will die' means that, if separated, the Church would perish. This is clear from the meaning of 'leaving' as being separated, as immediately above in 5812; and from the meaning of 'dying' as existing no more, dealt with in 494, and so perishing. Since this truth joined to spiritual good constitutes the Church, 5806, the Church would therefore perish if such truth were separated from this good. Furthermore Israel, to whom 'father' refers here, represents the Church, 4286, though not if this truth is not there.