6777. 'And filled the troughs' means that from there they enriched teachings about charity. This is clear from the meaning of 'filling from the well' as enriching from there, that is, from the Word; and from the meaning of 'the trough' as teachings about charity. The reason why 'the trough' or water-holder means teachings about charity is that it is a runnel made of wood into which water from a well is drawn to water flocks; for in the internal sense that which is made of wood means the good of charity, 3720,'drawing' means gaining instruction, 3058, 3071, 'the water' that is drawn means the truth of faith, 2702, 3058, 4976, 5668, 'the well' from which it is drawn means the Word, 2702, 3424, 6774, and 'watering flocks' means giving instruction in good from the Word, 3772. All this shows that 'the trough' is the teaching about charity.

3772. 'And water the flock' means that the doctrine was drawn from it. This is clear from the meaning of 'watering', or giving a drink, as giving instruction, dealt with in 3069, 3768, and from the meaning of 'the flock' as people who are governed by the goods and truths of faith, dealt with in 343, 3767. Thus 'watering it' means giving instruction from the Word, and therefore from doctrine.