The fifth disputation introduces a new element. The people have already questioned God’s love, majesty, and fidelity. Now they raise the issue of his justice. Their argument, however, is wearing down because they have wearied the Lord (2:17). They have argued that they are all right and that the fault lies with God, but now they charge God with being unfair in all his dealings with humankind. They think that God does not discriminate between evil and good and that he even delights in those who do evil. Therefore, they ask, “Where is the God of justice?” The threefold charge against the Lord receives a threefold response (3:1–6).

First, the Lord will send his “messenger” who will prepare the way of the Lord. In Isaiah 40:3–4 the preparation of the Lord’s coming is made by making ready a “…