A flock signifies the church in simple good. Flock of thine heritage in Micah 7:14 signifies people in the church in the spiritual things of the Word, which are the truths of its internal sense (Apocalypse Explained 727[6]). A flock, as in Genesis 26, denotes interior or rational good. A flock signifies natural interior good, in Genesis 32:5. A flock signifies people in spiritual good.

(Referenties: Arcana Coelestia 343, 2566)

342. That the second born of the Church is charity becomes clear from the things which the Church conceives and gives birth to, which are nothing other than faith and charity. The first of those born to Leah by Jacob had a similar meaning. Reuben meant faith; Simeon, faith expressed in action; Levi, charity, Genesis 29:32-34. This also was why the tribe of Levi assumed the function of the priesthood and became representative of the shepherd of the flock. Being the second born of the Church, charity is referred to as 'a brother. and is called 'Abel'.