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.

3985. 'And they have increased into a multitude' means fertility after that. This is clear from the meaning of 'increasing into a multitude' as fertility, that is to say, after the joining together had taken place.