1672. And the kings that were with him. That this signifies the apparent truth which is of that good, is evident from the signification of “kings” in the Word. “Kings,” “kingdoms,” and “peoples,” in the historical and the prophetical parts of the Word, signify truths and the things which are of truths, as may be abundantly confirmed. In the Word an accurate distinction is made between a “people” and a “nation;” by a “people” are signified truths, and by a “nation” goods, as before shown (n. 1259, 1260). “Kings” are predicated of peoples, but not so much of nations. Before the sons of Israel sought for kings, they were a nation, and represented good, or the celestial; but after they desired a king, and received one, they became a people, and did not represent good or the celestial, but truth or the spiritual; which was the reason why this was imputed to them as a fault (see 1 Samuel 8:7-22, concerning which subject, of the Lord’s Divine mercy elsewhere). As Chedorlaomer is named here, and it is added, “the kings that were with him,” both good and truth are signified; by “Chedorlaomer,” good, and by “the kings,” truth. But what was the quality of the good and truth at the beginning of the Lord’s temptations has already been stated.

8399. 'Which is between Elim and Sinai' means a continuation and the essential nature. This is clear from the meaning of 'Elim' and from the meaning of 'Sinai', from which one may see what this location between the two means. Because of the springs and palm trees that were there 'Elim' means truth and good that belong to comfort after temptation - see the final verse of the previous chapter. And because of the Law which was declared from it 'Sinai' means good and the truth that flows from it. Consequently the continuation and the essential nature meant by 'Sin' is good that results from truth. Good that results from truth is the good done by a spiritual person prior to regeneration; for at that time he does it as a result of truth, that is, because truth demands it, and therefore he does it in a spirit of obedience. But good from which truth flows is done by a spiritual person after regeneration, for now he does it as a result of his affection for it. The former kind of good is meant by 'Sin', the latter by 'Sinai'.