Foundations, measure, and the end of the wicked

They stand as our guardians. (Ch. 40, 5) If you have any knowledge, tell me: who established the earth's dimensions? Or who applied the measuring rod to it? Some have attempted to offer a secular explanation regarding the earth's scale, claiming its diameter spans twenty-five myriads of stadia. Yet the Word reveals that the earth's true measure remains beyond all human comprehension; only the Savior, who is also the Creator, possesses this knowledge. He spoke of 'measures' in the plural rather than a single 'measure' to illustrate the diverse variations found across the earth. Tell me, what could be the measure of that which carries the fragrances of the East? What is the measure of that which carries the spices or the living creatures? Since not all things are found in every place, these dimensions are determined by the Word of God. The earth has not simply reached this size by chance or through random occurrence. It seems to me that even if accidental elements were included, they would be out of place; conversely, if they were removed, the entire structure would be ruined according to the divine logic. The mention of measures and the rod alludes to this.

Who is it that has laid the cornerstone upon the earth? Who has set this cornerstone so that the world stands so firmly, as if built upon a secure and established foundation? It is by the counsel of God, for all the boundaries of the earth are held in His hand. This cornerstone can be understood as a reference to the Only-begotten Son of God, who became flesh through us, as the Psalms declare: quoteHaving descended to earth through the Father's favor, He united the two peoples—both Jew and Gentile—just as a cornerstone binds two walls together. (14) I said to her, 'It shall flow up to this point and will not overflow.' The Ally replied, 'Let the limit of your waves be so commanded.' For the water is held securely as if by iron bars, yet it moves with ease as if following a set order. I argued, and it cannot be disputed, that this occurs without any external force pushing it, even while it is being lashed by great power and strength. He did not allow the waters to be calm or tranquil so that they might proclaim God's power, struggling against the laws of nature by His command and conquering all through His decree. Had the water been peaceful, many would have attributed its order to the natural properties of water; but now, being tossed, scourged, and driven inward, yet unable to breach its boundaries, it proclaims the might of God through its very turbulence. (Ch. 28, 27) What provided food for the raven? It is said that they do not nurture their young, yet the adults, being large, do provide sustenance in their own way. But who truly nourishes the offspring? Is it not the Word of God? As the Gospel states: quote(Ch. 28, 27) By whose command is the eagle lifted high? And how does the vulture, having settled upon a carcass, cry out from a high rock in secret?...If there is any rational wisdom in carnivores, it is found in the natural knowledge present in each, directed toward the knowledge of the one I call the dead, even as one carries a vulture. (Ch. 24) Why am I still being judged, being admonished and rebuked by the Lord while I am nothing? Why does he ask why he is being judged for his future? From the beginning, he withdrew from primary things. He says he is defeated by you in matters of justice; why do you advance your judgment so boldly? For what answer is possible? How can one face such a master? He says he was continuing to seek the cause of the plague that befell him, but he summoned no one regarding the creation, and he has nothing to say in response to what has been spoken. —He departs, as if not even rebuking the Lord, being admonished, the wretched man. (Ch. 4, 4) To live as a man by your strength—I will ask you, and you shall answer me. For those who hold rights and do not flee from adversaries, victory comes through their possession. He then defends himself, claiming that men do not concern him; it is clear from that context why this temptation came upon you. I grant you boldness: I will ask, and you shall answer. (Ch. 3) He believes I have used you for any purpose other than to demonstrate your justice. He says the present matter is for profit; he claims he does not speak to condemn, but to prove him just. Or, regarding the temptation, he calls forgiveness a profit, suggesting he was commanded to do this so that he might become something else; he did not say it was so he might change, but so that you might reveal what you truly are and instruct others. See then: he did not say he might become just (for which justice is required...)