8442. That they looked back unto the wilderness. That this signifies a recalling to mind of the state of temptation in which they had been, is evident from the signification of “looking back” toward anything, as being thought and reflection (see n. 7341), therefore also a recalling to mind, for he who thinks and reflects, recalls to mind; and from the signification of “wilderness,” as being a state of undergoing temptations (see n. 6828, 8098).

7341. And Pharaoh looked back, and came unto his house. That this signifies thought and reflection from falsities, is evident from the signification of “looking back,” as being thought and reflection, for in the spiritual sense “to look back” is not to look with the eyes toward anything, but to look with the mind, thus to think and reflect; and from the signification of “Pharaoh’s house,” as being falsity. For when Pharaoh represents falsity, his house also represents the same; hence “to come unto his house” signifies falsities. And as by these words are signified thought and reflection from falsities, therefore it follows that he “did not set his heart to this;” for he who thinks from falsities does not set his heart to the Divine which gives warning.