157. Inasmuch as "bone of bones and flesh of flesh" signified the Own of the external man in which was the internal, therefore in ancient times all those were called "bone of bones and flesh of flesh" who could be called their own [proprii], and were of one house, or of one family, or in any degree of relationship. Thus Laban said of Jacob, Surely thou art my bone and my flesh (Gen. 29:14). And Abimelech said of his mother's brethren, and of the family of the house of his mother's father, Remember that I am your bone and your flesh (Judges 9:2). The tribes of Israel also said of themselves to David, Behold, we are thy bone and thy flesh (2 Sam. 5:1).