2958. 'My lord, hear me' means the initial state of receptivity. This too is clear from what follows, as well as from what has been stated already in 2945, where the same words occur. There however the reply was No, whereas here it is affirmative, though still expressing doubt, for in what follows almost immediately come the words, 'What is that between me and you?' which means that he gave his assent yet still wished to achieve it by himself. What is more, 'My lord, hear me' is purely an expression used to lead another person to reflect, while yet implying a state in which a proposal is made.

2945. 'No, my lord, hear me' means that initial state dealt with already in 2935, 2936, namely a state when they were as to faith in obscurity. This is clear from their refusal to hear of Abraham paying the full price mentioned in verse 9. This means in the internal sense that they would be redeemed by the Lord but that they were willing to prepare themselves as regards those things that belong to the Church and faith, that is, to reform themselves. The words 'No, my lord, hear me' imply a state - that of their thought regarding redemption and reformation; for what was proposed follows immediately.