56. * in any other than its spiritual meaning. This is so much the case, that they do not see and are unaware of the literal sense, just like those who judge a person not from the face and outer adornment, but from his inner qualities. For them, therefore, it is as if there were no literal meaning, and they grasp only those things which lie very inwardly, and inmostly, concealed. On this matter I could also bring forth testimony, but because it would, perhaps, go beyond the belief of most, I think it best to pass it by for now. [Letter; Word] [See WE 2620, concluding the explanation of this verse.]
[See WE 2759-66, treating in general about Jacob and his sons, after the explanation of Gen. 47:13-26.] 2767. From the very [nature of] the human being one learns what this generation was like. Without a deeper knowledge of humans in general, in regard to their faculties in their proper order, these matters cannot at all be grasped. For this reason, it is saddening, and heavenly spirits are also very sur-
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