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Early Christian
History
2 Esdras (4 Ezra)
"The main body of the book appears to be written for consolation in a period
of great distress (most likely Titus' destruction of the Second Temple in AD
70) according to the modern theory. The author seeks answers, similar
to Job's quest for understanding the meaning of suffering but the author
doesn't like or desire only the answer that was given to Job."
12:9-12 For thou hast judged me worthy
to shew me the last times. And he said unto me, This is the interpretation
of the vision: The eagle, whom thou sawest come up from the sea, is the
kingdom which was seen in the vision of thy brother Daniel. But it was not
expounded unto him, therefore now I declare it unto thee.
Bible, King James Version
2 Esdras (sometimes also referred to as Ezra/Shealtiel or
the Apocalypse of Ezra, which is also the name of a different but
interdependant work) is a Jewish apocalypse that some many scholars purport
to be written toward the end of the first century AD. It is not accepted as
scriptural by most Christians, who list it among the Apocrypha. However the
Ethiopian and Russian Orthodox churches consider it canonical, and it was
often cited by the Fathers of the Church.
1 Naming, numbering, and language
2 Contents
3 Author and criticism
4 Usage
5 See also
6 External links
Naming, numbering, and language
As with 1 Esdras, there is some confusion about the
numbering of this book. Some early Latin manuscripts call it 3 Esdras, and
Jerome denoted it 4 Esdras. Once Jerome's 1 and 2 Esdras were denoted Ezra
and Nehemiah in more recent times, the designation 2 Esdras became the most
common. The Russian Orthodox Church, which accords this book canonical
status in the Slavonic Bible, calls it 3 Esdras, with Ezra-Nehemiah being "1
Esdras" and what would otherwise have been called 1 Esdras being "2 Esdras."
[1]
Among Greek Fathers of the Church, the book is generally
cited as Εσδρας Προφήτης ("The Prophet Esdras") or Αποκάλυψις Εσδρα
("Apocalypse of Ezra"). Wellhausen, Charles, and Gunkel have shown that the
original composition was in Hebrew, which was translated into Greek, and
then to Latin, but the Hebrew and Greek editions have been lost. Sometimes
widely differing Syriac, Arabic, Ethiopic, Georgian, and Armenian
translations have also survived; the Greek version can be reconstructed
(without absolute certainty, of course) from these different translations,
while the Hebrew text remains a bit more elusive.
Contents
The first two chapters of the Latin version of the book
are definitely assumed by most scholars to be Christian in origin; it
describes God's rejection of the Jews in favor of the Christians. These are
generally considered to be late additions (possibly third century) to the
work, and they are found only in the Latin, not in the Eastern translations.
The rest of the book comprises seven visions of
Ezra the scribe. The first vision
takes place as Ezra is still in
Babylon. He asks God how
Israel can be kept in misery if God is just. The
archangel Uriel is sent to answer the
question, responding that God's ways cannot be understood by the human
mind. Soon, however, the end would come, and God's justice would be made
manifest. Similarly, in the second vision, Ezra asks why Israel was
delivered up to the Babylonians, and is again told that man cannot
understand this and that the end is near. The third vision asks why
Israel does not possess the world. Uriel responds that the current state
is a period of transition. Here follows a description of the fate of
evil-doers and the righteous. Ezra attempts to intercede for the
condemned, but is told that no one can escape his destiny.
The next three visions are more symbolic in nature. The
fourth is a woman mourning for her only son, who is transformed into a city
when she hears of the desolation of Zion. Uriel says that the woman is a
symbol of Zion. The fifth vision concerns an eagle with three heads and
twenty wings (twelve large and eight smaller wings "over against them"). The
eagle is rebuked by a lion and then burned. The explanation of this vision
is that the eagle refers to the fourth kingdom of the vision of Daniel, with
the wings and heads as rulers. The final scene is the triumph of the Messiah
over the empire. The sixth vision is a man who burns a crowd that is
attacking him. This man then turns to another peaceful multitude, which
accepts him. The man represents the Messiah, who is attacked by sinners but
accepted by the tribes of Israel.
Finally, there is a vision of the restoration of
scripture. God appears to Ezra in a bush and commands him to restore the
Law. Ezra gathers five scribes and begins to dictate. After forty days, he
has produced ninety-four books: the twenty-four books of the Tanakh and
seventy secret works. (This vision is omitted in the Latin translation of
the text.):
- "Make public the twenty-four books that you wrote first, and let
the worthy and the unworthy read them; but keep the seventy that
were written last, in order to give them to the wise among your
people." (14:45–46 RSV)
The "seventy" might refer to the Septuagint, most of the
apocrypha, or the Lost Books that are described in the Bible.
The last two chapters, which are found in the Latin but not in the
Eastern texts, predict wars and rebuke sinners. Many assume that they
probably date from a much later period (perhaps late
third century) and may
be Christian in origin. It's possible that they are Jewish in origin;
however, 15:57-59 have been found in Greek, which most scholars agree
was translated from a Hebrew original.
Author and criticism
The main body of the book appears to be written for
consolation in a period of great distress (most likely Titus' destruction of
the Second Temple in AD 70) according to the modern theory. The author seeks
answers, similar to Job's quest for understanding the meaning of suffering
but the author doesn't like or desire only the answer that was given to Job.
Critics question whether even the main body of the book [not counting
the chapters that exist only in the Latin version and in Greek
fragments] has a single author. Kalisch, De Faye, and Charles hold that
no less than five people worked on the text. However, Gunkel points to
the unity in character and holds that the book is written by a single
author; it's even possible that the so-called "Christian" chapters were
originally in the work. However it has also been suggested that the
author of II Esdras wrote the Apocalypse of Baruch.
In any case, the two texts (we don't have the original texts of these
works so we really can't say for certain) may date from about the same
time, and one almost certainly depends on the other.
Critics have widely debated the origin of the book. Hidden under two
layers of translation it is impossible to determine if the author was
Roman, Alexandrian, or Palestinian.
The interpretation of the eagle being the Roman Empire
(the eagle in the fifth vision, whose heads are most likely Vespasian, Titus
and Domitian if such is the case) and the destruction of the temple would
indicate that the probable date of composition lies toward the end of the
first century, perhaps 90–96, though some suggest a date as late as 218
Usage
The book is considered one of the gems of Jewish
apocalyptic literature. While it was not received into European Christian
canons, it is regarded as Scripture in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church as well
as in the Russian Orthodox Church, and it was also widely cited by early
Fathers of the Church, particularly Ambrose of Milan. The introitus of the
traditional Requiem in the Catholic Church is taken from chapter 2: "Eternal
rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them."
Several other liturgical prayers are taken from the book. Clement VIII
placed the book in the appendix following the New Testament in the Vulgate,
"lest [it] perish entirely" [2]
See also
External links
2 Esdras
4Ezra.1[1] The second book of the prophet Esdras, the son of Saraias,
the son of Azarias, the son of Helchias, the son of Sadamias, the sou of
Sadoc, the son of Achitob,
[2] The son of Achias, the son of Phinees, the son of Heli, the
son of Amarias, the son of Aziei, the son of Marimoth, the son of And he
spake unto the of Borith, the son of Abisei, the son of Phinees, the son
of Eleazar,
[3] The son of Aaron, of the tribe of Levi; which was captive in
the land of the Medes, in the reign of Artexerxes king of the Persians.
[4] And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying,
[5] Go thy way, and shew my people their sinful deeds, and their
children their wickedness which they have done against me; that they may
tell their children's children:
[6] Because the sins of their fathers are increased in them: for
they have forgotten me, and have offered unto strange gods.
[7] Am not I even he that brought them out of the land of Egypt,
from the house of bondage? but they have provoked me unto wrath, and
despised my counsels.
[8] Pull thou off then the hair of thy head, and cast all evil
upon them, for they have not been obedient unto my law, but it is a
rebellious people.
[9] How long shall I forbear them, into whom I have done so much
good?
[10] Many kings have I destroyed for their sakes; Pharaoh with
his servants and all his power have I smitten down.
[11] All the nations have I destroyed before them, and in the
east I have scattered the people of two provinces, even of Tyrus and
Sidon, and have slain all their enemies.
[12] Speak thou therefore unto them, saying, Thus saith the Lord,
[13] I led you through the sea and in the beginning gave you a
large and safe passage; I gave you Moses for a leader, and Aaron for a
priest.
[14] I gave you light in a pillar of fire, and great wonders have
I done among you; yet have ye forgotten me, saith the Lord.
[15] Thus saith the Almighty Lord, The quails were as a token to
you; I gave you tents for your safeguard: nevertheless ye murmured
there,
[16] And triumphed not in my name for the destruction of your
enemies, but ever to this day do ye yet murmur.
[17] Where are the benefits that I have done for you? when ye
were hungry and thirsty in the wilderness, did ye not cry unto me,
[18] Saying, Why hast thou brought us into this wilderness to
kill us? it had been better for us to have served the Egyptians, than to
die in this wilderness.
[19] Then had I pity upon your mournings, and gave you manna to
eat; so ye did eat angels' bread.
[20] When ye were thirsty, did I not cleave the rock, and waters
flowed out to your fill? for the heat I covered you with the leaves of
the trees.
[21] I divided among you a fruitful land, I cast out the
Canaanites, the Pherezites, and the Philistines, before you: what shall
I yet do more for you? saith the Lord.
[22] Thus saith the Almighty Lord, When ye were in the
wilderness, in the river of the Amorites, being athirst, and blaspheming
my name,
[23] I gave you not fire for your blasphemies, but cast a tree in
the water, and made the river sweet.
[24] What shall I do unto thee, O Jacob? thou, Juda, wouldest not
obey me: I will turn me to other nations, and unto those will I give my
name, that they may keep my statutes.
[25] Seeing ye have forsaken me, I will forsake you also; when ye
desire me to be gracious unto you, I shall have no mercy upon you.
[26] Whensoever ye shall call upon me, I will not hear you: for
ye have defiled your hands with blood, and your feet are swift to commit
manslaughter.
[27] Ye have not as it were forsaken me, but your own selves,
saith the Lord.
[28] Thus saith the Almighty Lord, Have I not prayed you as a
father his sons, as a mother her daughters, and a nurse her young babes,
[29] That ye would be my people, and I should be your God; that
ye would be my children, and I should be your father?
[30] I gathered you together, as a hen gathereth her chickens
under her wings: but now, what shall I do unto you? I will cast you out
from my face.
[31] When ye offer unto me, I will turn my face from you: for
your solemn feastdays, your new moons, and your circumcisions, have I
forsaken.
[32] I sent unto you my servants the prophets, whom ye have taken
and slain, and torn their bodies in pieces, whose blood I will require
of your hands, saith the Lord.
[33] Thus saith the Almighty Lord, Your house is desolate, I will
cast you out as the wind doth stubble.
[34] And your children shall not be fruitful; for they have
despised my commandment, and done the thing that is an evil before me.
[35] Your houses will I give to a people that shall come; which
not having heard of me yet shall believe me; to whom I have shewed no
signs, yet they shall do that I have commanded them.
[36] They have seen no prophets, yet they shall call their sins
to remembrance, and acknowledge them.
[37] I take to witness the grace of the people to come, whose
little ones rejoice in gladness: and though they have not seen me with
bodily eyes, yet in spirit they believe the thing that I say.
[38] And now, brother, behold what glory; and see the people that
come from the east:
[39] Unto whom I will give for leaders, Abraham, Isaac, and
Jacob, Oseas, Amos, and Micheas, Joel, Abdias, and Jonas,
[40] Nahum, and Abacuc, Sophonias, Aggeus, Zachary, and Malachy,
which is called also an angel of the Lord.
4Ezra.2[1] Thus saith the Lord, I brought this people out of bondage,
and I gave them my commandments by menservants the prophets; whom they
would not hear, but despised my counsels.
[2] The mother that bare them saith unto them, Go your way, ye
children; for I am a widow and forsaken.
[3] I brought you up with gladness; but with sorrow and heaviness
have I lost you: for ye have sinned before the Lord your God, and done
that thing that is evil before him.
[4] But what shall I now do unto you? I am a widow and forsaken:
go your way, O my children, and ask mercy of the Lord.
[5] As for me, O father, I call upon thee for a witness over the
mother of these children, which would not keep my covenant,
[6] That thou bring them to confusion, and their mother to a
spoil, that there may be no offspring of them.
[7] Let them be scattered abroad among the heathen, let their
names be put out of the earth: for they have despised my covenant.
[8] Woe be unto thee, Assur, thou that hidest the unrighteous in
thee! O thou wicked people, remember what I did unto Sodom and Gomorrha;
[9] Whose land lieth in clods of pitch and heaps of ashes: even
so also will I do unto them that hear me not, saith the Almighty Lord.
[10] Thus saith the Lord unto Esdras, Tell my people that I will
give them the kingdom of Jerusalem, which I would have given unto
Israel.
[11] Their glory also will I take unto me, and give these the
everlasting tabernacles, which I had prepared for them.
[12] They shall have the tree of life for an ointment of sweet
savour; they shall neither labour, nor be weary.
[13] Go, and ye shall receive: pray for few days unto you, that
they may be shortened: the kingdom is already prepared for you: watch.
[14] Take heaven and earth to witness; for I have broken the evil
in pieces, and created the good: for I live, saith the Lord.
[15] Mother, embrace thy children, and bring them up with
gladness, make their feet as fast as a pillar: for I have chosen thee,
saith the Lord.
[16] And those that be dead will I raise up again from their
places, and bring them out of the graves: for I have known my name in
Israel.
[17] Fear not, thou mother of the children: for I have chosen
thee, saith the Lord.
[18] For thy help will I send my servants Esau and Jeremy, after
whose counsel I have sanctified and prepared for thee twelve trees laden
with divers fruits,
[19] And as many fountains flowing with milk and honey, and seven
mighty mountains, whereupon there grow roses and lilies, whereby I will
fill thy children with joy.
[20] Do right to the widow, judge for the fatherless, give to the
poor, defend the orphan, clothe the naked,
[21] Heal the broken and the weak, laugh not a lame man to scorn,
defend the maimed, and let the blind man come into the sight of my
clearness.
[22] Keep the old and young within thy walls.
[23] Wheresoever thou findest the dead, take them and bury them,
and I will give thee the first place in my resurrection.
[24] Abide still, O my people, and take thy rest, for thy
quietness still come.
[25] Nourish thy children, O thou good nurse; stablish their
feet.
[26] As for the servants whom I have given thee, there shall not
one of them perish; for I will require them from among thy number.
[27] Be not weary: for when the day of trouble and heaviness
cometh, others shall weep and be sorrowful, but thou shalt be merry and
have abundance.
[28] The heathen shall envy thee, but they shall be able to do
nothing against thee, saith the Lord.
[29] My hands shall cover thee, so that thy children shall not
see hell.
[30] Be joyful, O thou mother, with thy children; for I will
deliver thee, saith the Lord.
[31] Remember thy children that sleep, for I shall bring them out
of the sides of the earth, and shew mercy unto them: for I am merciful,
saith the Lord Almighty.
[32] Embrace thy children until I come and shew mercy unto them:
for my wells run over, and my grace shall not fail.
[33] I Esdras received a charge of the Lord upon the mount Oreb,
that I should go unto Israel; but when I came unto them, they set me at
nought, and despised the commandment of the Lord.
[34] And therefore I say unto you, O ye heathen, that hear and
understand, look for your Shepherd, he shall give you everlasting rest;
for he is nigh at hand, that shall come in the end of the world.
[35] Be ready to the reward of the kingdom, for the everlasting
light shall shine upon you for evermore.
[36] Flee the shadow of this world, receive the joyfulness of
your glory: I testify my Saviour openly.
[37] O receive the gift that is given you, and be glad, giving
thanks unto him that hath led you to the heavenly kingdom.
[38] Arise up and stand, behold the number of those that be
sealed in the feast of the Lord;
[39] Which are departed from the shadow of the world, and have
received glorious garments of the Lord.
[40] Take thy number, O Sion, and shut up those of thine that are
clothed in white, which have fulfilled the law of the Lord.
[41] The number of thy children, whom thou longedst for, is
fulfilled: beseech the power of the Lord, that thy people, which have
been called from the beginning, may be hallowed.
[42] I Esdras saw upon the mount Sion a great people, whom I
could not number, and they all praised the Lord with songs.
[43] And in the midst of them there was a young man of a high
stature, taller than all the rest, and upon every one of their heads he
set crowns, and was more exalted; which I marvelled at greatly.
[44] So I asked the angel, and said, Sir, what are these?
[45] He answered and said unto me, These be they that have put
off the mortal clothing, and put on the immortal, and have confessed the
name of God: now are they crowned, and receive palms.
[46] Then said I unto the angel, What young person is it that
crowneth them, and giveth them palms in their hands?
[47] So he answered and said unto me, It is the Son of God, whom
they have confessed in the world. Then began I greatly to commend them
that stood so stiffly for the name of the Lord.
[48] Then the angel said unto me, Go thy way, and tell my people
what manner of things, and how great wonders of the Lord thy God, thou
hast seen.
4Ezra.3[1] In the thirtieth year after the ruin of the city I was in
Babylon, and lay troubled upon my bed, and my thoughts came up over my
heart:
[2] For I saw the desolation of Sion, and the wealth of them that
dwelt at Babylon.
[3] And my spirit was sore moved, so that I began to speak words
full of fear to the most High, and said,
[4] O Lord, who bearest rule, thou spakest at the beginning, when
thou didst plant the earth, and that thyself alone, and commandedst the
people,
[5] And gavest a body unto Adam without soul, which was the
workmanship of thine hands, and didst breathe into him the breath of
life, and he was made living before thee.
[6] And thou leadest him into paradise, which thy right hand had
planted, before ever the earth came forward.
[7] And unto him thou gavest commandment to love thy way: which
he transgressed, and immediately thou appointedst death in him and in
his generations, of whom came nations, tribes, people, and kindreds, out
of number.
[8] And every people walked after their own will, and did
wonderful things before thee, and despised thy commandments.
[9] And again in process of time thou broughtest the flood upon
those that dwelt in the world, and destroyedst them.
[10] And it came to pass in every of them, that as death was to
Adam, so was the flood to these.
[11] Nevertheless one of them thou leftest, namely, Noah with his
household, of whom came all righteous men.
[12] And it happened, that when they that dwelt upon the earth
began to multiply, and had gotten them many children, and were a great
people, they began again to be more ungodly than the first.
[13] Now when they lived so wickedly before thee, thou didst
choose thee a man from among them, whose name was Abraham.
[14] Him thou lovedst, and unto him only thou shewedst thy will:
[15] And madest an everlasting covenant with him, promising him
that thou wouldest never forsake his seed.
[16] And unto him thou gavest Isaac, and unto Isaac also thou
gavest Jacob and Esau. As for Jacob, thou didst choose him to thee, and
put by Esau: and so Jacob became a great multitude.
[17] And it came to pass, that when thou leadest his seed out of
Egypt, thou broughtest them up to the mount Sinai.
[18] And bowing the heavens, thou didst set fast the earth,
movedst the whole world, and madest the depths to tremble, and
troubledst the men of that age.
[19] And thy glory went through four gates, of fire, and of
earthquake, and of wind, and of cold; that thou mightest give the law
unto the seed of Jacob, and diligence unto the generation of Israel.
[20] And yet tookest thou not away from them a wicked heart, that
thy law might bring forth fruit in them.
[21] For the first Adam bearing a wicked heart transgressed, and
was overcome; and so be all they that are born of him.
[22] Thus infirmity was made permanent; and the law (also) in the
heart of the people with the malignity of the root; so that the good
departed away, and the evil abode still.
[23] So the times passed away, and the years were brought to an
end: then didst thou raise thee up a servant, called David:
[24] Whom thou commandedst to build a city unto thy name, and to
offer incense and oblations unto thee therein.
[25] When this was done many years, then they that inhabited the
city forsook thee,
[26] And in all things did even as Adam and all his generations
had done: for they also had a wicked heart:
[27] And so thou gavest thy city over into the hands of thine
enemies.
[28] Are their deeds then any better that inhabit Babylon, that
they should therefore have the dominion over Sion?
[29] For when I came thither, and had seen impieties without
number, then my soul saw many evildoers in this thirtieth year, so that
my heart failed me.
[30] For I have seen how thou sufferest them sinning, and hast
spared wicked doers: and hast destroyed thy people, and hast preserved
thine enemies, and hast not signified it.
[31] I do not remember how this way may be left: Are they then of
Babylon better than they of Sion?
[32] Or is there any other people that knoweth thee beside
Israel? or what generation hath so believed thy covenants as Jacob?
[33] And yet their reward appeareth not, and their labour hath no
fruit: for I have gone here and there through the heathen, and I see
that they flow in wealth, and think not upon thy commandments.
[34] Weigh thou therefore our wickedness now in the balance, and
their's also that dwell the world; and so shall thy name no where be
found but in Israel.
[35] Or when was it that they which dwell upon the earth have not
sinned in thy sight? or what people have so kept thy commandments?
[36] Thou shalt find that Israel by name hath kept thy precepts;
but not the heathen.
4Ezra.4
[1] And the angel that was sent unto me, whose name was Uriel, gave
me an answer,
[2] And said, Thy heart hath gone to far in this world, and thinkest
thou to comprehend the way of the most High?
[3] Then said I, Yea, my lord. And he answered me, and said, I am
sent to shew thee three ways, and to set forth three similitudes before
thee:
[4] Whereof if thou canst declare me one, I will shew thee also the
way that thou desirest to see, and I shall shew thee from whence the wicked
heart cometh.
[5] And I said, Tell on, my lord. Then said he unto me, Go thy way,
weigh me the weight of the fire, or measure me the blast of the wind, or
call me again the day that is past.
[6] Then answered I and said, What man is able to do that, that thou
shouldest ask such things of me?
[7] And he said unto me, If I should ask thee how great dwellings are
in the midst of the sea, or how many springs are in the beginning of the
deep, or how many springs are above the firmament, or which are the
outgoings of paradise:
[8] Peradventure thou wouldest say unto me, I never went down into
the deep, nor as yet into hell, neither did I ever climb up into heaven.
[9] Nevertheless now have I asked thee but only of the fire and wind,
and of the day wherethrough thou hast passed, and of things from which thou
canst not be separated, and yet canst thou give me no answer of them.
[10] He said moreover unto me, Thine own things, and such as are
grown up with thee, canst thou not know;
[11] How should thy vessel then be able to comprehend the way of the
Highest, and, the world being now outwardly corrupted to understand the
corruption that is evident in my sight?
[12] Then said I unto him, It were better that we were not at all,
than that we should live still in wickedness, and to suffer, and not to know
wherefore.
[13] He answered me, and said, I went into a forest into a plain, and
the trees took counsel,
[14] And said, Come, let us go and make war against the sea that it
may depart away before us, and that we may make us more woods.
[15] The floods of the sea also in like manner took counsel, and
said, Come, let us go up and subdue the woods of the plain, that there also
we may make us another country.
[16] The thought of the wood was in vain, for the fire came and
consumed it.
[17] The thought of the floods of the sea came likewise to nought,
for the sand stood up and stopped them.
[18] If thou wert judge now betwixt these two, whom wouldest thou
begin to justify? or whom wouldest thou condemn?
[19] I answered and said, Verily it is a foolish thought that they
both have devised, for the ground is given unto the wood, and the sea also
hath his place to bear his floods.
[20] Then answered he me, and said, Thou hast given a right judgment,
but why judgest thou not thyself also?
[21] For like as the ground is given unto the wood, and the sea to
his floods: even so they that dwell upon the earth may understand nothing
but that which is upon the earth: and he that dwelleth above the heavens may
only understand the things that are above the height of the heavens.
[22] Then answered I and said, I beseech thee, O Lord, let me have
understanding:
[23] For it was not my mind to be curious of the high things, but of
such as pass by us daily, namely, wherefore Israel is given up as a reproach
to the heathen, and for what cause the people whom thou hast loved is given
over unto ungodly nations, and why the law of our forefathers is brought to
nought, and the written covenants come to none effect,
[24] And we pass away out of the world as grasshoppers, and our life
is astonishment and fear, and we are not worthy to obtain mercy.
[25] What will he then do unto his name whereby we are called? of
these things have I asked.
[26] Then answered he me, and said, The more thou searchest, the more
thou shalt marvel; for the world hasteth fast to pass away,
[27] And cannot comprehend the things that are promised to the
righteous in time to come: for this world is full of unrighteousness and
infirmities.
[28] But as concerning the things whereof thou askest me, I will tell
thee; for the evil is sown, but the destruction thereof is not yet come.
[29] If therefore that which is sown be not turned upside down, and
if the place where the evil is sown pass not away, then cannot it come that
is sown with good.
[30] For the grain of evil seed hath been sown in the heart of Adam
from the beginning, and how much ungodliness hath it brought up unto this
time? and how much shall it yet bring forth until the time of threshing
come?
[31] Ponder now by thyself, how great fruit of wickedness the grain
of evil seed hath brought forth.
[32] And when the ears shall be cut down, which are without number,
how great a floor shall they fill?
[33] Then I answered and said, How, and when shall these things come
to pass? wherefore are our years few and evil?
[34] And he answered me, saying, Do not thou hasten above the most
Highest: for thy haste is in vain to be above him, for thou hast much
exceeded.
[35] Did not the souls also of the righteous ask question of these
things in their chambers, saying, How long shall I hope on this fashion?
when cometh the fruit of the floor of our reward?
[36] And unto these things Uriel the archangel gave them answer, and
said, Even when the number of seeds is filled in you: for he hath weighed
the world in the balance.
[37] By measure hath he measured the times; and by number hath he
numbered the times; and he doth not move nor stir them, until the said
measure be fulfilled.
[38] Then answered I and said, O Lord that bearest rule, even we all
are full of impiety.
[39] And for our sakes peradventure it is that the floors of the
righteous are not filled, because of the sins of them that dwell upon the
earth.
[40] So he answered me, and said, Go thy way to a woman with child,
and ask of her when she hath fulfilled her nine months, if her womb may keep
the birth any longer within her.
[41] Then said I, No, Lord, that can she not. And he said unto me, In
the grave the chambers of souls are like the womb of a woman:
[42] For like as a woman that travaileth maketh haste to escape the
necessity of the travail: even so do these places haste to deliver those
things that are committed unto them.
[43] From the beginning, look, what thou desirest to see, it shall be
shewed thee.
[44] Then answered I and said, If I have found favour in thy sight,
and if it be possible, and if I be meet therefore,
[45] Shew me then whether there be more to come than is past, or more
past than is to come.
[46] What is past I know, but what is for to come I know not.
[47] And he said unto me, Stand up upon the right side, and I shall
expound the similitude unto thee.
[48] So I stood, and saw, and, behold, an hot burning oven passed by
before me: and it happened that when the flame was gone by I looked, and,
behold, the smoke remained still.
[49] After this there passed by before me a watery cloud, and sent
down much rain with a storm; and when the stormy rain was past, the drops
remained still.
[50] Then said he unto me, Consider with thyself; as the rain is more
than the drops, and as the fire is greater than the smoke; but the drops and
the smoke remain behind: so the quantity which is past did more exceed.
[51] Then I prayed, and said, May I live, thinkest thou, until that
time? or what shall happen in those days?
[52] He answered me, and said, As for the tokens whereof thou askest
me, I may tell thee of them in part: but as touching thy life, I am not sent
to shew thee; for I do not know it.
4Ezra.5
[1] Nevertheless as coming the tokens, behold, the days shall come,
that they which dwell upon earth shall be taken in a great number, and the
way of truth shall be hidden, and the land shall be barren of faith.
[2] But iniquity shall be increased above that which now thou seest,
or that thou hast heard long ago.
[3] And the land, that thou seest now to have root, shalt thou see
wasted suddenly.
[4] But if the most High grant thee to live, thou shalt see after the
third trumpet that the sun shall suddenly shine again in the night, and the
moon thrice in the day:
[5] And blood shall drop out of wood, and the stone shall give his
voice, and the people shall be troubled:
[6] And even he shall rule, whom they look not for that dwell upon
the earth, and the fowls shall take their flight away together:
[7] And the Sodomitish sea shall cast out fish, and make a noise in
the night, which many have not known: but they shall all hear the voice
thereof.
[8] There shall be a confusion also in many places, and the fire
shall be oft sent out again, and the wild beasts shall change their places,
and menstruous women shall bring forth monsters:
[9] And salt waters shall be found in the sweet, and all friends
shall destroy one another; then shall wit hide itself, and understanding
withdraw itself into his secret chamber,
[10] And shall be sought of many, and yet not be found: then shall
unrighteousness and incontinency be multiplied upon earth.
[11] One land also shall ask another, and say, Is righteousness that
maketh a man righteous gone through thee? And it shall say, No.
[12] At the same time shall men hope, but nothing obtain: they shall
labour, but their ways shall not prosper.
[13] To shew thee such tokens I have leave; and if thou wilt pray
again, and weep as now, and fast even days, thou shalt hear yet greater
things.
[14] Then I awaked, and an extreme fearfulness went through all my
body, and my mind was troubled, so that it fainted.
[15] So the angel that was come to talk with me held me, comforted
me, and set me up upon my feet.
[16] And in the second night it came to pass, that Salathiel the
captain of the people came unto me, saying, Where hast thou been? and why is
thy countenance so heavy?
[17] Knowest thou not that Israel is committed unto thee in the land
of their captivity?
[18] Up then, and eat bread, and forsake us not, as the shepherd that
leaveth his flock in the hands of cruel wolves.
[19] Then said I unto him, Go thy ways from me, and come not nigh me.
And he heard what I said, and went from me.
[20] And so I fasted seven days, mourning and weeping, like as Uriel
the angel commanded me.
[21] And after seven days so it was, that the thoughts of my heart
were very grievous unto me again,
[22] And my soul recovered the spirit of understanding, and I began
to talk with the most High again,
[23] And said, O Lord that bearest rule, of every wood of the earth,
and of all the trees thereof, thou hast chosen thee one only vine:
[24] And of all lands of the whole world thou hast chosen thee one
pit: and of all the flowers thereof one lily:
[25] And of all the depths of the sea thou hast filled thee one
river: and of all builded cities thou hast hallowed Sion unto thyself:
[26] And of all the fowls that are created thou hast named thee one
dove: and of all the cattle that are made thou hast provided thee one sheep:
[27] And among all the multitudes of people thou hast gotten thee one
people: and unto this people, whom thou lovedst, thou gavest a law that is
approved of all.
[28] And now, O Lord, why hast thou given this one people over unto
many? and upon the one root hast thou prepared others, and why hast thou
scattered thy only one people among many?
[29] And they which did gainsay thy promises, and believed not thy
covenants, have trodden them down.
[30] If thou didst so much hate thy people, yet shouldest thou punish
them with thine own hands.
[31] Now when I had spoken these words, the angel that came to me the
night afore was sent unto me,
[32] And said unto me, Hear me, and I will instruct thee; hearken to
the thing that I say, and I shall tell thee more.
[33] And I said, Speak on, my Lord. Then said he unto me, Thou art
sore troubled in mind for Israel's sake: lovest thou that people better than
he that made them?
[34] And I said, No, Lord: but of very grief have I spoken: for my
reins pain me every hour, while I labour to comprehend the way of the most
High, and to seek out part of his judgment.
[35] And he said unto me, Thou canst not. And I said, Wherefore,
Lord? whereunto was I born then? or why was not my mother's womb then my
grave, that I might not have seen the travail of Jacob, and the wearisome
toil of the stock of Israel?
[36] And he said unto me, Number me the things that are not yet come,
gather me together the dross that are scattered abroad, make me the flowers
green again that are withered,
[37] Open me the places that are closed, and bring me forth the winds
that in them are shut up, shew me the image of a voice: and then I will
declare to thee the thing that thou labourest to know.
[38] And I said, O Lord that bearest rule, who may know these things,
but he that hath not his dwelling with men?
[39] As for me, I am unwise: how may I then speak of these things
whereof thou askest me?
[40] Then said he unto me, Like as thou canst do none of these things
that I have spoken of, even so canst thou not find out my judgment, or in
the end the love that I have promised unto my people.
[41] And I said, Behold, O Lord, yet art thou nigh unto them that be
reserved till the end: and what shall they do that have been before me, or
we that be now, or they that shall come after us?
[42] And he said unto me, I will liken my judgment unto a ring: like
as there is no slackness of the last, even so there is no swiftness of the
first.
[43] So I answered and said, Couldest thou not make those that have
been made, and be now, and that are for to come, at once; that thou mightest
shew thy judgment the sooner?
[44] Then answered he me, and said, The creature may not haste above
the maker; neither may the world hold them at once that shall be created
therein.
[45] And I said, As thou hast said unto thy servant, that thou, which
givest life to all, hast given life at once to the creature that thou hast
created, and the creature bare it: even so it might now also bear them that
now be present at once.
[46] And he said unto me, Ask the womb of a woman, and say unto her,
If thou bringest forth children, why dost thou it not together, but one
after another? pray her therefore to bring forth ten children at once.
[47] And I said, She cannot: but must do it by distance of time.
[48] Then said he unto me, Even so have I given the womb of the earth
to those that be sown in it in their times.
[49] For like as a young child may not bring forth the things that
belong to the aged, even so have I disposed the world which I created.
[50] And I asked, and said, Seeing thou hast now given me the way, I
will proceed to speak before thee: for our mother, of whom thou hast told me
that she is young, draweth now nigh unto age.
[51] He answered me, and said, Ask a woman that beareth children, and
she shall tell thee.
[52] Say unto her, Wherefore are unto they whom thou hast now brought
forth like those that were before, but less of stature?
[53] And she shall answer thee, They that be born in the the strength
of youth are of one fashion, and they that are born in the time of age, when
the womb faileth, are otherwise.
[54] Consider thou therefore also, how that ye are less of stature
than those that were before you.
[55] And so are they that come after you less than ye, as the
creatures which now begin to be old, and have passed over the strength of
youth.
[56] Then said I, Lord, I beseech thee, if I have found favour in thy
sight, shew thy servant by whom thou visitest thy creature.
4Ezra.6
[1] And he said unto me, In the beginning, when the earth was made,
before the borders of the world stood, or ever the winds blew,
[2] Before it thundered and lightened, or ever the foundations of
paradise were laid,
[3] Before the fair flowers were seen, or ever the moveable powers
were established, before the innumerable multitude of angels were gathered
together,
[4] Or ever the heights of the air were lifted up, before the
measures of the firmament were named, or ever the chimneys in Sion were hot,
[5] And ere the present years were sought out, and or ever the
inventions of them that now sin were turned, before they were sealed that
have gathered faith for a treasure:
[6] Then did I consider these things, and they all were made through
me alone, and through none other: by me also they shall be ended, and by
none other.
[7] Then answered I and said, What shall be the parting asunder of
the times? or when shall be the end of the first, and the beginning of it
that followeth?
[8] And he said unto me, From Abraham unto Isaac, when Jacob and Esau
were born of him, Jacob's hand held first the heel of Esau.
[9] For Esau is the end of the world, and Jacob is the beginning of
it that followeth.
[10] The hand of man is betwixt the heel and the hand: other
question, Esdras, ask thou not.
[11] I answered then and said, O Lord that bearest rule, if I have
found favour in thy sight,
[12] I beseech thee, shew thy servant the end of thy tokens, whereof
thou shewedst me part the last night.
[13] So he answered and said unto me, Stand up upon thy feet, and
hear a mighty sounding voice.
[14] And it shall be as it were a great motion; but the place where
thou standest shall not be moved.
[15] And therefore when it speaketh be not afraid: for the word is of
the end, and the foundation of the earth is understood.
[16] And why? because the speech of these things trembleth and is
moved: for it knoweth that the end of these things must be changed.
[17] And it happened, that when I had heard it I stood up upon my
feet, and hearkened, and, behold, there was a voice that spake, and the
sound of it was like the sound of many waters.
[18] And it said, Behold, the days come, that I will begin to draw
nigh, and to visit them that dwell upon the earth,
[19] And will begin to make inquisition of them, what they be that
have hurt unjustly with their unrighteousness, and when the affliction of
Sion shall be fulfilled;
[20] And when the world, that shall begin to vanish away, shall be
finished, then will I shew these tokens: the books shall be opened before
the firmament, and they shall see all together:
[21] And the children of a year old shall speak with their voices,
the women with child shall bring forth untimely children of three or four
months old, and they shall live, and be raised up.
[22] And suddenly shall the sown places appear unsown, the full
storehouses shall suddenly be found empty:
[23] And tha trumpet shall give a sound, which when every man
heareth, they shall be suddenly afraid.
[24] At that time shall friends fight one against another like
enemies, and the earth shall stand in fear with those that dwell therein,
the springs of the fountains shall stand still, and in three hours they
shall not run.
[25] Whosoever remaineth from all these that I have told thee shall
escape, and see my salvation, and the end of your world.
[26] And the men that are received shall see it, who have not tasted
death from their birth: and the heart of the inhabitants shall be changed,
and turned into another meaning.
[27] For evil shall be put out, and deceit shall be quenched.
[28] As for faith, it shall flourish, corruption shall be overcome,
and the truth, which hath been so long without fruit, shall be declared.
[29] And when he talked with me, behold, I looked by little and
little upon him before whom I stood.
[30] And these words said he unto me; I am come to shew thee the time
of the night to come.
[31] If thou wilt pray yet more, and fast seven days again, I shall
tell thee greater things by day than I have heard.
[32] For thy voice is heard before the most High: for the Mighty hath
seen thy righteous dealing, he hath seen also thy chastity, which thou hast
had ever since thy youth.
[33] And therefore hath he sent me to shew thee all these things, and
to say unto thee, Be of good comfort and fear not
[34] And hasten not with the times that are past, to think vain
things, that thou mayest not hasten from the latter times.
[35] And it came to pass after this, that I wept again, and fasted
seven days in like manner, that I might fulfil the three weeks which he told
me.
[36] And in the eighth night was my heart vexed within me again, and
I began to speak before the most High.
[37] For my spirit was greatly set on fire, and my soul was in
distress.
[38] And I said, O Lord, thou spakest from the beginning of the
creation, even the first day, and saidst thus; Let heaven and earth be made;
and thy word was a perfect work.
[39] And then was the spirit, and darkness and silence were on every
side; the sound of man's voice was not yet formed.
[40] Then commandedst thou a fair light to come forth of thy
treasures, that thy work might appear.
[41] Upon the second day thou madest the spirit of the firmament, and
commandedst it to part asunder, and to make a division betwixt the waters,
that the one part might go up, and the other remain beneath.
[42] Upon the third day thou didst command that the waters should be
gathered in the seventh part of the earth: six pats hast thou dried up, and
kept them, to the intent that of these some being planted of God and tilled
might serve thee.
[43] For as soon as thy word went forth the work was made.
[44] For immediately there was great and innumerable fruit, and many
and divers pleasures for the taste, and flowers of unchangeable colour, and
odours of wonderful smell: and this was done the third day.
[45] Upon the fourth day thou commandedst that the sun should shine,
and the moon give her light, and the stars should be in order:
[46] And gavest them a charge to do service unto man, that was to be
made.
[47] Upon the fifth day thou saidst unto the seventh part, where the
waters were gathered that it should bring forth living creatures, fowls and
fishes: and so it came to pass.
[48] For the dumb water and without life brought forth living things
at the commandment of God, that all people might praise thy wondrous works.
[49] Then didst thou ordain two living creatures, the one thou
calledst Enoch, and the other Leviathan;
[50] And didst separate the one from the other: for the seventh part,
namely, where the water was gathered together, might not hold them both.
[51] Unto Enoch thou gavest one part, which was dried up the third
day, that he should dwell in the same part, wherein are a thousand hills:
[52] But unto Leviathan thou gavest the seventh part, namely, the
moist; and hast kept him to be devoured of whom thou wilt, and when.
[53] Upon the sixth day thou gavest commandment unto the earth, that
before thee it should bring forth beasts, cattle, and creeping things:
[54] And after these, Adam also, whom thou madest lord of all thy
creatures: of him come we all, and the people also whom thou hast chosen.
[55] All this have I spoken before thee, O Lord, because thou madest
the world for our sakes
[56] As for the other people, which also come of Adam, thou hast said
that they are nothing, but be like unto spittle: and hast likened the
abundance of them unto a drop that falleth from a vessel.
[57] And now, O Lord, behold, these heathen, which have ever been
reputed as nothing, have begun to be lords over us, and to devour us.
[58] But we thy people, whom thou hast called thy firstborn, thy only
begotten, and thy fervent lover, are given into their hands.
[59] If the world now be made for our sakes, why do we not possess an
inheritance with the world? how long shall this endure?
4Ezra.7
[1] And when I had made an end of speaking these words, there was
sent unto me the angel which had been sent unto me the nights afore:
[2] And he said unto me, Up, Esdras, and hear the words that I am
come to tell thee.
[3] And I said, Speak on, my God. Then said he unto me, The sea is
set in a wide place, that it might be deep and great.
[4] But put the case the entrance were narrow, and like a river;
[5] Who then could go into the sea to look upon it, and to rule it?
if he went not through the narrow, how could he come into the broad?
[6] There is also another thing; A city is builded, and set upon a
broad field, and is full of all good things:
[7] The entrance thereof is narrow, and is set in a dangerous place
to fall, like as if there were a fire on the right hand, and on the left a
deep water:
[8] And one only path between them both, even between the fire and
the water, so small that there could but one man go there at once.
[9] If this city now were given unto a man for an inheritance, if he
never shall pass the danger set before it, how shall he receive this
inheritance?
[10] And I said, It is so, Lord. Then said he unto me, Even so also
is Israel's portion.
[11] Because for their sakes I made the world: and when Adam
transgressed my statutes, then was decreed that now is done.
[12] Then were the entrances of this world made narrow, full of
sorrow and travail: they are but few and evil, full of perils,: and very
painful.
[13] For the entrances of the elder world were wide and sure, and
brought immortal fruit.
[14] If then they that live labour not to enter these strait and vain
things, they can never receive those that are laid up for them.
[15] Now therefore why disquietest thou thyself, seeing thou art but
a corruptible man? and why art thou moved, whereas thou art but mortal?
[16] Why hast thou not considered in thy mind this thing that is to
come, rather than that which is present?
[17] Then answered I and said, O Lord that bearest rule, thou hast
ordained in thy law, that the righteous should inherit these things, but
that the ungodly should perish.
[18] Nevertheless the righteous shall suffer strait things, and hope
for wide: for they that have done wickedly have suffered the strait things,
and yet shall not see the wide.
[19] And he said unto me. There is no judge above God, and none that
hath understanding above the Highest.
[20] For there be many that perish in this life, because they despise
the law of God that is set before them.
[21] For God hath given strait commandment to such as came, what they
should do to live, even as they came, and what they should observe to avoid
punishment.
[22] Nevertheless they were not obedient unto him; but spake against
him, and imagined vain things;
[23] And deceived themselves by their wicked deeds; and said of the
most High, that he is not; and knew not his ways:
[24] But his law have they despised, and denied his covenants; in his
statutes have they not been faithful, and have not performed his works.
[25] And therefore, Esdras, for the empty are empty things, and for
the full are the full things.
[26] Behold, the time shall come, that these tokens which I have told
thee shall come to pass, and the bride shall appear, and she coming forth
shall be seen, that now is withdrawn from the earth.
[27] And whosoever is delivered from the foresaid evils shall see my
wonders.
[28] For my son Jesus shall be revealed with those that be with him,
and they that remain shall rejoice within four hundred years.
[29] After these years shall my son Christ die, and all men that have
life.
[30] And the world shall be turned into the old silence seven days,
like as in the former judgments: so that no man shall remain.
[31] And after seven days the world, that yet awaketh not, shall be
raised up, and that shall die that is corrupt
[32] And the earth shall restore those that are asleep in her, and so
shall the dust those that dwell in silence, and the secret places shall
deliver those souls that were committed unto them.
[33] And the most High shall appear upon the seat of judgment, and
misery shall pass away, and the long suffering shall have an end:
[34] But judgment only shall remain, truth shall stand, and faith
shall wax strong:
[35] And the work shall follow, and the reward shall be shewed, and
the good deeds shall be of force, and wicked deeds shall bear no rule.
[36] Then said I, Abraham prayed first for the Sodomites, and Moses
for the fathers that sinned in the wilderness:
[37] And Jesus after him for Israel in the time of Achan:
[38] And Samuel and David for the destruction: and Solomon for them
that should come to the sanctuary:
[39] And Helias for those that received rain; and for the dead, that
he might live:
[40] And Ezechias for the people in the time of Sennacherib: and many
for many.
[41] Even so now, seeing corruption is grown up, and wickedness
increased, and the righteous have prayed for the ungodly: wherefore shall it
not be so now also?
[42] He answered me, and said, This present life is not the end where
much glory doth abide; therefore have they prayed for the weak.
[43] But the day of doom shall be the end of this time, and the
beginning of the immortality for to come, wherein corruption is past,
[44] Intemperance is at an end, infidelity is cut off, righteousness
is grown, and truth is sprung up.
[45] Then shall no man be able to save him that is destroyed, nor to
oppress him that hath gotten the victory.
[46] I answered then and said, This is my first and last saying, that
it had been better not to have given the earth unto Adam: or else, when it
was given him, to have restrained him from sinning.
[47] For what profit is it for men now in this present time to live
in heaviness, and after death to look for punishment?
[48] O thou Adam, what hast thou done? for though it was thou that
sinned, thou art not fallen alone, but we all that come of thee.
[49] For what profit is it unto us, if there be promised us an
immortal time, whereas we have done the works that bring death?
[50] And that there is promised us an everlasting hope, whereas
ourselves being most wicked are made vain?
[51] And that there are laid up for us dwellings of health and
safety, whereas we have lived wickedly?
[52] And that the glory of the most High is kept to defend them which
have led a wary life, whereas we have walked in the most wicked ways of all?
[53] And that there should be shewed a paradise, whose fruit endureth
for ever, wherein is security and medicine, since we shall not enter into
it?
[54] (For we have walked in unpleasant places.)
[55] And that the faces of them which have used abstinence shall
shine above the stars, whereas our faces shall be blacker than darkness?
[56] For while we lived and committed iniquity, we considered not
that we should begin to suffer for it after death.
[57] Then answered he me, and said, This is the condition of the
battle, which man that is born upon the earth shall fight;
[58] That, if he be overcome, he shall suffer as thou hast said: but
if he get the victory, he shall receive the thing that I say.
[59] For this is the life whereof Moses spake unto the people while
he lived, saying, Choose thee life, that thou mayest live.
[60] Nevertheless they believed not him, nor yet the prophets after
him, no nor me which have spoken unto them,
[61] That there should not be such heaviness in their destruction, as
shall be joy over them that are persuaded to salvation.
[62] I answered then, and said, I know, Lord, that the most High is
called merciful, in that he hath mercy upon them which are not yet come into
the world,
[63] And upon those also that turn to his law;
[64] And that he is patient, and long suffereth those that have
sinned, as his creatures;
[65] And that he is bountiful, for he is ready to give where it
needeth;
[66] And that he is of great mercy, for he multiplieth more and more
mercies to them that are present, and that are past, and also to them which
are to come.
[67] For if he shall not multiply his mercies, the world would not
continue with them that inherit therein.
[68] And he pardoneth; for if he did not so of his goodness, that
they which have committed iniquities might be eased of them, the ten
thousandth part of men should not remain living.
[69] And being judge, if he should not forgive them that are cured
with his word, and put out the multitude of contentions,
[70] There should be very few left peradventure in an innumerable
multitude.
4Ezra.8
[1] And he answered me, saying, The most High hath made this world
for many, but the world to come for few.
[2] I will tell thee a similitude, Esdras; As when thou askest the
earth, it shall say unto thee, that it giveth much mould whereof earthen
vessels are made, but little dust that gold cometh of: even so is the course
of this present world.
[3] There be many created, but few shall be saved.
[4] So answered I and said, Swallow then down, O my soul,
understanding, and devour wisdom.
[5] For thou hast agreed to give ear, and art willing to prophesy:
for thou hast no longer space than only to live.
[6] O Lord, if thou suffer not thy servant, that we may pray before
thee, and thou give us seed unto our heart, and culture to our
understanding, that there may come fruit of it; how shall each man live that
is corrupt, who beareth the place of a man?
[7] For thou art alone, and we all one workmanship of thine hands,
like as thou hast said.
[8] For when the body is fashioned now in the mother's womb, and thou
givest it members, thy creature is preserved in fire and water, and nine
months doth thy workmanship endure thy creature which is created in her.
[9] But that which keepeth and is kept shall both be preserved: and
when the time cometh, the womb preserved delivereth up the things that grew
in it.
[10] For thou hast commanded out of the parts of the body, that is to
say, out of the breasts, milk to be given, which is the fruit of the
breasts,
[11] That the thing which is fashioned may be nourished for a time,
till thou disposest it to thy mercy.
[12] Thou broughtest it up with thy righteousness, and nurturedst it
in thy law, and reformedst it with thy judgment.
[13] And thou shalt mortify it as thy creature, and quicken it as thy
work.
[14] If therefore thou shalt destroy him which with so great labour
was fashioned, it is an easy thing to be ordained by thy commandment, that
the thing which was made might be preserved.
[15] Now therefore, Lord, I will speak; touching man in general, thou
knowest best; but touching thy people, for whose sake I am sorry;
[16] And for thine inheritance, for whose cause I mourn; and for
Israel, for whom I am heavy; and for Jacob, for whose sake I am troubled;
[17] Therefore will I begin to pray before thee for myself and for
them: for I see the falls of us that dwell in the land.
[18] But I have heard the swiftness of the judge which is to come.
[19] Therefore hear my voice, and understand my words, and I shall
speak before thee. This is the beginning of the words of Esdras, before he
was taken up: and I said,
[20] O Lord, thou that dwellest in everlastingness which beholdest
from above things in the heaven and in the air;
[21] Whose throne is inestimable; whose glory may not be
comprehended; before whom the hosts of angels stand with trembling,
[22] Whose service is conversant in wind and fire; whose word is
true, and sayings constant; whose commandment is strong, and ordinance
fearful;
[23] Whose look drieth up the depths, and indignation maketh the
mountains to melt away; which the truth witnesseth:
[24] O hear the prayer of thy servant, and give ear to the petition
of thy creature.
[25] For while I live I will speak, and so long as I have
understanding I will answer.
[26] O look not upon the sins of thy people; but on them which serve
thee in truth.
[27] Regard not the wicked inventions of the heathen, but the desire
of those that keep thy testimonies in afflictions.
[28] Think not upon those that have walked feignedly before thee: but
remember them, which according to thy will have known thy fear.
[29] Let it not be thy will to destroy them which have lived like
beasts; but to look upon them that have clearly taught thy law.
[30] Take thou no indignation at them which are deemed worse than
beasts; but love them that always put their trust in thy righteousness and
glory.
[31] For we and our fathers do languish of such diseases: but because
of us sinners thou shalt be called merciful.
[32] For if thou hast a desire to have mercy upon us, thou shalt be
called merciful, to us namely, that have no works of righteousness.
[33] For the just, which have many good works laid up with thee,
shall out of their own deeds receive reward.
[34] For what is man, that thou shouldest take displeasure at him? or
what is a corruptible generation, that thou shouldest be so bitter toward
it?
[35] For in truth them is no man among them that be born, but he hath
dealt wickedly; and among the faithful there is none which hath not done
amiss.
[36] For in this, O Lord, thy righteousness and thy goodness shall be
declared, if thou be merciful unto them which have not the confidence of
good works.
[37] Then answered he me, and said, Some things hast thou spoken
aright, and according unto thy words it shall be.
[38] For indeed I will not think on the disposition of them which
have sinned before death, before judgment, before destruction:
[39] But I will rejoice over the disposition of the righteous, and I
will remember also their pilgrimage, and the salvation, and the reward, that
they shall have.
[40] Like as I have spoken now, so shall it come to pass.
[41] For as the husbandman soweth much seed upon the ground, and
planteth many trees, and yet the thing that is sown good in his season
cometh not up, neither doth all that is planted take root: even so is it of
them that are sown in the world; they shall not all be saved.
[42] I answered then and said, If I have found grace, let me speak.
[43] Like as the husbandman's seed perisheth, if it come not up, and
receive not thy rain in due season; or if there come too much rain, and
corrupt it:
[44] Even so perisheth man also, which is formed with thy hands, and
is called thine own image, because thou art like unto him, for whose sake
thou hast made all things, and likened him unto the husbandman's seed.
[45] Be not wroth with us but spare thy people, and have mercy upon
thine own inheritance: for thou art merciful unto thy creature.
[46] Then answered he me, and said, Things present are for the
present, and things to cometh for such as be to come.
[47] For thou comest far short that thou shouldest be able to love my
creature more than I: but I have ofttimes drawn nigh unto thee, and unto it,
but never to the unrighteous.
[48] In this also thou art marvellous before the most High:
[49] In that thou hast humbled thyself, as it becometh thee, and hast
not judged thyself worthy to be much glorified among the righteous.
[50] For many great miseries shall be done to them that in the latter
time shall dwell in the world, because they have walked in great pride.
[51] But understand thou for thyself, and seek out the glory for such
as be like thee.
[52] For unto you is paradise opened, the tree of life is planted,
the time to come is prepared, plenteousness is made ready, a city is
builded, and rest is allowed, yea, perfect goodness and wisdom.
[53] The root of evil is sealed up from you, weakness and the moth is
hid from you, and corruption is fled into hell to be forgotten:
[54] Sorrows are passed, and in the end is shewed the treasure of
immortality.
[55] And therefore ask thou no more questions concerning the
multitude of them that perish.
[56] For when they had taken liberty, they despised the most High,
thought scorn of his law, and forsook his ways.
[57] Moreover they have trodden down his righteous,
[58] And said in their heart, that there is no God; yea, and that
knowing they must die.
[59] For as the things aforesaid shalt receive you, so thirst and
pain are prepared for them: for it was not his will that men should come to
nought:
[60] But they which be created have defiled the name of him that made
them, and were unthankful unto him which prepared life for them.
[61] And therefore is my judgment now at hand.
[62] These things have I not shewed unto all men, but unto thee, and
a few like thee. Then answered I and said,
[63] Behold, O Lord, now hast thou shewed me the multitude of the
wonders, which thou wilt begin to do in the last times: but at what time,
thou hast not shewed me.
4Ezra.9
[1] He answered me then, and said, Measure thou the time diligently
in itself: and when thou seest part of the signs past, which I have told
thee before,
[2] Then shalt thou understand, that it is the very same time,
wherein the Highest will begin to visit the world which he made.
[3] Therefore when there shall be seen earthquakes and uproars of the
people in the world:
[4] Then shalt thou well understand, that the most High spake of
those things from the days that were before thee, even from the beginning.
[5] For like as all that is made in the world hath a beginning and an
end, and the end is manifest:
[6] Even so the times also of the Highest have plain beginnings in
wonder and powerful works, and endings in effects and signs.
[7] And every one that shall be saved, and shall be able to escape by
his works, and by faith, whereby ye have believed,
[8] Shall be preserved from the said perils, and shall see my
salvation in my land, and within my borders: for I have sanctified them for
me from the beginning.
[9] Then shall they be in pitiful case, which now have abused my
ways: and they that have cast them away despitefully shall dwell in
torments.
[10] For such as in their life have received benefits, and have not
known me;
[11] And they that have loathed my law, while they had yet liberty,
and, when as yet place of repentance was open unto them, understood not, but
despised it;
[12] The same must know it after death by pain.
[13] And therefore be thou not curious how the ungodly shall be
punished, and when: but enquire how the righteous shall be saved, whose the
world is, and for whom the world is created.
[14] Then answered I and said,
[15] I have said before, and now do speak, and will speak it also
hereafter, that there be many more of them which perish, than of them which
shall be saved:
[16] Like as a wave is greater than a drop.
[17] And he answered me, saying, Like as the field is, so is also the
seed; as the flowers be, such are the colours also; such as the workman is,
such also is the work; and as the husbandman ls himself, so is his husbandry
also: for it was the time of the world.
[18] And now when I prepared the world, which was not yet made, even
for them to dwell in that now live, no man spake against me.
[19] For then every one obeyed: but now the manners of them which are
created in this world that is made are corrupted by a perpetual seed, and by
a law which is unsearchable rid themselves.
[20] So I considered the world, and, behold, there was peril because
of the devices that were come into it.
[21] And I saw, and spared it greatly, and have kept me a grape of
the cluster, and a plant of a great people.
[22] Let the multitude perish then, which was born in vain; and let
my grape be kept, and my plant; for with great labour have I made it
perfect.
[23] Nevertheless, if thou wilt cease yet seven days more, (but thou
shalt not fast in them,
[24] But go into a field of flowers, where no house is builded, and
eat only the flowers of the field; taste no flesh, drink no wine, but eat
flowers only;)
[25] And pray unto the Highest continually, then will I come and talk
with thee.
[26] So I went my way into the field which is called Ardath, like as
he commanded me; and there I sat among the flowers, and did eat of the herbs
of the field, and the meat of the same satisfied me.
[27] After seven days I sat upon the grass, and my heart was vexed
within me, like as before:
[28] And I opened my mouth, and began to talk before the most High,
and said,
[29] O Lord, thou that shewest thyself unto us, thou wast shewed unto
our fathers in the wilderness, in a place where no man treadeth, in a barren
place, when they came out of Egypt.
[30] And thou spakest saying, Hear me, O Israel; and mark my words,
thou seed of Jacob.
[31] For, behold, I sow my law in you, and it shall bring fruit in
you, and ye shall be honoured in it for ever.
[32] But our fathers, which received the law, kept it not, and
observed not thy ordinances: and though the fruit of thy law did not perish,
neither could it, for it was thine;
[33] Yet they that received it perished, because they kept not the
thing that was sown in them.
[34] And, lo, it ls a custom, when the ground hath received seed, or
the sea a ship, or any vessel meat or drink, that, that being perished
wherein it was sown or cast into,
[35] That thing also which was sown, or cast therein, or received,
doth perish, and remaineth not with us: but with us it hath not happened so.
[36] For we that have received the law perish by sin, and our heart
also which received it
[37] Notwithstanding the law perisheth not, but remaineth in his
force.
[38] And when I spake these things in my heart, I looked back with
mine eyes, and upon the right side I saw a woman, and, behold, she mourned
and wept with a loud voice, and was much grieved in heart, and her clothes
were rent, and she had ashes upon her head.
[39] Then let I my thoughts go that I was in, and turned me unto her,
[40] And said unto her, Wherefore weepest thou? why art thou so
grieved in thy mind?
[41] And she said unto me, Sir, let me alone, that I may bewail
myself, and add unto my sorrow, for I am sore vexed in my mind, and brought
very low.
[42] And I said unto her, What aileth thee? tell me.
[43] She said unto me, I thy servant have been barren, and had no
child, though I had an husband thirty years,
[44] And those thirty years I did nothing else day and night, and
every hour, but make my, prayer to the Highest.
[45] After thirty years God heard me thine handmaid, looked upon my
misery, considered my trouble, and gave me a son: and I was very glad of
him, so was my husband also, and all my neighbours: and we gave great honour
unto the Almighty.
[46] And I nourished him with great travail.
[47] So when he grew up, and came to the time that he should have a
wife, I made a feast.
4Ezra.10
[1] And it so came to pass, that when my son was entered into his
wedding chamber, he fell down, and died.
[2] Then we all overthrew the lights, and all my neighbours rose up
to comfort me: so I took my rest unto the second day at night.
[3] And it came to pass, when they had all left off to comfort me, to
the end I might be quiet; then rose I up by night and fled, and came hither
into this field, as thou seest.
[4] And I do now purpose not to return into the city, but here to
stay, and neither to eat nor drink, but continually to mourn and to fast
until I die.
[5] Then left I the meditations wherein I was, and spake to her in
anger, saying,
[6] Thou foolish woman above all other, seest thou not our mourning,
and what happeneth unto us?
[7] How that Sion our mother is full of all heaviness, and much
humbled, mourning very sore?
[8] And now, seeing we all mourn and are sad, for we are all in
heaviness, art thou grieved for one son?
[9] For ask the earth, and she shall tell thee, that it is she which
ought to mourn for the fall of so many that grow upon her.
[10] For out of her came all at the first, and out of her shall all
others come, and, behold, they walk almost all into destruction, and a
multitude of them is utterly rooted out.
[11] Who then should make more mourning than she, that hath lost so
great a multitude; and not thou, which art sorry but for one?
[12] But if thou sayest unto me, My lamentation is not like the
earth's, because I have lost the fruit of my womb, which I brought forth
with pains, and bare with sorrows;
[13] But the earth not so: for the multitude present in it according
to the course of the earth is gone, as it came:
[14] Then say I unto thee, Like as thou hast brought forth with
labour; even so the earth also hath given her fruit, namely, man, ever since
the beginning unto him that made her.
[15] Now therefore keep thy sorrow to thyself, and bear with a good
courage that which hath befallen thee.
[16] For if thou shalt acknowledge the determination of God to be
just, thou shalt both receive thy son in time, and shalt be commended among
women.
[17] Go thy way then into the city to thine husband.
[18] And she said unto me, That will I not do: I will not go into the
city, but here will I die.
[19] So I proceeded to speak further unto her, and said,
[20] Do not so, but be counselled. by me: for how many are the
adversities of Sion? be comforted in regard of the sorrow of Jerusalem.
[21] For thou seest that our sanctuary is laid waste, our altar
broken down, our temple destroyed;
[22] Our psaltery is laid on the ground, our song is put to silence,
our rejoicing is at an end, the light of our candlestick is put out, the ark
of our covenant is spoiled, our holy things are defiled, and the name that
is called upon us is almost profaned: our children are put to shame, our
priests are burnt, our Levites are gone into captivity, our virgins are
defiled, and our wives ravished; our righteous men carried away, our little
ones destroyed, our young men are brought in bondage, and our strong men are
become weak;
[23] And, which is the greatest of all, the seal of Sion hath now
lost her honour; for she is delivered into the hands of them that hate us.
[24] And therefore shake off thy great heaviness, and put away the
multitude of sorrows, that the Mighty may be merciful unto thee again, and
the Highest shall give thee rest and ease from thy labour.
[25] And it came to pass while I was talking with her, behold, her
face upon a sudden shined exceedingly, and her countenance glistered, so
that I was afraid of her, and mused what it might be.
[26] And, behold, suddenly she made a great cry very fearful: so that
the earth shook at the noise of the woman.
[27] And I looked, and, behold, the woman appeared unto me no more,
but there was a city builded, and a large place shewed itself from the
foundations: then was I afraid, and cried with a loud voice, and said,
[28] Where is Uriel the angel, who came unto me at the first? for he
hath caused me to fall into many trances, and mine end is turned into
corruption, and my prayer to rebuke.
[29] And as I was speaking these words behold, he came unto me, and
looked upon me.
[30] And, lo, I lay as one that had been dead, and mine understanding
was taken from me: and he took me by the right hand, and comforted me, and
set me upon my feet, and said unto me,
[31] What aileth thee? and why art thou so disquieted? and why is
thine understanding troubled, and the thoughts of thine heart?
[32] And I said, Because thou hast forsaken me, and yet I did
according to thy words, and I went into the field, and, lo, I have seen, and
yet see, that I am not able to express.
[33] And he said unto me, Stand up manfully, and I will advise thee.
[34] Then said I, Speak on, my lord, in me; only forsake me not, lest
I die frustrate of my hope.
[35] For I have seen that I knew not, and hear that I do not know.
[36] Or is my sense deceived, or my soul in a dream?
[37] Now therefore I beseech thee that thou wilt shew thy servant of
this vision.
[38] He answered me then, and said, Hear me, and I shall inform thee,
and tell thee wherefore thou art afraid: for the Highest will reveal many
secret things unto thee.
[39] He hath seen that thy way is right: for that thou sorrowest
continually for thy people, and makest great lamentation for Sion.
[40] This therefore is the meaning of the vision which thou lately
sawest:
[41] Thou sawest a woman mourning, and thou begannest to comfort her:
[42] But now seest thou the likeness of the woman no more, but there
appeared unto thee a city builded.
[43] And whereas she told thee of the death of her son, this is the
solution:
[44] This woman, whom thou sawest is Sion: and whereas she said unto
thee, even she whom thou seest as a city builded,
[45] Whereas, I say, she said unto thee, that she hath been thirty
years barren: those are the thirty years wherein there was no offering made
in her.
[46] But after thirty years Solomon builded the city and offered
offerings: and then bare the barren a son.
[47] And whereas she told thee that she nourished him with labour:
that was the dwelling in Jerusalem.
[48] But whereas she said unto thee, That my son coming into his
marriage chamber happened to have a fail, and died: this was the destruction
that came to Jerusalem.
[49] And, behold, thou sawest her likeness, and because she mourned
for her son, thou begannest to comfort her: and of these things which have
chanced, these are to be opened unto thee.
[50] For now the most High seeth that thou art grieved unfeignedly,
and sufferest from thy whole heart for her, so hath he shewed thee the
brightness of her glory, and the comeliness of her beauty:
[51] And therefore I bade thee remain in the field where no house was
builded:
[52] For I knew that the Highest would shew this unto thee.
[53] Therefore I commanded thee to go into the field, where no
foundation of any building was.
[54] For in the place wherein the Highest beginneth to shew his city,
there can no man's building be able to stand.
[55] And therefore fear not, let not thine heart be affrighted, but
go thy way in, and see the beauty and greatness of the building, as much as
thine eyes be able to see:
[56] And then shalt thou hear as much as thine ears may comprehend.
[57] For thou art blessed above many other, and art called with the
Highest; and so are but few.
[58] But to morrow at night thou shalt remain here;
[59] And so shall the Highest shew thee visions of the high things,
which the most High will do unto them that dwell upon the earth in the last
days. So I slept that night and another, like as he commanded me.
4Ezra.11
[1] Then saw I a dream, and, behold, there came up from the sea an
eagle, which had twelve feathered wings, and three heads.
[2] And I saw, and, behold, she spread her wings over all the earth,
and all the winds of the air blew on her, and were gathered together.
[3] And I beheld, and out of her feathers there grew other contrary
feathers; and they became little feathers and small.
[4] But her heads were at rest: the head in the midst was greater
than the other, yet rested it with the residue.
[5] Moreover I beheld, and, lo, the eagle flew with her feathers, and
reigned upon earth, and over them that dwelt therein.
[6] And I saw that all things under heaven were subject unto her, and
no man spake against her, no, not one creature upon earth.
[7] And I beheld, and, lo, the eagle rose upon her talons, and spake
to her feathers, saying,
[8] Watch not all at once: sleep every one in his own place, and
watch by course:
[9] But let the heads be preserved for the last.
[10] And I beheld, and, lo, the voice went not out of her heads, but
from the midst of her body.
[11] And I numbered her contrary feathers, and, behold, there were
eight of them.
[12] And I looked, and, behold, on the right side there arose one
feather, and reigned over all the earth;
[13] And so it was, that when it reigned, the end of it came, and the
place thereof appeared no more: so the next following stood up. and reigned,
and had a great time;
[14] And it happened, that when it reigned, the end of it came also,
like as the first, so that it appeared no more.
[15] Then came there a voice unto it, and said,
[16] Hear thou that hast borne rule over the earth so long: this I
say unto thee, before thou beginnest to appear no more,
[17] There shall none after thee attain unto thy time, neither unto
the half thereof.
[18] Then arose the third, and reigned as the other before, and
appeared no more also.
[19] So went it with all the residue one after another, as that every
one reigned, and then appeared no more.
[20] Then I beheld, and, lo, in process of time the feathers that
followed stood up upon the right side, that they might rule also; and some
of them ruled, but within a while they appeared no more:
[21] For some of them were set up, but ruled not.
[22] After this I looked, and, behold, the twelve feathers appeared
no more, nor the two little feathers:
[23] And there was no more upon the eagle's body, but three heads
that rested, and six little wings.
[24] Then saw I also that two little feathers divided themselves from
the six, and remained under the head that was upon the right side: for the
four continued in their place.
[25] And I beheld, and, lo, the feathers that were under the wing
thought to set up themselves and to have the rule.
[26] And I beheld, and, lo, there was one set up, but shortly it
appeared no more.
[27] And the second was sooner away than the first.
[28] And I beheld, and, lo, the two that remained thought also in
themselves to reign:
[29] And when they so thought, behold, there awaked one of the heads
that were at rest, namely, it that was in the midst; for that was greater
than the two other heads.
[30] And then I saw that the two other heads were joined with it.
[31] And, behold, the head was turned with them that were with it,
and did eat up the two feathers under the wing that would have reigned.
[32] But this head put the whole earth in fear, and bare rule in it
over all those that dwelt upon the earth with much oppression; and it had
the governance of the world more than all the wings that had been.
[33] And after this I beheld, and, lo, the head that was in the midst
suddenly appeared no more, like as the wings.
[34] But there remained the two heads, which also in like sort ruled
upon the earth, and over those that dwelt therein.
[35] And I beheld, and, lo, the head upon the right side devoured it
that was upon the left side.
[36] Then I head a voice, which said unto me, Look before thee, and
consider the thing that thou seest.
[37] And I beheld, and lo, as it were a roaring lion chased out of
the wood: and I saw that he sent out a man's voice unto the eagle, and said,
[38] Hear thou, I will talk with thee, and the Highest shall say unto
thee,
[39] Art not thou it that remainest of the four beasts, whom I made
to reign in my world, that the end of their times might come through them?
[40] And the fourth came, and overcame all the beasts that were past,
and had power over the world with great fearfulness, and over the whole
compass of the earth with much wicked oppression; and so long time dwelt he
upon the earth with deceit.
[41] For the earth hast thou not judged with truth.
[42] For thou hast afflicted the meek, thou hast hurt the peaceable,
thou hast loved liars, and destroyed the dwellings of them that brought
forth fruit, and hast cast down the walls of such as did thee no harm.
[43] Therefore is thy wrongful dealing come up unto the Highest, and
thy pride unto the Mighty.
[44] The Highest also hath looked upon the proud times, and, behold,
they are ended, and his abominations are fulfilled.
[45] And therefore appear no more, thou eagle, nor thy horrible
wings, nor thy wicked feathers nor thy malicious heads, nor thy hurtful
claws, nor all thy vain body:
[46] That all the earth may be refreshed, and may return, being
delivered from thy violence, and that she may hope for the judgment and
mercy of him that made her.
4Ezra.12
[1] And it came to pass, whiles the lion spake these words unto the
eagle, I saw,
[2] And, behold, the head that remained and the four wings appeared
no more, and the two went unto it and set themselves up to reign, and their
kingdom was small, and fill of uproar.
[3] And I saw, and, behold, they appeared no more, and the whole body
of the eagle was burnt so that the earth was in great fear: then awaked I
out of the trouble and trance of my mind, and from great fear, and said unto
my spirit,
[4] Lo, this hast thou done unto me, in that thou searchest out the
ways of the Highest.
[5] Lo, yet am I weary in my mind, and very weak in my spirit; and
little strength is there in me, for the great fear wherewith I was afflicted
this night.
[6] Therefore will I now beseech the Highest, that he will comfort me
unto the end.
[7] And I said, Lord that bearest rule, if I have found grace before
thy sight, and if I am justified with thee before many others, and if my
prayer indeed be come up before thy face;
[8] Comfort me then, and shew me thy servant the interpretation and
plain difference of this fearful vision, that thou mayest perfectly comfort
my soul.
[9] For thou hast judged me worthy to shew me the last times.
[10] And he said unto me, This is the interpretation of the vision:
[11] The eagle, whom thou sawest come up from the sea, is the kingdom
which was seen in the vision of thy brother Daniel.
[12] But it was not expounded unto him, therefore now I declare it
unto thee.
[13] Behold, the days will come, that there shall rise up a kingdom
upon earth, and it shall be feared above all the kingdoms that were before
it.
[14] In the same shall twelve kings reign, one after another:
[15] Whereof the second shall begin to reign, and shall have more
time than any of the twelve.
[16] And this do the twelve wings signify, which thou sawest.
[17] As for the voice which thou heardest speak, and that thou sawest
not to go out from the heads but from the midst of the body thereof, this is
the interpretation:
[18] That after the time of that kingdom there shall arise great
strivings, and it shall stand in peril of failing: nevertheless it shall not
then fall, but shall be restored again to his beginning.
[19] And whereas thou sawest the eight small under feathers sticking
to her wings, this is the interpretation:
[20] That in him there shall arise eight kings, whose times shall be
but small, and their years swift.
[21] And two of them shall perish, the middle time approaching: four
shall be kept until their end begin to approach: but two shall be kept unto
the end.
[22] And whereas thou sawest three heads resting, this is the
interpretation:
[23] In his last days shall the most High raise up three kingdoms,
and renew many things therein, and they shall have the dominion of the
earth,
[24] And of those that dwell therein, with much oppression, above all
those that were before them: therefore are they called the heads of the
eagle.
[25] For these are they that shall accomplish his wickedness, and
that shall finish his last end.
[26] And whereas thou sawest that the great head appeared no more, it
signifieth that one of them shall die upon his bed, and yet with pain.
[27] For the two that remain shall be slain with the sword.
[28] For the sword of the one shall devour the other: but at the last
shall he fall through the sword himself.
[29] And whereas thou sawest two feathers under the wings passing
over the head that is on the right side;
[30] It signifieth that these are they, whom the Highest hath kept
unto their end: this is the small kingdom and full of trouble, as thou
sawest.
[31] And the lion, whom thou sawest rising up out of the wood, and
roaring, and speaking to the eagle, and rebuking her for her unrighteousness
with all the words which thou hast heard;
[32] This is the anointed, which the Highest hath kept for them and
for their wickedness unto the end: he shall reprove them, and shall upbraid
them with their cruelty.
[33] For he shall set them before him alive in judgment, and shall
rebuke them, and correct them.
[34] For the rest of my people shall he deliver with mercy, those
that have been pressed upon my borders, and he shall make them joyful until
the coming of the day of judgment, whereof I have spoken unto thee from the
the beginning.
[35] This is the dream that thou sawest, and these are the
interpretations.
[36] Thou only hast been meet to know this secret of the Highest. |
