3102. And it came to pass when the camels had done drinking. That this signifies acknowledgment from enlightenment in general memory-knowledges, is evident from the fact that the two expressions, “it came to pass,” and “had done,” signify what is successive, and involve the end of the act that precedes and the beginning of the act that follows (see above, n. 3093); here therefore they signify acknowledgment, as shown just above. The same is evident also from the signification of “camels,” as being general memory-knowledges (see n. 3048, 3071); and from the signification of “drinking,” as being here the same as “drawing waters” (see n. 3097), and also the same as “giving to drink” (see n. 3058, 3071), namely, being enlightened. Hence it is evident that by these words, “and it came to pass when the camels had done drinking,” is signified the acknowledgment of truth Divine from enlightenment in general memory-knowledges.

[2] The case is really this: Every truth that is elevated out of the natural man, that is, out of memory-knowledges (or out of knowledges and doctrinal things, for these are of the natural man) into the rational, and there received, must first be acknowledged for what it is, and whether it is in agreement with the good that is in the rational or not; if it is in agreement, it is received; and if not, it is rejected. There are many apparent truths in a single company; but only those are conjoined which acknowledge the good there, and thus which mutually love each other. In order, however, that they may be acknowledged to be such, there must be enlightenment in the natural man, by which all things there both in general and in particular may be seen at one view, and that thus there may be choice. This enlightenment in the natural man is from good, but still is by means of truth (see n. 3094). It is this enlightenment that is signified by Rebekah’s drawing for the camels, and making them drink, or giving them to drink.

3058. That to “draw waters” signifies instruction, and likewise enlightenment from it (as in what follows in this chapter), comes from the fact that in the internal sense “waters” signify the truths of faith (see n. 2702); and therefore to “draw waters” is nothing else than to be instructed in the truths of faith, and thereby to be enlightened; as also in other passages of the Word.

In Isaiah:

With joy shall ye draw waters out of the fountains of salvation. In that day shall ye confess unto Jehovah (Isaiah 12:3-4).

To “draw waters” is to be instructed, to understand, and to be wise. Again:

Bring ye waters to meet him that is thirsty, ye inhabitants of the land of Tema (Isaiah 21:14).

To “bring waters to meet him that is thirsty” means to instruct. Again:

The afflicted and the needy seek waters, and there are none, and their tongue faileth for thirst (Isaiah 41:17).

“They that seek waters,” are they who desire to be instructed in truths. That “there are none,” signifies that no one has truths. Moreover by the “drawers of water” were represented in the Jewish Church those who continually desire to know truths, but for no other end than to know them, while caring nothing for the use. Such were accounted among the lowest, and were represented by the Gibeonites (concerning whom see Joshua 9:21, 23, 27).