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.

4258. 'And You have said, I will certainly deal well with you' means that it would nevertheless obtain life then. This is clear from the meaning of 'dealing well with' as obtaining life, for 'Jacob' represents truth and truth does not have life independently but receives it from the good flowing into it, as shown many times above. This is why 'dealing well wish' here means obtaining life. The life which truth has from good is also the subject here.