ABSTRACT
Irenaeus indicates the framework of the events of Israel's history from the circumcision given to Abraham as a sign of the 'excellency of his faith'. In Adversus Haereses we find certain passages which mention that the Word is both always present with his handiwork and also intervenes personally in a particular way in certain events. This chapter notes the way in which Irenaeus works out Noah's sons, Shem and Japheth's, fulfilment. These blessings and their fulfilment as the directive of history are the framework in which Irenaeus places the whole dispensation of redemption. The trinitarian content of Irenaeus's exposition as to the significance of the law at this stage of progress towards the knowledge and love of God, is seen in an emphatic way in his introduction to his observations on the institutions of the old covenant.
