3972. That Jacob said unto Laban. That this signifies the good of natural truth to the collateral good from a Divine origin, by which there is a conjunction of the interiors, is evident from the representation of Jacob, as being the good of natural truth (see n. 3659, 3669, 3677, 3775, 3829); and from the representation of Laban, as being collateral good from a Divine origin (n. 3612, 3665, 3778). That the conjunction of the interiors is effected through this good, has been repeatedly explained before (n. 3665, 3690, and elsewhere). This good is signified by the “flock of Laban,” through which Jacob procured for himself his own flock (concerning which in what follows).

3669. And thou shalt be a company of peoples. That this signifies abundance, is evident without explication; a “company of peoples” is specifically predicated of truths, for by “peoples” in the Word are signified those who are in truth (n. 1259, 1260, 2928, 3581), whereas by “nations” are signified those who are in good (n. 1259, 1260, 1416, 1849). It is here said a “company of peoples,” because the subject treated of is the good of truth represented by Jacob; for the good which is from truth is one thing, and the good from which is truth is another; the good which is from truth is that which is here called “Jacob,” and the good from which is truth is that which is called “Esau.” The good which is from truth is inverse to the good from which is truth. Those who are being regenerated, before their regeneration is completed, are in the good which is from truth; whereas the same when regenerated are in the good from which is truth. That their state is inverse may be seen above (n. 3539, 3548, 3556, 3563, 3570, 3576, 3603).