241. Verse 18. I counsel thee, signifies the means of reformation of those who are in the doctrine of faith alone. This is evident from what now follows, for the reformation of those who are in that doctrine is now treated of; therefore "I counsel thee" implies precepts as to how such must live that they may be reformed and thus saved.

5486. 'And Joseph gave the command' means an influx from the celestial of the spiritual. This is clear from the meaning of 'giving the command', when used in reference to the celestial of the spiritual, or the internal, in relation to the external, as an influx, for the internal has no other way of 'giving the command' than by flowing into something and disposing it to serve some purpose; and from the representation of 'Joseph' as the celestial of the spiritual, often dealt with already.