His roots are wrapped about the heap, [and] seeth the place of stones.
Ver. 17. His roots are wrapped about the heap, &c.] i.e. They are deeply intrenched, and strongly incorporated into the ground, wreathed in with the heap, as thorns about a hedge. The hypocrite seemeth to be notably well rooted (intricantur), not in the world only, but in the Church too, which we may compare (as Plato doth man, whom he calleth φυτον ουρανιον, a heavenly plant) to a tree inverted, with the root above, and the branches below. Our Saviour speaketh of branches in him (seemingly so) that bear not fruit, John 15:2. These are hypocrites, who think themselves to be rooted in Christ, and others also think no less of them, but it proves otherwise, for they are fruitless; as a pole fixed in the earth, but not rooted there; as a rotten leg cleaves to the body, but is no part of it; or as wens and ulcers, which are taken away without any loss to it. How far a hypocrite may go, see the parable of the stony and thorny grounds, Mat 13:20-23 See also Hebrews 6:4,5; Hebrews 10:39 2 Peter 2:20,21. He may come as far as Kadeshbarnea, within 11 days' journey of the heavenly Canaan, and yet fall short of it; he may seem to be steadfast and unmoveable, as a tree whose roots are wrapped about a rock.
He seeth the place of stones] Mr Broughton rendereth it, He planteth about the house of stone: others, He looketh into the house of stone; he looks in at the windows, and so hindereth the light, annoying the master's house both below and above, who therefore resolves to have him down; as it followeth.