Heavenly Secrets (Arcana Coelestia), Vol. VIII

...tation. Moreover, every person ought to do what is true and good as if by their own power, yet while believing that it is actually from the Lord (see references 2882, 2883, 2891). As a person matures and grows in intelligence and faith, they eventually set aside that fallacy In Swedenborg’s thought, a "fallacy" is a mistaken impression based on how things appear to our physical senses rather than their spiritual reality.. At last, they acknowledge in their heart that every effort they made to do good and every truth they thought was, and is, from the Lord.

For this reason, the steward who was sent by Joseph—though he initially confirms the harsh judgment—soon rejects the idea that the one found with the cup should die. Instead, he says, “Now also according to your words so be it; he with whom it is found shall be to me a servant, and ye shall be blameless.” These words convey a milder sentence. It is different, however, for those who claim merit for their good deeds not out of ignorance or simplicity, but out of deeply held principles they have confirmed in their faith and life. Yet, because they still do what is good, the Lord in His mercy preserves in them a degree of ignorance and simplicity.

5760. And we also will be to my lord for servants. This signifies that they will be associates forever, but without freedom from their own own: (Latin: proprium) The human ego or sense of self; the feeling that one’s life, will, and wisdom belong to oneself rather than being a gift from God.. This is evident from the meaning of “we also” as being associates, and from the meaning of “being servants” as being without freedom from one’s own. A servant has no freedom of his own but is dependent on the will and freedom of his master. In the following pages, we will explain, by the Lord’s Divine mercy, what it truly means to be without freedom from one’s own.

5761. And he said, Now also according to your words. This signifies that the situation would indeed be so if judged by strict justice, as explained just above (see numbers 5758 and 5759). The phrase “now also according to your words” signifies that, according to justice, the one who committed the act should die; however, a milder sentence now follows.

5762. So be it. This signifies a milder sentence, as is clear from the words that follow where this milder sentence is declared.

5763. He with whom it is found shall be to me a servant. This signifies that the person who possesses the truth (the silver cup) shall be forever without his own freedom. This is clear from the meaning of a “servant” as being without one’s own freedom (as seen above in number 5760). The situation is this: Joseph’s silver cup, placed in the sack...