Arcana Coelestia (Elliott) n. 5691

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5691. 'Because feelings of compassion were being roused in him' means mercy springing out of love. This is clear from the meaning of 'feelings of compassion being roused' as mercy springing out of love. The word 'mercy' is used because Benjamin had not yet recognized who Joseph really was, and the expression 'out of love' because as the intermediary Benjamin went forth from him. In the original language 'feelings of compassion' is expressed by a word which describes inmost or tenderest love.


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