The Chorus seems to believe that changing circumstances (ἀλλαγᾶι βίου) over which Oidipous had no control took their toll upon his mind, disturbed his equilibrium, and robbed him of restraint. The Chorus exonerates him of any role in causing the terrible changes that have befallen him. The term ἀλλαγᾶι βίου (“exchange of life”) recalls, however, a moment early in the play when the priest told Oidipous that the suppliants regarded him as preeminent in “interventions of the gods” (δαιμόνων συναλλαγαῖς, l. 34). Prompting the audience to reassess the “vicissitudes” suffered by Oidipous as divine interventions, the echo will seem to confirm the audience’s growing conviction that Apollo has been taking a direct hand in managing all significant events of Oidipous’s life. [Gd] [Apa] The god arranged a literal “exchange” wherein Oidipous replaced Laios at the hearth, in bed, on the throne, and even at the focus of divine attention. All the outward signs of Oidipous’s apparent preeminence in dealing with the gods have been shown to be prime examples of divine intervention in his life. What were at first thought to be his most notable successes now appear rather to be evidence of the god’s most notable successes in dealing with his family’s intransigence and impiety. The mistaken belief that he deserves the credit for his successes has been destructive both to him and the city that welcomed him as its savior. In giving him credit that was due its gods, the city has dishonored them and over-elevated its sense of self-sufficiency. This has in turn led the city to alienate from itself life-giving aid that it could have obtained from its gods. [Mpea] [Md] [Mpea] [Mi]