The more they multiplyed] Heb. and as they afflicted them, so they multiplyed. Feare and hard usage was in ordinary operation like to give impediment to procreation of children, but (that their fruitfulnesse might appeare to be by the especiall blessing of God) the more they are molested, the more they are multiplyed; as is said of Camomile, the more it is troden, the faster it groweth: but with this difference, that it is naturall to that hearb to thrive by oppression, but it is not so by the nature of man, but by the favour of God, for the godly to prevaile against persecution: which may be one great cause, why they should wish well, and beare good will, unto thir enemies, since though thy meane them never so much hurt, their malignitie may become an occasion of very much good unto them: as the grudge of Josephs brethren was converted to his honour, and to the comfort of himselfe and them, and of many thousands moe. Genesis 50:20. And hereby we may observe that of the Wise man made good, against the wicked Policie of the world, There is no wisdome, nor counsell, nor understanding against the Lord, Proverbs 21:30. they were grieved because] They meant to grieve the Israelites, and themselves are grieved: so their punishment is sutable to their sinne. (and a great sinne it was to grieve not for their own wickednesse, but for anothers welfare) and envy becometh both their crime, and their curse.