6147. From one end of the border of Egypt even to the other end thereof. That this signifies extension through the whole natural where memory-knowledges are, is evident from the meaning of the expression, “from one end of the border to the other end thereof,” as being extension through the whole; and from the signification of “Egypt,” as being memory-knowledge in the natural (of which often above), thus the natural where memory-knowledges are. For the natural is what contains, and memory-knowledges are what are contained. Thus by “Egypt” is signified both what contains and what is contained, that is, both the natural and the memory-knowledge. Wherefore also by “Pharaoh the king of Egypt,” is signified the natural in general (n. 5160, 5799), and also memory-knowledge in general (n. 6015); and by the “land of Egypt,” the natural mind (n. 5276, 5278, 5280, 5288, 5301).

5160. On Pharaoh’s birthday. That this signifies when the natural was being regenerated, is evident from the signification of “being born,” as being to be regenerated (of which hereafter); and from the representation of Pharaoh, as being the interior natural (see n. 5080, 5095), here the natural in general, because with the regenerate the interior and the exterior natural act as a one through their mutual correspondence. “To be born” is to be regenerated because spiritual things are meant in the internal sense, and spiritual birth is regeneration, which is also called rebirth; and therefore when “birth” is mentioned in the Word, no other birth is understood in heaven than that which is effected by “water and the spirit,” that is, through faith and charity; because it is by his being born again or regenerated that man becomes man, and is wholly distinguished from the brutes; for he then becomes a son and heir of the Lord’s kingdom. (That spiritual births are signified by the births which are mentioned in the Word may be seen above, n. 1145, 1255, 3860, 3868, 4070, 4668)