2958. My lord, hear me. That this signifies the first state of reception, is also evident from what follows, and also from what was said above (n. 2945) where the same words occur; there however there was denial, but here affirmation, although there is still doubt, for in what follows presently it is said, “What is that between me and thee?” by which is signified that he gave assent, but still desired it to be from himself. And besides, “My lord, hear me,” is merely a customary form of speech intended to excite reflection in another, yet still it involves a state of making an offer.

2945. Nay, my lord, hear me. That this signifies that first state, described above (n. 2935, 2936), namely, that they were in obscurity of faith, is evident from the refusal, in that they were not willing to listen to Abraham, that he should give silver in full (verse 9, (Genesis 23:9) which means in the internal sense that they should be redeemed by the Lord), but desired to prepare themselves as to the things of the church and of faith, that is, to reform themselves. These words, “Nay, my lord, hear me,” involve their state; that is, the state of their thought about redemption and reformation; for a proposal immediately follows.