385. With the sword. That this signifies by means of falsity, is plain from the signification of sword, as denoting truth fighting against falsity and destroying it; and, in an opposite sense, falsity fighting against truth and destroying it (concerning which see above, n. 131, 367).

6679. 'And did not do as the king of Egypt spoke to them' means that the intention of those under the influence of falsities was not carried out. This is clear from the meaning of 'did not do as he spoke' as the fact that their intention was not carried out, that is, they were unable to destroy the truths meant by 'the boys', even though their intention was to destroy them by whatever method they could, 6676; and from the meaning of 'the king of Egypt' as separated factual knowledge that is opposed to the Church's truth, dealt with in 6651, thus falsity since that factual knowledge is false.