In Deuteronomy 29:33, this signifies the vastation of good and truth, for these destroy the earth and its produce as lusts destroy goods and falsities destroy truths. (Arcana Coelestia 1666)

5803. 'We have a father, an old man' means that spiritual good is their source. This is clear from the representation of Israel, to whom 'a father refers here, as spiritual good, which is the source, dealt with just above in 5801. As regards Israel's representation, see 4286, 4292, 4570, where it is shown that he represents the spiritual Church, in particular the internal aspect of it, which is the good of truth or spiritual good from the natural. What spiritual good or the good of truth is, see 5526, 5773.