Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself?
Ver. 22. Who art thou? that we may give answer] They would not be soon said or satisfied. How much more should God's messengers go through stitch with their errand and ambassage; binding men's sins upon their consciences if they be stubborn or stupid; and having in a "readiness to revenge all disobedience?"2 Corinthians 10:6. When the Aequi and Volsci (a certain people in Italy) bade the Roman ambassador in scorn ad quercum dicere, se interim alia acturos, tell their tale to the oak that stood by, they had somewhat else to do than to hear him. He presently replied, Et haec sacrata quercus audiat, foedus a vobis esse violatum: Let this consecrated oak hear and bear witness that you have broke your covenant, and shall dearly answer it. (Livy.)