If the Apostle’s message implied that all humans are silenced—driven to despair because of their failure to meet the law’s standards—this would not apply to the believer or the saint, for whom the law’s curse is no longer the final word. Justification, then, arises from human failure to escape the curse, but also from divine grace that provides the solution. This raises the question: does the law bring peace to God's elect? Or does it serve primarily to condemn those who are not justified, thereby establishing righteousness through divine judgment? Importantly, the Apostle does not suggest that the law has become irrelevant in the process of justification described in the Old Testament. If self-justification through law alone is impossible, then the law still functions as a foundation or support for God's work—upholding Israel as His chosen people. The term upo (meaning “by” or “through”) describes how Christ fulfills the law’s demands on behalf of Israel, securing their justification. The preposition ek (from, out of) suggests origin or source, indicating that human awareness or moral consciousness arises from engagement with or observation of divine works and laws. Similarly, dia (through, by means of) emphasizes a deep, inward knowledge—an understanding gained through experience, reflection, and moral discernment. In biblical terms, the law functions as a mirror that reveals human wickedness and demonstrates divine justice. It exposes moral failure but does not itself provide the means for human justification or salvation. The law serves as a mirror, revealing human need and moral failure rather than granting righteousness. Some interpret this as God's way of leading humanity to recognize its own incapacity and moral bankruptcy, thus fostering a sense of despair that makes individuals more receptive to divine grace and salvation. Different viewpoints exist regarding the prophets’ emphasis: some see them as highlighting the law as a moral standard, while others emphasize God's acts of salvation beyond the law. Still, the key point remains that prophets pointed beyond the law to God's initiative in salvation—sometimes aligning with the law, sometimes transcending it. The phrase “was known” (from the Greek phaino) refers to a phenomenon or understanding that is perceived not merely through intellectual reasoning but through sensory experience or divine revelation. It often describes events that are extraordinary or unique—signs, warnings, or revelations—that serve to communicate divine truths or warnings to people. The term “to testify” (hupo) indicates giving a formal or authoritative witness, often supported by the collective testimony of the Old Testament prophets. These prophets frequently interpreted the law in creative and insightful ways, revealing how God's actions—both in judgment and salvation—are woven into history and human experience. Their testimonies point beyond the letter of the law to the divine purpose behind it. Instead, divine acts—miraculous interventions, salvation, and acts of mercy—are revealed through God's actions, not solely through law-keeping. The prophets’ role is to point to these divine acts, raising the question of their relationship to the law: are they emphasizing the law itself as the foundation of righteousness, or are they testifying to God's gracious deeds that surpass mere legal obedience? The overarching message is that salvation depends on God's actions—His salvation acts—rather than on human efforts to follow the law perfectly. The prophets used the law not only to pronounce curses on the wicked but also to delineate the boundaries of divine justice and mercy. While the law cannot produce justification on its own, it does serve as a divine instrument that points to God's works—His acts of salvation and judgment—for those who are justified. Salvation, therefore, is experienced as a divine encounter—an understanding that the curse and condemnation have been silenced by God's grace. This realization brings a sense of peace and freedom from anxiety, as the burden of human judgment is lifted. The law subjects people to divine judgment, making them speechless before God's justice. It reveals the severity of divine wrath and prepares the way for God's vengeance against Israel’s enemies—both external nations and internal moral corruption. This process involves a gradual unfolding of divine blessing and curse, day by day, as God's standards are revealed and judgment is executed. The prophets used curses not merely as punishment but as part of God's larger plan to demonstrate His justice and to pave the way for ultimate salvation. The Greek word laleo, meaning “to speak,” can also imply a voice that transcends words—an expression of divine power that might be loud, commanding, or even alarming. Such a voice doesn’t necessarily rely on human language but conveys a strong, presence-filled proclamation that can be compelling or even damning, depending on the context. Within this framework, “responsible” refers to accountability before divine law—an obligation to adhere to God's standards, with corresponding consequences for failure or obedience. In summary, the biblical understanding emphasizes that divine justice and salvation are rooted in God's acts rather than human efforts alone. The prophets pointed to a divine solution that transcends law—God’s gracious acts that silence human boasting and bring about true righteousness. Coming to terms with this divine mystery involves recognizing that human attempts at justification through law are insufficient; instead, salvation is a gift rooted in God's divine action, which redefines the relationship between divine justice, mercy, and human responsibility. There exists a form of righteousness from God—distinct and separate from the law—that the Law and the prophets themselves affirmed. This divine righteousness is not achieved through legal adherence but is witnessed to through divine acts and promises. Consequently, attaining salvation requires a recognition of one’s inability to justify oneself before the law, leading to a kind of silence before divine justice. Yet, believers—God’s elect—are no longer under the curse of the law because of Christ's redemptive work.