St. Irenaeus Ministries

A reflection on the Book of Job, delivered at the 2018 Chesterton Conference in Rochester, New York.

Another chance for the people. God's answer and the final judgment. The dwelling place of the Lord.

Persistence in prayer. The remembrance of the Lord. Edom and the winepress.

Mere profession of belief is insufficient. Restoration promised on the Day of the Lord.

Corruption by degrees. Failure to keep the Sabbath.

Cultural rootedness in shared stories. The humiliation and glorification of the Servant.

The mission of the Servant. God promises to protect His people, despite their unfaithfulness. A call for the people to return.

The identity of the Servant. Jewish understanding. The Servant as a distinct individual.

The promised redemption to expand beyond Israel. God woos his people to return.

The might of God compared to the nations of the earth. Patience for the day of the Lord.

The penalty to be paid by Israel. Promises of the Messiah. Trust in God and His promises.

The weakness of Egypt revealed. The faith of Hezekiah. Purity of heart.

Obstinacy in the face of signs. The insufficiency of superficial belief.

Cooperation with the will of God. The coexistence of evil and right teaching.

Oracles concerning the fates of Babylon, Egypt, and surrounding territories. Historical fulfillment of these prophecies.

The rise of Babylon over Assyria. The desolation of Babylon foretold.

The shift of nations. The last kings of Judah and Israel, and their struggle with Assyria.

War with Syria. The birth of Emmanuel foretold. Promises of the Messiah.

Early prophecies of Isaiah. Judah as a vineyard. The messianic branch.

The kings of Judah during the life of Isaiah. Continual threat from Assyria. Corruption in the kingdom.