3276. And he expired and died. That this signifies the end of the representation by Ishmael, is evident also from what was said above (n. 3253), where the same words occur, with the same internal sense. In like manner, that he “was gathered unto his peoples” signifies that these things are concerning Ishmael, may also be seen above (n. 3255).

3253. And Abraham expired and died. That this signifies the end of the representation by Abraham, is evident from the signification of “expiring and dying,” as being to cease or come to an end (n. 494); here, the end of the representation. For nothing of Abraham’s life which is described in the Word has reference to Abraham, except merely in the historical sense; but everything has reference to the Lord and His kingdom; and therefore when it is said of Abraham that he “expired and died,” it cannot signify in the Word (that is, in its genuine sense) anything else than that the state representative of the Lord by Abraham came to an end.