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.

6689. 'And so it was, because the midwives feared God' means because true factual knowledge was being kept safe by the Divine. This is clear from what has been stated above in 6678, where similar words occur.