8347. 'And they went three days in the wilderness and did not find water' means that truths were lacking, and at length were plainly so. This is clear from the meaning of 'three days' as that which is complete, dealt with in 2788, 4495, 7715; from the meaning of 'the wilderness' as a state when temptations have to be undergone, dealt with immediately above in 8346; and from the meaning of 'water' as the truths of faith, dealt with in 2702, 3058, 3424, 4976, 5668, so that 'not finding water' means that truths were lacking. The fact that they were plainly lacking is meant by 'going three days'; and the words 'in the wilderness' are used because there they were tempted, as follows next.

5668. 'And gave them water' means a general influx of truth from the internal. This is clear from the meaning of 'water' as truth, 2702, 3058, 3414, 4976, in this case truth in general. This is why 'giving water' means a general influx of truth; and the reason it comes from the internal is that this took place in Joseph's house, 5667. A general influx of truth is enlightenment that makes it possible for truth to be discerned and understood. This enlightenment is provided by the light of heaven which flows from the Lord, a light which is nothing else than Divine Truth, 2776, 3138, 3167, 3195, 3222, 3339, 3485, 3636, 3643, 3993, 4302, 4413, 4415, 5400.