2704. 'And gave the boy a drink' means teaching given in things that are spiritual. This is clear from the meaning of 'giving a drink' as giving teaching in truths, and from the meaning of 'the boy' as the spiritual as regards truth, dealt with in 2697. This state, which is a state when teaching is given, dealt with in this verse, is the third state of people who come out of vastation or desolation. For when they enter a state of enlightenment, that is, of heavenly light, dealt with in verse 18, see 2699, they are governed by the affection for knowing and learning truths, and when they are governed by that affection truths are imparted to them easily and so to speak spontaneously. People on earth receive those truths from the Word of the Lord or from doctrine, but those in heaven receive them from the angels who never feel more blessed and happy than when they are teaching brethren newly arrived among them and imparting to them the goods and truths which constitute heavenly order and so lead on to the Lord.

2697. 'Lift the boy up' means the spiritual as regards truth. This is clear from the meaning of 'the boy' as the spiritual, in particular as regards truth, dealt with in 2677, 2687. For the member of the spiritual Church is regenerated seemingly by means of the truths of faith; but he is not aware that in fact he is regenerated by means of the good allied to truth. For that good is not observable, but presents itself solely in the affection for truth, and after that in a life according to truth. In no way can anyone be regenerated by means of truth unless good accompanies that truth, for truth devoid of good has no life. Consequently no new life at all can come through truth separated from good; but a person acquires it through regeneration.