5670. 'And he gave fodder to their asses' means instruction regarding good. This is clear from the meaning of 'giving fodder' as providing instruction in good; for 'fodder' means the good that goes with known facts that are factual truths, 3114; and 'giving fodder', which is feeding, means providing instruction in that good, for the reason that 'feeding' means providing instruction, see 5201, while 'asses' means factual knowledge, 5492. From this it is evident that 'giving fodder to asses' means instruction regarding the good that goes with known facts. The good that goes with known facts is the delight gained from factual truths. Factual truths are very general truths which are seen in natural light received from the light of the world. But if they are to be seen as truths, a general influx from the internal must take place, 5668; and this is an enlightenment received from the light of heaven.

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.