45. Those who lived in the most ancient times thus signified the things relating to the understanding and to the will; and therefore in the Prophets, and constantly in the Word of the Old Testament, the like things are represented by different kinds of animals. Beasts are of two kinds; the evil, so called because they are hurtful; and the good, which are harmless. Evils in man are signified by evil beasts, as by bears, wolves, dogs; and the things which are good and gentle, by beasts of a like nature, as by heifers, sheep, and lambs. The "beasts" here referred to are good and gentle ones, and thus signify affections, because it here treats of those who are being regenerated. The lower things in man, which have more connection with the body, are called "wild animals of that earth," and are cupidities and pleasures.
46. That "beasts" signify man's affections—evil affections with the evil, and good affections with the good—is evident from numerous passages in the Word, as in Ezekiel:—
Behold, I am for you, and I will look back to you, that ye may be tilled and sown, and I will multiply upon you man and beast, and they shall be multiplied and bring forth fruit; and I will cause you to dwell as in your ancient times (xxxvi. 9, 11, treating of regeneration).
In Joel:—
Be not afraid ye beasts of My field, for the dwelling-places of the wilderness are become grassy (ii. 22).
In David also:—
So foolish was I, I was as a beast before Thee (Ps. lxxiii. 22).
In Jeremiah, treating of regeneration:—
Behold the days come, saith Jehovah, that I will sow the house of Israel and the house of Judah with the seed of man, and with the seed of beast, and I will watch over them to build and to plant (xxxi. 27, 28).
[2] "Wild animals" have a similar signification, as in Hosea:—
In that day will I make a covenant for them with the wild animal of the field, and with the fowl of the heavens, and with the creeping thing of the earth (ii. 18).
In Job:—
Thou shalt not be afraid of the wild animals of the earth, for thy covenant is with the stones of the field, and the wild animals of the field shall be at peace with thee (v. 22, 23).
