God now answers that his justice may be apparently delayed but it will come at the right time. “God replied… the revelation awaits the appointed time… though it lingers wait for it… for it will certainly come and not delay… the righteous shall live by faith… woe to him who piles up stolen goods… how long must this go on?… you have plundered many nations and have shed man’s blood… woe to him who builds his realm through unjust gain… for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord… but you will be filled with shame instead of glory… the cup from the Lord’s right hand is coming round to you and disgrace will cover your glory… of what value is an idol?… wood covered with silver and gold yet it cannot speak!… but the Lord is in his holy temple so let all the earth be silent before him”.
