The word δίκης seems here to mean “by rights,” an affirmation like “in fact,” but it recalls Oidipous’s pledge to be Apollo’s ally “in justice” (ἐνδίκως; l. 135), a promise on which he has been making good. This positive judgment prompts the audience to confront its view that Oidipous has affronted Apollo. These two opposite judgments make it necessary to give one of the actions greater weight. If Apollo is just, Oidipous’s disobedience must outweigh his committed and unflinching service. But why? It seems that Oidipous is willing to serve the god when, and only when, he believes that the god is helping him to remove a cause of suffering. Whenever, on the other hand, Apollo demands him to perform an action to which he reacts with dismay, he not only refuses, he resists. Apollo’s administration of justice suggests that the most important commitment one can make is to carry out the instructions that the god gives, regardless of one’s own preference or judgment. [Aj] [Md] [Mip]