live (2:1–5).17 The sense of contrast between these emphases is heightened by the way in which they are alternated with each other. After chapter 1, which is largely judgmental, except for two brief rays of light (vv. 18–19, 26–27), comes hope in 2:1–5. But then we return to judgment in 2:6–4:1. This is followed by hope again (4:2–6), which gives way yet again to the judgment that closes the segment (5:1–30). The second aspect that will impress the reader in these introductory chapters is the shocking
Pages 5–6