Swedenborg Arcana Caelestia Vol. IV (1750)

...communication, regarding which see n. 4047. These are not such that they accomplish much from themselves and their own power, but they suffer themselves to be led by others—thus toward good by angels, and toward evil by evil spirits. This also becomes clear from the historical accounts here regarding Laban, especially from those that follow. Hence it is evident what is understood by the "property of the good" signified by Laban, which is not such that it acts from itself. These things, which are contained in the internal sense of verses 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12, have been explained in summary, for the reason that they are similar to those things treated in the preceding chapter, where they were more fully explained.

4089. "I am the God of Bethel," that this signifies the Divine in the natural, is evident from the signification of "Bethel," which is good in the ultimate of order, concerning which see n. 3729, therefore in the natural, for this is the ultimate of order, as celestial and spiritual things are terminated there. Hence it is evident that the "God of Bethel" is the Divine in the natural. Because "Bethel" signifies good in the natural, it also signifies the knowledges of celestial things there, for these belong to good.

4090. "Where you anointed a pillar," that this signifies where the good of truth is, and the limit, is evident from the signification of a "pillar," which is a holy limit, thus the ultimate of order, consequently truth, concerning which see n. 3727; and from the signification of "to anoint," or to pour oil upon the head of the pillar, as was done by Jacob, which is to make truth good, concerning which see n. 3728.

4091. "Where you vowed a vow to Me," that this signifies what is holy, is evident from the signification of "to vow a vow," which is to will that the Lord should provide. In the supreme sense, in which it is predicated of the Lord, it is that He provides, concerning which see n. 3732. And because whatever the Lord provides proceeds from Himself, and whatever proceeds from Himself is holy, hence it is that "to vow a vow" here signifies what is holy. That to vow a vow is what proceeds from the Lord, and therefore is holy, appears more remote at first sight, but this is because it is man who vows a vow, by which he binds himself to something, or imposes something upon himself toward the Divine if he obtains his desire. But when it is the Divine Itself, or the Lord, of whom this is predicated, then it is not a vow, but it is to will and to provide, or to do. Therefore, what the Divine or the Lord does proceeds from Himself, and whatever proceeds from Himself is holy.

4092. "Now arise," that this signifies elevation, is evident from the signification of "to arise," which, where it is mentioned, involves elevation, concerning which see n. 2401, 2785, 2912, 2927; and what elevation is, n. 3171.

4093. "Go forth from this land," that this signifies separation from that good, namely, that which is signified by Laban, is evident without explanation.

4094. "And return to the land of your nativity," that this signifies conjunction with the Divine good of truth, is evident from the signification of "returning to the land," which is to betake oneself to Divine good, concerning which see above n. 4069; and from the signification of "nativity," which is truth, concerning which also see above n. 4070. Hence it is evident that "to return to the land of nativity" signifies conjunction with the Divine good of truth.

4095. Verses 14, 15, 16. "And Rachel and Leah answered, and said to him, Is there any longer a portion and inheritance for us in our father's house? Are we not esteemed as strangers..."