Introduction

Introduction to Ezra HaShlishi (4th/2nd Esdras)

The Visionary Path of Testing, Judgment, and Consummation

Context and Historical Background

The text traditionally identified as Ezra HaShlishi (4th/2nd Esdras) stands as one of the most profound apocalyptic monuments within the expanded Second Temple library. Written through the eyes of the priest and scribe Ezra (Esdras) while in captive exile within the lands of the Medes and Babylon, this dynamic prophetic compilation delivers a searing historical and theological testimony. Moving structurally from raw ancestral lamentation to highly complex cosmic visions, the text serves as a literary bridge traversing the ancient foundations of the Torah, the tragic desolation of Jerusalem (Yerushalayim), and the ultimate prophetic timetable of the New Covenant (Brit Chadashah).

Core Structural Themes

1. The Divine Recital and the Ingratitude of the Covenant People (Chapters 1–2) The text opens with a majestic genealogical confirmation linking Esdras directly back to the priestly lineage of Aharon the Levite. From this seat of authority, Yahuah mandates a fierce proclamation against the rebellious nature of the house of Yisra'el, systematically recounting His sovereign deeds of deliverance:  The Wilderness Deliverance: Yahuah details how He cleaved the sea, provided the man (manna) as the bread of malachim (angels), guided them via a pillar of fire, and turned the bitter waters of the Emori sweet.  The Rejection of the Torah: Despite being gathered "as a hen gathereth her chickens," the people repeatedly provoked His wrath, defiled their hands, and executed the nevi'im (prophets) sent to warn them.  The Desolation and the Call to the Nations: Because the sanctuary and feasts were despised, Yahuah declares their house desolate. He explicitly promises to give His Shem (Name) and the "everlasting mishkanot (tabernacles)" to an un-signaled, faithful people coming from the mizrach (east), who will believe through the Ruach (Spirit) under the ultimate leadership of the historical Hebrew patriarchs and prophets.

2. The Seven Trances of Uriel: The Problem of Evil and Two Worlds (Chapters 3–10) Sorely troubled in Babylon (Bavel) over why the lawless Gentile nations flourish while Yisra'el is crushed, Esdras enters a season of rigorous ascetic fasting. Through the visitation of Uriel the malach (angel), deep mysteries of cosmic governance are unsealed:  The Limitation of Human Mind: Using the parables of weighing fire, measuring wind, and stopping the forest from warring with the sea, Uriel illustrates that mortal minds born of dust cannot comprehend the unsearchable ways of the Elyon.  The Root of Evil Seed: The text explicitly details how a grain of evil seed was sown in the heart of Adam from the beginning, generating permanent infirmity across generations that can only be resolved at the great threshing floor of final judgment.  The Doctrine of the Two Worlds: Elohim declares that He has made "not one world but two". Just as gold and precious stones are exceedingly rare compared to common clay, the Tzaddikim (righteous) who endure the narrow, precipitous entrances of this world are few, while the ungodly are plentiful.  The Intermediate State of Souls: Chapter 7 outlines the strict sevenfold grief of the scornful and the sevenfold joy of the righteous immediately following physical death, culminating in the decisive decree that no personal intercession can alter a soul's standing on the Day of Judgment.

3. Apocalyptic Imagery: The Eagle, the Man, and the Scribe (Chapters 11–14)

The narrative shifts into intense visionary formatting, detailing prophetic milestones of political and redemptive history:  The Eagle Vision: Esdras witnesses a terrifying multi-winged eagle rising from the sea, representing a highly oppressive world empire (traditionally linked to the fourth beast of Daniel's vision). A roaring lion (aryeh) emerges from the woods, speaking with a man's voice to rebuke and consume the eagle; this lion is explicitly interpreted as the Mashiach who will execute true mishpat (judgment).  The Man from the Sea: A dream reveals a mysterious Man ascending from the sea who destroys an invading multitude using only a flaming blast of torch-fire from his lips, symbolizing the destruction of wicked nations through the power of the Torah without a physical sword. He then gathers a peaceable multitude identified as the Aseret HaShevatim (the hidden ten tribes of Yisra'el) returning from Arsereth.  The Scribal Restoration: Standing before the s'neh (burning bush), Esdras is charged to restore the sacred text that had been burned in the destruction of Jerusalem. Supernaturally empowered by drinking a cup full of fiery water, Esdras dictates continuously for forty days to five scribes, producing 204 books. In accordance with divine protocol, the initial books are published openly for all to read, while the final seventy secret books are strictly reserved for the wise as a fountain of deep chochmah (wisdom).

4. The Execution of Cosmic Plagues (Chapters 15–16)

The text culminates in an uncompromised prophetic warning detailing the physical vulnerabilities of the earth in the latter days. Swords, famines, fires, and plagues are loose upon Babylon, Asia, Mitzrayim, and Aram for their exceeding wickedness. Amid global sedition and absolute economic desolation, the servants of Yahuah are firmly exhorted to live strictly as "pilgrims upon the earth," guarding their separation from the world so they can be validated and refined like pure gold in the furnace of testing.

Key Vocabulary Standard Tracking

In alignment with the structural preservation metrics of The Ivri Heritage Series, this translation enforces zero linguistic drift by keeping the immutable Hebrew nomenclature intact across all chapters:

Hebraic Term Textual Meaning Hebraic Term Textual Meaning Yahuah The True Sovereign Name Mashiach The Anointed Deliverer Elyon The Most High Ben Ha'Elohim The Son of God Torah The Immutable Law Mishpat Righteous Judgment Malach / Malachim Angelic Messenger(s) Tzaddikim The Righteous Ones Nevi'im The Holy Prophets Emet / Emunah Truth / Covenant Faith She'ol / Gehinnom The Places of Judgment Kavod Manifest Divine Glory

Ezra HaShlishi (2nd/4th Esdras)—Chapter 1

The Prophetic Commission in Medes: Yahuah's Recital of Mighty Deeds, the Ingratitude of the People, and the Promise of a New People from the Mizrach

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1The second book of the prophet Esdras (Ezra), the son of Saraias, the son of Azarias, the son of Helchias, the son of Sadamias, the son of Sadoc, the son of Achitob, 2the 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, 3the son of Aharon (Aaron), of the tribe of Levi ; which was captive in the land of the Madai (Medes), in the reign of Artachshast (Artexerxes) king of the Parsim (Persians). 4And the Davar (word) of Yahuah 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: 6Because the sins of their fathers are increased in them: for they have forgotten me, and have offered unto strange elohim (gods). 7Am not I even he that brought them out of the land of Mitzrayim (Egypt), from the house of bondage? but they have provoked me unto wrath, and despised my counsels. 8Pull thou off then the hair of thy head, and cast all evil upon them, for they have not been obedient unto my Torah (law), but it is a rebellious people. 9How long shall I forbear them, into whom I have done so much good? 10Many kings have I destroyed for their sakes; Pharaoh with his servants and all his power have I smitten down. 11All the nations have I destroyed before them, and in the east I have scattered the people of two provinces, even of Tzor (Tyrus) and Tzidon (Sidon), and have slain all their enemies. 12Speak thou therefore unto them, saying, Thus saith Yahuah , 13'I led you through the sea and in the beginning gave you a large and safe passage; I gave you Moshe (Moses) for a leader, and Aharon for a priest. 14I gave you light in a pillar of fire, and great wonders have I done among you; yet have ye forgotten me,' saith Yahuah . 15Thus saith Yahuah Shaddai (the Almighty Lord), 'The quails were as a token to you; I gave you tents for your safeguard: nevertheless ye murmured there, 16And triumphed not in my Shem (name) for the destruction of your enemies, but ever to this day do ye yet murmur. 17Where are the benefits that I have done for you? when ye were hungry and thirsty in the wilderness, did ye not cry unto me, 18Saying, 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. 19Then had I pity upon your mournings, and gave you man (manna) to eat; so ye did eat lechem (bread) of malachim (angels). 20When 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. 21I divided among you a fruitful land, I cast out the Kena'ani (Canaanites), the Perizi (Pherezites), and the Pelishtim (Philistines), before you: what shall I yet do more for you?' saith Yahuah . 22Thus saith Yahuah Shaddai , 'When ye were in the wilderness, in the river of the Emori (Amorites), being athirst, and blaspheming my Shem , 23I gave you not fire for your blasphemies, but cast a tree in the water, and made the river sweet. 24What shall I do unto thee, O Ya'akov (Jacob)? thou, Yehudah (Juda), wouldest not obey me: I will turn me to other Goyim (nations), and unto those will I give my Shem , that they may keep my chukkot (statutes). 25Seeing 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. 26Whensoever 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. 27Ye have not as it were forsaken me, but your own selves,' saith Yahuah . 28Thus saith Yahuah Shaddai , 'Have I not prayed you as a father his sons, as a mother her daughters, and a nurse her young babes, 29That ye would be my people, and I should be your Elohim (God); that ye would be my children, and I should be your father? 30I 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. 31When ye offer unto me, I will turn my face from you: for your solemn feastdays, your Chodashim (new moons), and your circumcisions, have I forsaken. 32I sent unto you my servants the nevi'im (prophets), whom ye have taken and slain, and torn their bodies in pieces, whose blood I will require of your hands,' saith Yahuah . 33Thus saith Yahuah Shaddai , 'Your house is desolate, I will cast you out as the wind doth stubble. 34And your children shall not be fruitful; for they have despised my mitzvot (commandments), and done the thing that is evil before me. 35Your 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. 36They have seen no prophets, yet they shall call their sins to remembrance, and acknowledge them. 37I 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 ruach (spirit) they believe the thing that I say. 38And now, brother, behold what Kavod (glory); and see the people that come from the mizrach (east): 39Unto whom I will give for leaders, Avraham (Abraham), Yitzchak (Isaac), and Ya'akov (Jacob), Hoshea (Oseas), Amos (Amo), and Michah (Micheas), Yoel (Joel), Ovadiah (Abdias), and Yonah (Jonas), 40Nachum (Nahum), and Chavakuk (Abacuc), Tzefaniah (Sophonias), Chaggai (Aggeus), Zechariah (Zachary), and Malachi (Malachy), which is called also a malach (angel) of Yahuah .' "

Ezra HaShlishi (2nd/4th Esdras)—Chapter 2

The Lament of the Forsaken Mother, the Promise of Everlasting Tabernacles, the Call to the Goyim, and the Vision of the Son of Elohim on Mount Tziyon

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1Thus saith Yahuah (the Lord), "I brought this people out of bondage, and I gave them my mitzvot (commandments) by my servants the nevi'im (prophets); whom they would not hear, but despised my counsels. 2The mother that bare them saith unto them, 'Go your way, ye children; for I am a widow and forsaken. 3I brought you up with gladness; but with sorrow and heaviness have I lost you: for ye have sinned before Yahuah your Elohim (God), and done that thing that is evil before him. 4But what shall I now do unto you? I am a widow and forsaken: go your way, O my children, and ask mercy of Yahuah .' 5As for me, O father, I call upon thee for a witness over the mother of these children, which would not keep my berit (covenant), 6that thou bring them to confusion, and their mother to a spoil, that there may be no offspring of them. 7Let them be scattered abroad among the Goyim (heathen), let their names be put out of the earth: for they have despised my berit . 8Woe be unto thee, Ashur (Assur), thou that hidest the unrighteous in thee! O thou wicked people, remember what I did unto S'dom (Sodom) and Amorah (Gomorrha); 9whose land lieth in clods of pitch and heaps of ashes: even so also will I do unto them that hear me not," saith Yahuah Shaddai (the Almighty Lord). 10Thus saith Yahuah unto Esdras , "Tell my people that I will give them the kingdom of Yerushalayim (Jerusalem), which I would have given unto Yisra'el (Israel). 11Their Kavod (glory) also will I take unto me, and give these the everlasting mishkanot (tabernacles), which I had prepared for them. 12They shall have the etz chayim (tree of life) for an ointment of sweet savour; they shall neither labour, nor be weary. 13Go, and ye shall receive: pray for few days unto you, that they may be shortened: the kingdom is already prepared for you: watch. 14Take Shamayim (heaven) and eretz (earth) to witness; for I have broken the evil in pieces, and created the good: for I live," saith Yahuah . 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 Yahuah . 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 Shem (name) in Yisra'el . 17Fear not, thou mother of the children: for I have chosen thee," saith Yahuah . 18"For thy help will I send my servants Esau (Esay) and Yirmeyahu (Jeremy), after whose counsel I have sanctified and prepared for thee twelve trees laden with divers fruits, 19and 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. 20Do right to the widow, judge for the fatherless, give to the poor, defend the orphan, clothe the naked, 21heal 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. 22Keep the old and young within thy walls. 23Wheresoever thou findest the dead, take them and bury them, and I will give thee the first place in my resurrection. 24Abide still, O my people, and take thy rest, for thy quietness still come. 25Nourish thy children, O thou good nurse; stablish their feet. 26As for the servants whom I have given thee, there shall not one of them perish; for I will require them from among thy number. 27Be 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. 28The Goyim shall envy thee, but they shall be able to do nothing against thee," saith Yahuah . 29"My hands shall cover thee, so that thy children shall not see She'ol (hell). 30Be joyful, O thou mother, with thy children; for I will deliver thee," saith Yahuah . 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 Yahuah Shaddai (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." 33I Esdras received a charge of Yahuah upon the mount Chorev (Oreb), that I should go unto Yisra'el ; but when I came unto them, they set me at nought, and despised the commandment of Yahuah . 34And therefore I say unto you, O ye Goyim , that hear and understand, look for your Ro'eh (Shepherd), he shall give you everlasting rest; for he is nigh at hand, that shall come in the end of the world. 35Be ready to the reward of the kingdom, for the everlasting light shall shine upon you for evermore. 36Flee the shadow of this world, receive the joyfulness of your Kavod (glory): I testify my Moshia (Saviour) openly. 37O receive the gift that is given you, and be glad, giving thanks unto him that hath led you to the heavenly kingdom. 38Arise up and stand, behold the number of those that be sealed in the feast of Yahuah ; 39which are departed from the shadow of the world, and have received glorious garments of Yahuah . 40Take thy number, O Tziyon (Sion), and shut up those of thine that are clothed in white, which have fulfilled the Torah (law) of Yahuah . 41The number of thy children, whom thou longedst for, is fulfilled: beseech the power of Yahuah , that thy people, which have been called from the beginning, may be hallowed. 42I Esdras saw upon the mount Tziyon a great people, whom I could not number, and they all praised Yahuah with songs. 43And 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. 44So I asked the malach (angel), and said, "Sir, what are these?" 45He answered and said unto me, "These be they that have put off the mortal clothing, and put on the immortal, and have confessed the Shem (name) of Elohim : now are they crowned, and receive palms." 46Then said I unto the malach , "What young person is it that crowneth them, and giveth them palms in their hands?" 47So he answered and said unto me, "It is the Ben Ha'Elohim (Son of God), whom they have confessed in the world." Then began I greatly to commend them that stood so stiffly for the Shem of Yahuah . 48Then the angel said unto me, "Go thy way, and tell my people what manner of things, and how great wonders of Yahuah thy Elohim , thou hast seen."

Ezra HaShlishi (2nd/4th Esdras)—Chapter 3

Meditation in Bavel: The Recital of Creation, Adam's Wicked Heart, the Covenant with Avraham, and the Perplexing Prosperity of the Goyim

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1In the thirtieth year after the ruin of the city I was in Bavel (Babylon), and lay troubled upon my bed, and my thoughts came up over my lev (heart): 2for I saw the desolation of Tziyon (Sion), and the wealth of them that dwelt at Bavel . 3And my ruach (spirit) was sore moved, so that I began to speak words full of fear to Elyon (the most High), and said: 4"O Yahuah (Lord), who bearest rule, Thou spakest at the beginning, when Thou didst plant the eretz (earth), and that Thyself alone, and commandedst the people, 5and gavest a body unto Adam (Adam) without nefesh (soul), which was the workmanship of Thine hands, and didst breathe into him the nishmat chayim (breath of life), and he was made living before Thee. 6And Thou leadest him into Gan Eden (paradise), which Thy right hand had planted, before ever the earth came forward. 7And 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 Goyim (nations), tribes, people, and kindreds, out of number. 8And every people walked after their own will, and did wonderful things before Thee, and despised Thy mitzvot (commandments). 9And again in process of time Thou broughtest the mabul (flood) upon those that dwelt in the world, and destroyedst them. 10And it came to pass in every of them, that as death was to Adam , so was the mabul to these. 11Nevertheless one of them Thou leftest, namely, Noach (Noah) with his household, of whom came all Tzaddikim (righteous men). 12And 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. 13Now when they lived so wickedly before Thee, Thou didst choose Thee a man from among them, whose name was Avraham (Abraham). 14Him Thou lovedst, and unto him only Thou shewedst Thy will: 15and madest an everlasting berit (covenant) with him, promising him that Thou wouldest never forsake his zera (seed). 16And unto him Thou gavest Yitzchak (Isaac), and unto Yitzchak also Thou gavest Ya'akov (Jacob) and Esav (Esau). As for Ya'akov , Thou didst choose him to Thee, and put by Esav : and so Ya'akov became a great multitude. 17And it came to pass, that when Thou leadest his seed out of Mitzrayim (Egypt), Thou broughtest them up to the mount Sinai (Sinai). 18And bowing the Shamayim (heavens), Thou didst set fast the earth, movedst the whole world, and madest the depths to tremble, and troubledst the men of that age. 19And Thy Kavod (glory) went through four gates, of fire, and of earthquake, and of wind, and of cold; that Thou mightest give the Torah (law) unto the seed of Ya'akov , and diligence unto the generation of Yisra'el (Israel). 20And yet tookest Thou not away from them a wicked lev (heart), that Thy Torah might bring forth fruit in them. 21For the first Adam bearing a wicked lev transgressed, and was overcome; and so be all they that are born of him. 22Thus infirmity was made permanent; and the Torah also in the heart of the people with the malignity of the root; so that the good departed away, and the evil abode still. 23So the times passed away, and the years were brought to an end: then didst Thou raise Thee up a servant, called David (David): 24whom Thou commandedst to build a city unto Thy Shem (name), and to offer incense and oblations unto Thee therein. 25When this was done many years, then they that inhabited the city forsook Thee, 26and in all things did even as Adam and all his generations had done: for they also had a wicked lev : 27and so Thou gavest Thy city over into the hands of Thine enemies. 28Are their deeds then any better that inhabit Bavel , that they should therefore have the dominion over Tziyon ? 29For when I came thither, and had seen impieties without number, then my nefesh (soul) saw many evildoers in this thirtieth year, so that my lev failed me. 30For 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. 31I do not remember how this way may be left: Are they then of Bavel better than they of Tziyon ? 32Or is there any other people that knoweth Thee beside Yisra'el ? Or what generation hath so believed Thy covenants as Ya'akov ? 33And yet their reward appeareth not, and their labour hath no fruit: for I have gone here and there through the Goyim (heathen), and I see that they flow in wealth, and think not upon Thy mitzvot . 34Weigh Thou therefore our wickedness now in the balance, and theirs also that dwell the world; and so shall Thy Shem no where be found but in Yisra'el . 35Or when was it that they which dwell upon the earth have not sinned in Thy sight? or what people have so kept Thy mitzvot ? 36Thou shalt find that Yisra'el by name hath kept Thy pikudim (precepts); but not the Goyim."

Ezra HaShlishi (2nd/4th Esdras)—Chapter 4

The Answer of Uriel the Malach: Similitudes of Fire and Wind, the Seed of Evil in Adam, the Weighing of the World, and the Parable of the Burning Oven

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1And the malach (angel) that was sent unto me, whose name was Uriel (Uriel), gave me an answer, 2and said, "Thy lev (heart) hath gone too far in this world, and thinkest thou to comprehend the way of Elyon (the Most High)?" 3Then 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: 4whereof 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 lev cometh." 5And 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." 6Then answered I and said, "What man is able to do that, that thou shouldest ask such things of me?" 7And 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 tehom (deep), or how many springs are above the raqia (firmament), or which are the outgoings of Gan Eden (paradise): 8peradventure thou wouldest say unto me, 'I never went down into the deep, nor as yet into She'ol (hell), neither did I ever climb up into Shamayim (heaven).' 9Nevertheless 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. 10He said moreover unto me, 'Thine own things, and such as are grown up with thee, canst thou not know; 11how should thy vessel then be able to comprehend the way of Elyon, and, the world being now outwardly corrupted, to understand the corruption that is evident in my sight?' " 12Then 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." 13He answered me, and said, "I went into a forest into a plain, and the trees took counsel, 14and 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.' 15The 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.' 16The thought of the wood was in vain, for the fire came and consumed it. 17The thought of the floods of the sea came likewise to nought, for the sand stood up and stopped them. 18If thou wert judge now betwixt these two, whom wouldest thou begin to justify? or whom wouldest thou condemn?" 19I 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." 20Then answered he me, and said, "Thou hast given a right judgment, but why judgest thou not thyself also? 21For 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 Shamayim may only understand the things that are above the height of the Shamayim ." 22Then answered I and said, "I beseech thee, O Yahuah (Lord), let me have understanding: 23for it was not my mind to be curious of the high things, but of such as pass by us daily, namely, wherefore Yisra'el (Israel) is given up as a reproach to the Goyim (heathen), and for what cause the people whom Thou hast loved is given over unto ungodly nations, and why the Torah (law) of our forefathers is brought to nought, and the written covenants come to none effect, 24and we pass away out of the world as grasshoppers, and our life is astonishment and fear, and we are not worthy to obtain mercy. 25What will He then do unto His Shem (name) whereby we are called? of these things have I asked." 26Then answered he me, and said, "The more thou searchest, the more thou shalt marvel; for the world hasteth fast to pass away, 27and cannot comprehend the things that are promised to the Tzaddikim (righteous) in time to come: for this world is full of unrighteousness and infirmities. 28But 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. 29If 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. 30For the grain of evil seed hath been sown in the heart of Adam (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? 31Ponder now by thyself, how great fruit of wickedness the grain of evil seed hath brought forth. 32And when the ears shall be cut down, which are without number, how great a floor shall they fill?" 33Then I answered and said, "How, and when shall these things come to pass? wherefore are our years few and evil?" 34And he answered me, saying, "Do not thou hasten above Elyon (the most Highest): for thy haste is in vain to be above Him, for thou hast much exceeded. 35Did not the souls also of the Tzaddikim 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?' 36And 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. 37By 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.' " 38Then answered I and said, "O Yahuah that bearest rule, even we all are full of impiety. 39And for our sakes peradventure it is that the floors of the Tzaddikim are not filled, because of the sins of them that dwell upon the earth." 40So 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." 41Then said I, "No, Lord, that can she not." And he said unto me, "In She'ol (the grave) the chambers of souls are like the womb of a woman: 42for 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. 43From the beginning, look, what thou desirest to see, it shall be shewed thee." 44Then answered I and said, "If I have found favour in thy sight, and if it be possible, and if I be meet therefore, 45shew me then whether there be more to come than is past, or more past than is to come. 46What is past I know, but what is for to come I know not." 47And he said unto me, "Stand up upon the right side, and I shall expound the similitude unto thee." 48So 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. 49After 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. 50Then 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." 51Then I prayed, and said, "May I live, thinkest thou, until that time? or what shall happen in those days?" 52He 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."

Ezra HaShlishi (2nd/4th Esdras)—Chapter 5

The Revelation of the Tokens of the End: The Hidden Truth, the Parable of the One Vine, the Chosen People Scattered, and the Question of the Aging Creature

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1Nevertheless 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 emet (truth) shall be hidden, and the land shall be barren of emunah (faith). 2But iniquity shall be increased above that which now thou seest, or that thou hast heard long ago. 3And the land, that thou seest now to have root, shalt thou see wasted suddenly. 4But if Elyon (the most High) grant thee to live, thou shalt see after the third shofar (trumpet) that the sun shall suddenly shine again in the night, and the moon thrice in the day: 5and blood shall drop out of wood, and the stone shall give his voice, and the people shall be troubled: 6and even he shall rule, whom they look not for that dwell upon the earth, and the fowls shall take their flight away together: 7and the Yam S'dom (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. 8There 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: 9and 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, 10and shall be sought of many, and yet not be found: then shall unrighteousness and incontinency be multiplied upon earth. 11One land also shall ask another, and say, 'Is tzedakah (righteousness) that maketh a man righteous gone through thee?' And it shall say, 'No.' 12At the same time shall men hope, but nothing obtain: they shall labour, but their ways shall not prosper. 13To 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. 14Then I awaked, and an extreme fearfulness went through all my body, and my mind was troubled, so that it fainted. 15So the malach (angel) that was come to talk with me held me, comforted me, and set me up upon my feet. 16And in the second night it came to pass, that She'alti'el (Salathiel) the captain of the people came unto me, saying, "Where hast thou been? and why is thy countenance so heavy? 17Knowest thou not that Yisra'el (Israel) is committed unto thee in the land of their captivity? 18Up then, and eat bread, and forsake us not, as the shepherd that leaveth his flock in the hands of cruel wolves." 19Then said I unto him, "Go thy ways from me, and come not nigh me." And he heard what I said, and went from me. 20And so I fasted seven days, mourning and weeping, like as Uriel the malach commanded me. 21And after seven days so it was, that the thoughts of my lev (heart) were very grievous unto me again, 22and my nefesh (soul) recovered the ruach of understanding, and I began to talk with Elyon again, 23and said, "O Yahuah (Lord) that bearest rule, of every wood of the earth, and of all the trees thereof, Thou hast chosen Thee one only vine: 24and of all lands of the whole world Thou hast chosen Thee one pit: and of all the flowers thereof one lily: 25and of all the depths of the sea Thou hast filled Thee one river: and of all builded cities Thou hast hallowed Tziyon (Sion) unto Thyself: 26and 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: 27and among all the multitudes of people Thou hast gotten Thee one people: and unto this people, whom Thou lovedst, Thou gavest a Torah (law) that is approved of all. 28And now, O Yahuah , 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? 29And they which did gainsay Thy promises, and believed not Thy covenants, have trodden them down. 30If Thou didst so much hate Thy people, yet shouldest Thou punish them with Thine own hands." 31Now when I had spoken these words, the malach that came to me the night afore was sent unto me, 32and said unto me, "Hear me, and I will instruct thee; hearken to the thing that I say, and I shall tell thee more." 33And I said, "Speak on, my Lord." Then said he unto me, "Thou art sore troubled in mind for Yisra'el 's sake: lovest thou that people better than He that made them?" 34And 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 Elyon , and to seek out part of His judgment." 35And 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 Ya'akov (Jacob), and the wearisome toil of the stock of Yisra'el ?" 36And 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, 37open 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." 38And I said, "O Yahuah that bearest rule, who may know these things, but He that hath not His dwelling with men? 39As for me, I am unwise: how may I then speak of these things whereof thou askest me?" 40Then 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." 41And I said, "Behold, O Yahuah , 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?" 42And 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." 43So 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?" 44Then 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." 45And 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." 46And 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." 47And I said, "She cannot: but must do it by distance of time." 48Then said he unto me, "Even so have I given the womb of the earth to those that be sown in it in their times. 49For 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." 50And 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." 51He answered me, and said, "Ask a woman that beareth children, and she shall tell thee. 52Say unto her, 'Wherefore are unto they whom thou hast now brought forth like those that were before, but less of stature?' 53And she shall answer thee, 'They that be born in the strength of youth are of one fashion, and they that are born in the time of age, when the womb faileth, are otherwise.' 54Consider thou therefore also, how that ye are less of stature than those that were before you. 55And 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." 56Then said I, "Lord, I beseech Thee, if I have found favour in Thy sight, shew Thy servant by whom Thou visitest Thy creature."

Ezra HaShlishi (2nd/4th Esdras)—Chapter 6

The Voice from Before the Foundations: Primordial Creation, Ya'akov and Esav, the Tokens of the End, the Ordaining of Chanok and Livyatan, and the Lament over Yisra'el

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1And he said unto me, "In the beginning, when the eretz (earth) was made, before the borders of the world stood, or ever the winds blew, 2before it thundered and lightened, or ever the foundations of Gan Eden (paradise) were laid, 3before the fair flowers were seen, or ever the moveable powers were established, before the innumerable multitude of malachim (angels) were gathered together, 4or ever the heights of the air were lifted up, before the measures of the raqia (firmament) were named, or ever the chimneys in Tziyon (Sion) were hot, 5and 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 emunah (faith) for a treasure: 6then 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." 7Then 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?" 8And he said unto me, "From Avraham (Abraham) unto Yitzchak (Isaac), when Ya'akov (Jacob) and Esav (Esau) were born of him, Ya'akov 's hand held first the heel of Esav . 9For Esav is the end of the world, and Ya'akov is the beginning of it that followeth. 10The hand of man is betwixt the heel and the hand: other question, Esdras , ask thou not." 11I answered then and said, "O Yahuah (Lord) that bearest rule, if I have found favour in Thy sight, 12I beseech Thee, shew Thy servant the end of Thy tokens, whereof Thou shewedst me part the last night." 13So he answered and said unto me, "Stand up upon thy feet, and hear a mighty sounding voice. 14And it shall be as it were a great motion; but the place where thou standest shall not be moved. 15And therefore when it speaketh be not afraid: for the word is of the end, and the foundation of the earth is understood. 16And why? because the speech of these things trembleth and is moved: for it knoweth that the end of these things must be changed." 17And 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 mayim rabbim (many waters). 18And it said, "Behold, the days come, that I will begin to draw nigh, and to visit them that dwell upon the earth, 19and will begin to make inquisition of them, what they be that have hurt unjustly with their unrighteousness, and when the affliction of Tziyon (Sion) shall be fulfilled; 20and when the world, that shall begin to vanish away, shall be finished, then will I shew these tokens: the seforim (books) shall be opened before the raqia (firmament), and they shall see all together: 21and 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. 22And suddenly shall the sown places appear unsown, the full storehouses shall suddenly be found empty: 23and the shofar (trumpet) shall give a sound, which when every man heareth, they shall be suddenly afraid. 24At 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. 25Whosoever remaineth from all these that I have told thee shall escape, and see My Yeshuah (salvation), and the end of your world. 26And the men that are received shall see it, who have not tasted death from their birth: and the lev (heart) of the inhabitants shall be changed, and turned into another meaning. 27For evil shall be put out, and deceit shall be quenched. 28As for emunah (faith), it shall flourish, corruption shall be overcome, and the emet (truth), which hath been so long without fruit, shall be declared." 29And when he talked with me, behold, I looked by little and little upon him before whom I stood. 30And these words said he unto me; "I am come to shew thee the time of the night to come. 31If thou wilt pray yet more, and fast seven days again, I shall tell thee greater things by day than I have heard. 32For thy voice is heard before Elyon (the most High): for the Gibbor (Mighty) hath seen thy tzedakah (righteous dealing), He hath seen also thy chastity, which thou hast had ever since thy youth. 33And therefore hath He sent me to shew thee all these things, and to say unto thee, Be of good comfort and fear not 34and hasten not with the times that are past, to think vain things, that thou mayest not hasten from the latter times." 35And 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. 36And in the eighth night was my lev (heart) vexed within me again, and I began to speak before Elyon . 37For my ruach (spirit) was greatly set on fire, and my nefesh (soul) was in distress. 38And I said, "O Yahuah (Lord), Thou spakest from the beginning of the creation, even the first day, and saidst thus; 'Let Shamayim (heaven) and eretz (earth) be made'; and Thy Davar (word) was a perfect work. 39And then was the ruach (spirit), and darkness and silence were on every side; the sound of man's voice was not yet formed. 40Then commandedst Thou a fair or (light) to come forth of Thy treasures, that Thy work might appear. 41Upon the second day Thou madest the ruach of the raqia (firmament), and commandedst it to part asunder, and to make a division betwixt the mayim (waters), that the one part might go up, and the other remain beneath. 42Upon the third day Thou didst command that the waters should be gathered in the seventh part of the earth: six parts hast Thou dried up, and kept them, to the intent that of these some being planted of Elohim (God) and tilled might serve Thee. 43For as soon as Thy Davar went forth the work was made. 44For 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. 45Upon the fourth day Thou commandedst that the shemesh (sun) should shine, and the yareach (moon) give her light, and the kokavim (stars) should be in order: 46and gavest them a charge to do service unto man, that was to be made. 47Upon 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. 48For the dumb water and without life brought forth living things at the commandment of Elohim , that all people might praise Thy wondrous works. 49Then didst Thou ordain two living creatures, the one Thou calledst Chanok (Enoch), and the other Livyatan (Leviathan); 50and didst separate the one from the other: for the seventh part, namely, where the water was gathered together, might not hold them both. 51Unto Chanok Thou gavest one part, which was dried up the third day, that he should dwell in the same part, wherein are a thousand hills: 52but unto Livyatan Thou gavest the seventh part, namely, the moist; and hast kept him to be devoured of whom Thou wilt, and when. 53Upon the sixth day Thou gavest commandment unto the eretz , that before Thee it should bring forth beasts, cattle, and creeping things: 54and after these, Adam (Adam) also, whom Thou madest lord of all Thy creatures: of him come we all, and the people also whom Thou hast chosen. 55All this have I spoken before Thee, O Yahuah , because Thou madest the world for our sakes. 56As 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. 57And now, O Yahuah , behold, these Goyim (heathen), which have ever been reputed as nothing, have begun to be lords over us, and to devour us. 58But we Thy people, whom Thou hast called Thy bechor (firstborn), Thy only begotten, and Thy fervent lover, are given into their hands. 59If the world now be made for our sakes, why do we not possess an inheritance with the world? how long shall this endure?"

Ezra HaShlishi (2nd/4th Esdras)—Chapter 7

The Two Worlds, the Revelation of the Son, the Day of Judgment, the Seven Orders of Souls, the Question of Intercession, Adam's Fall, and the Mercy of Elyon

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1When I had finished speaking these words, the malach (angel) who had been sent unto me on the former nights was sent unto me again. 2He said unto me, ‘Rise, Ezra, and hearken unto the words that I am come to speak unto thee.’ 3I said, ‘Speak on, my lord.’ And he said unto me, ‘There is a sea set in a wide expanse so that it is deep and vast, 4but it hath an entrance set in a narrow place, so that it is like a river. 5If there be those who wish to reach the sea, to look upon it or to navigate it, how can they come unto the broad part unless they pass through the narrow part? 6Another example: There is a city built and set upon a plain, and it is full of all good things; 7but the entrance thereto is narrow and set in a precipitous place, so that there is fire on the right hand and deep water on the left. 8There is only one path lying between them, that is, between the fire and the water, so that only one person can walk upon the path. 9If now the city be given unto a man for an inheritance, how shall the heir receive the inheritance unless he pass through the appointed danger?’ 10I said, ‘That is right, lord.’ He said unto me, ‘So also is Yisra'el ’s (Israel’s) portion. 11For I made the world for their sake, and when Adam (Adam) transgressed my statutes, that which had been made was judged. 12And so the entrances of this world were made narrow and sorrowful and toilsome; they are few and evil, full of dangers and involved in great hardships. 13But the entrances of the greater world are broad and safe, and yield the fruit of immortality. 14Therefore unless the living pass through the difficult and vain experiences, they can never receive those things that have been reserved for them. 15Now therefore, why art thou disturbed, seeing that thou art to perish? Why art thou moved, seeing that thou art mortal? 16Why hast thou not considered in thy mind that which is to come, rather than that which is now present?’ 17Then I answered and said, ‘O sovereign Yahuah (Lord), thou hast ordained in thy Torah (law) that the Tzaddikim (righteous) should inherit these things, but that the ungodly should perish. 18The Tzaddikim, therefore, can endure difficult circumstances while hoping for easier ones; but those who have done wickedly have suffered the difficult circumstances and will never see the easier ones.’ 19He said unto me, ‘Thou art not a better judge than the Lord, nor wiser than Elyon (the Most High)! 20Let many perish who are now living, rather than that the Torah of God which is set before them be disregarded! 21For the Lord strictly commanded those who came into the world, when they came, what they should do to live, and what they should observe to avoid punishment. 22Nevertheless, they were not obedient, and spake against him; they devised for themselves vain thoughts, 23and proposed to themselves wicked frauds; they even declared that Elyon doth not exist, and they ignored his ways. 24They scorned his Torah, and denied his covenants; they have been unfaithful to his statutes, and have not performed his works. 25That is the reason, Ezra, that empty things are for the empty, and full things are for the full. 26‘For indeed the time will come, when the signs that I have foretold unto thee shall come to pass, that the city that now is not seen shall appear, and the land that now is hidden shall be disclosed. 27Everyone who hath been delivered from the evils that I have foretold shall see my wonders. 28For my son the Mashiach (Messiah) shall be revealed with those who are with him, and those who remain shall rejoice for four hundred years. 29After those years my son the Mashiach shall die, and all who draw human breath. 30Then shall the world be turned back to primeval silence for seven days, as it was at the first beginnings, so that no one shall be left. 31After seven days the world that is not yet awake shall be roused, and that which is corruptible shall perish. 32The earth shall give up those who are asleep in her, and the dust those who rest there in silence; and the chambers shall give up the souls that have been committed unto them. 33Elyon shall be revealed upon the seat of judgment, and compassion shall pass away, and patience shall be withdrawn. 34Only judgment shall remain, emet (truth) shall stand, and emunah (faithfulness) shall wax strong. 35Recompense shall follow, and the reward shall be manifested; righteous deeds shall awake, and unrighteous deeds shall not sleep. 36The pit of torment shall appear, and opposite it shall be the place of rest; and the furnace of Gehinnom (hell) shall be disclosed, and opposite it the paradise of delight. 37Then Elyon will say unto the nations that have been raised from the dead, “Look now, and understand whom ye have denied, whom ye have not served, whose commandments ye have despised. 38Look on this side and on that; here are delight and rest, and there are fire and torments.” Thus will he speak unto them on the day of judgment— 39a day that hath no sun or moon or stars, 40or cloud or thunder or lightning, or wind or water or air, or darkness or evening or morning, 41or summer or spring or heat or winter or frost or cold, or hail or rain or dew, 42or noon or night, or dawn or shining or brightness or light, but only the splendour of the glory of Elyon , whereby all shall see what hath been destined. 43It shall last as though for a week of years. 44This is my judgment and its prescribed order; and unto thee alone have I shown these things.’ 45I answered and said, ‘O sovereign Yahuah, I said then and I say now: Blessed are those who are alive and keep thy commandments! 46But what of those for whom I prayed? For who among the living is there that hath not sinned, or who is there among mortals that hath not transgressed thy covenant? 47And now I see that the world to come will bring delight to few, but torments to many. 48For an evil heart hath grown up in us, which hath alienated us from Elohim (God), and hath brought us into corruption and the ways of death, and hath shown us the paths of perdition and removed us far from life—and that not merely for a few but for almost all who have been created.’ 49He answered me and said, ‘Hearken unto me, Ezra , and I will instruct thee, and will admonish thee once more. 50For this cause Elyon hath made not one world but two. 51Inasmuch as thou hast said that the Tzaddikim are not many but few, while the ungodly abound, hear the explanation for this. 52‘If thou have just a few precious stones, wilt thou add unto them lead and clay?’ 53I said, ‘Lord, how could that be?’ 54And he said unto me, ‘Not only that, but ask the earth and she will tell thee; defer to her, and she will declare it unto thee. 55Say unto her, “Thou dost produce gold and silver and bronze, and also iron and lead and clay; 56but silver is more abundant than gold, and bronze than silver, and iron than bronze, and lead than iron, and clay than lead.” 57Judge therefore which things are precious and desirable, those that are abundant or those that are rare?’ 58I said, ‘O sovereign Lord, that which is plentiful is of less worth, for that which is more rare is more precious.’ 59He answered me and said, ‘Consider within thyself what thou hast thought, for the person who hath what is hard to get rejoiceth more than the person who hath what is plentiful. 60So also shall be the judgment that I have promised; for I will rejoice over the few who shall be saved, because it is they who have made my glory prevail now, and through them hath my name now been honoured. 61I will not grieve over the great number of those who perish; for it is they who are now like a mist, and are similar to a flame and smoke—they are set on fire and burn hotly, and are extinguished.’ 62I replied and said, ‘O earth, what hast thou brought forth, if the mind is made out of the dust like the other created things? 63For it would have been better if the dust itself had not been born, so that the mind might not have been made from it. 64But now the mind groweth with us, and therefore we are tormented, because we perish and we know it. 65Let the human race lament, but let the wild beasts of the field be glad; let all who have been born lament, but let the cattle and the flocks rejoice. 66It is much better with them than with us; for they do not look for a judgment, and they know not of any torment or salvation promised unto them after death. 67What doth it profit us that we shall be preserved alive but cruelly tormented? 68For all who have been born are entangled in iniquities, and are full of sins and burdened with transgressions. 69And if after death we were not to come into judgment, perhaps it would have been better for us.’ 70He answered me and said, ‘When Elyon made the world and Adam and all who have come from him, he first prepared the judgment and the things that pertain to the judgment. 71But now, understand from thine own words—for thou hast said that the mind groweth with us. 72For this reason, therefore, those who dwell on earth shall be tormented, because though they had understanding, they committed iniquity; and though they received the commandments, they did not keep them; and though they obtained the Torah , they dealt unfaithfully with that which they received. 73What, then, will they have to say in the judgment, or how will they answer in the last times? 74How long hath Elyon been patient with those who inhabit the world!—and not for their sake, but because of the times that he hath foreordained.’ 75I answered and said, ‘If I have found favour in thy sight, O Lord, show this also unto thy servant: whether after death, as soon as every one of us yieldeth up the soul, we shall be kept in rest until those times come when thou wilt renew the creation, or whether we shall be tormented at once?’ 76He answered me and said, ‘I will show thee that also, but do not thou include thyself with those who have shown scorn, nor number thyself among those who are tormented. 77For thou hast a treasure of works stored up with Elyon , but it shall not be shown unto thee until the last times. 78Now concerning death, the teaching is: When the decisive decree hath gone forth from Elyon that a person shall die, as the spirit leaveth the body to return again to him who gave it, first of all it adoreth the glory of Elyon . 79If it be one of those who have shown scorn and have not kept the way of Elyon , who have despised his Torah and hated those who fear Elohim — 80such spirits shall not enter into habitations, but shall immediately wander about in torments, ever grieving and sad, in seven ways. 81The first way, because they have scorned the Torah of Elyon . 82The second way, because they cannot now make a good repentance that they might live. 83The third way, they shall see the reward laid up for those who have trusted the covenants of Elyon . 84The fourth way, they shall consider the torment laid up for themselves in the last days. 85The fifth way, they shall see how the habitations of the others are guarded by malachim (angels) in profound quiet. 86The sixth way, they shall see how some of them will cross over into torments. 87The seventh way, which is worse than all the ways that have been mentioned, because they shall utterly waste away in confusion and be consumed with shame, and shall wither with fear at seeing the glory of Elyon in whose presence they sinned while they were alive, and in whose presence they are to be judged in the last times. 88‘Now this is the order of those who have kept the ways of Elyon , when they shall be separated from their mortal body. 89During the time that they lived in it, they laboriously served Elyon , and withstood danger every hour so that they might keep the Torah of the Lawgiver perfectly. 90Therefore this is the teaching concerning them: 91First of all, they shall see with great joy the glory of him who receiveth them, for they shall have rest in seven orders. 92The first order, because they have striven with great effort to overcome the evil thought that was formed with them, that it might not lead them astray from life into death. 93The second order, because they see the perplexity wherein the souls of the ungodly wander and the punishment that awaiteth them. 94The third order, they see the witness that he who formed them beareth concerning them, that throughout their life they kept the Torah with which they were entrusted. 95The fourth order, they understand the rest that they now enjoy, being gathered into their chambers and guarded by malachim in profound quiet, and the glory waiting for them in the last days. 96The fifth order, they rejoice that they have now escaped that which is corruptible and shall inherit that which is to come; and besides, they see the straits and toil from which they have been delivered, and the spacious liberty that they are to receive and enjoy in immortality. 97The sixth order, when it is shown them how their face is to shine like the sun, and how they are to be made like the light of the stars, being incorruptible from then on. 98The seventh order, which is greater than all that have been mentioned, because they shall rejoice with boldness, and shall be confident without confusion, and shall be glad without fear, for they press forward to see the face of him whom they served in life and from whom they are to receive their reward when glorified. 99This is the order of the souls of the Tzaddikim , as is henceforth announced; and the previously mentioned are the ways of torment that those who would not give heed shall suffer hereafter.’ 100Then I answered and said, ‘Shall time therefore be given unto the souls, after they have been separated from the bodies, to see what thou hast described unto me?’ 101He said unto me, ‘They shall have freedom for seven days, so that during these seven days they may see the things whereof thou hast been told, and afterwards they shall be gathered in their habitations.’ 102I answered and said, ‘If I have found favour in thy sight, show further unto me, thy servant, whether on the day of judgment the Tzaddikim shall be able to intercede for the ungodly or to entreat Elyon for them— 103fathers for sons or sons for parents, brothers for brothers, relatives for their kindred, or friends for those who are most dear.’ 104He answered me and said, ‘Since thou hast found favour in my sight, I will show thee this also. The day of judgment is decisive and displayeth unto all the seal of emet (truth). Just as now a father doth not send his son, or a son his father, or a master his servant, or a friend his dearest friend, to be ill or sleep or eat or be healed in his place, 105so shall no one ever pray for another on that day, neither shall anyone lay a burden upon another; for then shall all bear their own righteousness and unrighteousness.’ 106I answered and said, ‘How then do we find that first Avraham (Abraham) prayed for the people of S'dom (Sodom), and Moshe (Moses) for our fathers who sinned in the desert, 107and Yehoshua (Joshua) after him for Yisra'el in the days of Achan , 108and Shemuel (Samuel) in the days of Shaul (Saul), and David for the plague, and Shlomo (Solomon) for those at the dedication, 109and Eliyahu (Elijah) for those who received the rain, and for the one who was dead, that he might live, 110and Chizkiyahu (Hezekiah) for the people in the days of Sancheriv (Sennacherib), and many others prayed for many? 111So if now, when corruption hath increased and unrighteousness hath multiplied, the Tzaddikim have prayed for the ungodly, why shall it not be so then as well?’ 112He answered me and said, ‘This present world is not the end; the full glory doth not remain therein; therefore those who were strong prayed for the weak. 113But the day of judgment shall be the end of this age and the beginning of the immortal age to come, wherein corruption hath passed away, 114sinful indulgence hath come to an end, unbelief hath been cut off, and tzedakah (righteousness) hath increased and emet hath appeared. 115Therefore shall no one then be able to have mercy on him that hath been condemned in the judgment, nor to harm him that is victorious.’ 116I answered and said, ‘This is my first and last comment: it would have been better if the earth had not produced Adam , or else, when it had produced him, had restrained him from sinning. 117For what good is it to all that they live in sorrow now and expect punishment after death? 118O Adam , what hast thou done? For though it was thou who sinned, the fall was not thine alone, but ours also who are thy descendants. 119For what good is it to us, if an immortal time hath been promised unto us, but we have done deeds that bring death? 120And what good is it that an everlasting hope hath been promised unto us, but we have miserably failed? 121Or that safe and healthful habitations have been reserved for us, but we have lived wickedly? 122Or that the glory of Elyon shall defend those who have led a pure life, but we have walked in the most wicked ways? 123Or that a Gan Eden (paradise) shall be revealed, whose fruit remaineth unspoiled and wherein are abundance and healing, but we shall not enter it 124because we have lived in perverse ways? 125Or that the faces of those who practised selfcontrol shall shine more than the stars, but our faces shall be blacker than darkness? 126For while we lived and committed iniquity we did not consider what we should suffer after death.’ 127He answered and said, ‘This is the meaning of the contest that all who are born on earth shall wage: 128if they be defeated they shall suffer what thou hast said, but if they be victorious they shall receive what I have said. 129For this is the way whereof Moshe , while he was alive, spake unto the people, saying, “Choose life for thyself, that thou mayest live!” 130But they did not believe him, nor the prophets after him, nor even myself who have spoken unto them. 131Therefore shall there not be grief at their destruction, so much as joy over those to whom salvation is assured.’ 132I answered and said, ‘I know, O Yahuah , that Elyon is now called merciful, because he hath mercy on those who have not yet come into the world; 133and gracious, because he is gracious to those who turn in repentance unto his Torah ; 134and patient, because he showeth patience toward those who have sinned, since they are his own creatures; 135and bountiful, because he would rather give than take away; 136and abundant in compassion, because he maketh his compassions to abound more and more to those now living and to those that are gone and to those yet to come— 137for if he did not make them abound, the world with them that dwell therein would not have life— 138and he is called the giver, because if he did not give out of his goodness so that those who have committed iniquities might be relieved of them, not one tenthousandth of humankind could have life; 139and the judge, because if he did not pardon those who were created by his word and blot out the multitude of their sins, 140there would probably be left only very few of the innumerable multitude.’

Ezra HaShlishi (2nd/4th Esdras)—Chapter 8

The Mould and the Dust of Gold: Many Created but Few Saved, the Prayer for Mercy, the Husbandman's Seed, the Forsaking of Torah, and the Sealing of the Root of Evil

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1And he answered me, saying, Elyon (the most High) hath made this world for many, but the world to come for few. 2I 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. 3There be many created, but few shall be saved. 4So answered I and said, Swallow then down, O my nefesh (soul), understanding, and devour chochmah (wisdom). 5For thou hast agreed to give ear, and art willing to prophesy: for thou hast no longer space than only to live. 6O Yahuah (Lord), if thou suffer not thy servant, that we may pray before thee, and thou give us seed unto our lev (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? 7For thou art alone, and we all one workmanship of thine hands, like as thou hast said. 8For 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. 9But 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. 10For 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, 11that the thing which is fashioned may be nourished for a time, till thou disposest it to thy mercy. 12Thou broughtest it up with thy tzedakah (righteousness), and nurturedst it in thy Torah (law), and reformedst it with thy judgment. 13And thou shalt mortify it as thy creature, and quicken it as thy work. 14If 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. 15Now therefore, Lord, I will speak; touching man in general, thou knowest best; but touching thy people, for whose sake I am sorry; 16and for thine inheritance, for whose cause I mourn; and for Yisra'el (Israel), for whom I am heavy; and for Ya'akov (Jacob), for whose sake I am troubled; 17therefore will I begin to pray before thee for myself and for them: for I see the falls of us that dwell in the land. 18But I have heard the swiftness of the judge which is to come. 19Therefore 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, 20O Yahuah , thou that dwellest in everlastingness which beholdest from above things in the Shamayim (heaven) and in the air; 21whose throne is inestimable; whose Kavod (glory) may not be comprehended; before whom the hosts of malachim (angels) stand with trembling, 22whose service is conversant in wind and fire; whose word is true, and sayings constant; whose commandment is strong, and ordinance fearful; 23whose look drieth up the depths, and indignation maketh the mountains to melt away; which the emet (truth) witnesseth: 24O hear the prayer of thy servant, and give ear to the petition of thy creature. 25For while I live I will speak, and so long as I have understanding I will answer. 26O look not upon the sins of thy people; but on them which serve thee in truth. 27Regard not the wicked inventions of the Goyim (heathen), but the desire of those that keep thy testimonies in afflictions. 28Think not upon those that have walked feignedly before thee: but remember them, which according to thy will have known thy fear. 29Let it not be thy will to destroy them which have lived like beasts; but to look upon them that have clearly taught thy Torah . 30Take thou no indignation at them which are deemed worse than beasts; but love them that always put their trust in thy tzedakah and Kavod . 31For we and our fathers do languish of such diseases: but because of us sinners thou shalt be called merciful. 32For if thou hast a desire to have mercy upon us, thou shalt be called merciful, to us namely, that have no works of tzedakah . 33For the Tzaddikim (just), which have many good works laid up with thee, shall out of their own deeds receive reward. 34For what is man, that thou shouldest take displeasure at him? or what is a corruptible generation, that thou shouldest be so bitter toward it? 35For in truth there 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. 36For in this, O Yahuah , thy tzedakah and thy goodness shall be declared, if thou be merciful unto them which have not the confidence of good works. 37Then answered he me, and said, Some things hast thou spoken aright, and according unto thy words it shall be. 38For indeed I will not think on the disposition of them which have sinned before death, before judgment, before destruction: 39but I will rejoice over the disposition of the Tzaddikim , and I will remember also their pilgrimage, and the Yeshuah (salvation), and the reward, that they shall have. 40Like as I have spoken now, so shall it come to pass. 41For 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. 42I answered then and said, If I have found grace, let me speak. 43Like 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: 44even 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. 45Be not wroth with us but spare thy people, and have mercy upon thine own inheritance: for thou art merciful unto thy creature. 46Then answered he me, and said, Things present are for the present, and things to come for such as be to come. 47For 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. 48In this also thou art marvellous before Elyon : 49in that thou hast humbled thyself, as it becometh thee, and hast not judged thyself worthy to be much glorified among the Tzaddikim . 50For 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. 51But understand thou for thyself, and seek out the Kavod for such as be like thee. 52For unto you is Gan Eden (paradise) opened, the etz chayim (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 chochmah (wisdom). 53The root of evil is sealed up from you, weakness and the moth is hid from you, and corruption is fled into She'ol (hell) to be forgotten: 54sorrows are passed, and in the end is shewed the treasure of immortality. 55And therefore ask thou no more questions concerning the multitude of them that perish. 56For when they had taken liberty, they despised Elyon , thought scorn of his Torah , and forsook his ways. 57Moreover they have trodden down his Tzaddikim , 58and said in their heart, that there is no Elohim (God); yea, and that knowing they must die. 59For as the things aforesaid shall receive you, so thirst and pain are prepared for them: for it was not his will that men should come to nought: 60but they which be created have defiled the Shem (name) of him that made them, and were unthankful unto him which prepared life for them. 61And therefore is my judgment now at hand. 62These things have I not shewed unto all men, but unto thee, and a few like thee. 63Then answered I and said, Behold, O Yahuah , 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.

Ezra HaShlishi (2nd/4th Esdras)—Chapter 9

The Measuring of Times, the Seed of the Field, the Grape Kept for Salvation, the Fast of Flowers in Ardath, the Immutable Law, and the Vision of the Mourning Woman

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1He 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, 2then shalt thou understand, that it is the very same time, wherein Elyon (the Highest) will begin to visit the world which he made. 3Therefore when there shall be seen earthquakes and uproars of the people in the world: 4then shalt thou well understand, that Elyon spake of those things from the days that were before thee, even from the beginning. 5For like as all that is made in the world hath a beginning and an end, and the end is manifest: 6even so the times also of Elyon have plain beginnings in wonder and powerful works, and endings in effects and signs. 7And every one that shall be saved, and shall be able to escape by his works, and by emunah (faith), whereby ye have believed, 8shall be preserved from the said perils, and shall see my Yeshuah (salvation) in my land, and within my borders: for I have sanctified them for me from the beginning. 9Then shall they be in pitiful case, which now have abused my ways: and they that have cast them away despitefully shall dwell in torments. 10For such as in their life have received benefits, and have not known me; 11and they that have loathed my Torah (law), while they had yet liberty, and, when as yet place of repentance was open unto them, understood not, but despised it; 12the same must know it after death by pain. 13And therefore be thou not curious how the ungodly shall be punished, and when: but enquire how the Tzaddikim (righteous) shall be saved, whose the world is, and for whom the world is created. 14Then answered I and said, 15I 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: 16like as a wave is greater than a drop. 17And 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 himself is, so is his husbandry also: for it was the time of the world. 18And 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. 19For 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 Torah which is unsearchable rid themselves. 20So I considered the world, and, behold, there was peril because of the devices that were come into it. 21And I saw, and spared it greatly, and have kept me a grape of the cluster, and a plant of a great people. 22Let 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. 23Nevertheless, if thou wilt cease yet seven days more, (but thou shalt not fast in them, 24but 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;) 25and pray unto Elyon continually, then will I come and talk with thee. 26So I went my way into the field which is called Ardath (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. 27After seven days I sat upon the grass, and my lev (heart) was vexed within me, like as before: 28and I opened my mouth, and began to talk before Elyon , and said, 29O Yahuah (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 Mitzrayim (Egypt). 30And thou spakest saying, Hear me, O Yisra'el (Israel); and mark my words, thou seed of Ya'akov (Jacob). 31For, behold, I sow my Torah in you, and it shall bring fruit in you, and ye shall be honoured in it for ever. 32But our fathers, which received the Torah , kept it not, and observed not thy ordinances: and though the fruit of thy Torah did not perish, neither could it, for it was thine; 33yet they that received it perished, because they kept not the thing that was sown in them. 34And, lo, it is 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, 35that 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. 36For we that have received the Torah perish by sin, and our lev also which received it. 37Notwithstanding the Torah perisheth not, but remaineth in her force. 38And when I spake these things in my lev , 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. 39Then let I my thoughts go that I was in, and turned me unto her, 40and said unto her, Wherefore weepest thou? why art thou so grieved in thy mind? 41And 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. 42And I said unto her, What aileth thee? tell me. 43She said unto me, I thy servant have been barren, and had no child, though I had an husband thirty years, 44and those thirty years I did nothing else day and night, and every hour, but make my prayer to Elyon . 45After thirty years Elohim (God) heard me thine handmaid, looked upon my misery, considered my trouble, and gave me a ben (son): and I was very glad of him, so was my husband also, and all my neighbours: and we gave great honour unto Shaddai (the Almighty). 46And I nourished him with great travail. 47So when he grew up, and came to the time that he should have a wife, I made a feast.

Ezra HaShlishi (2nd/4th Esdras)—Chapter 10

The Mourning Woman Transformed into a City: The Comfort of Tziyon, the Death of Her Son as the Destruction of Yerushalayim, and the Revelation of Her Kavod

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1And it so came to pass, that when my son was entered into his wedding chamber, he fell down, and died. 2Then 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. 3And 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. 4And 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. 5Then left I the meditations wherein I was, and spake to her in anger, saying, 6Thou foolish woman above all other, seest thou not our mourning, and what happeneth unto us? 7How that Tziyon (Sion) our mother is full of all heaviness, and much humbled, mourning very sore? 8And now, seeing we all mourn and are sad, for we are all in heaviness, art thou grieved for one son? 9For 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. 10For 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. 11Who then should make more mourning than she, that hath lost so great a multitude; and not thou, which art sorry but for one? 12But 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; 13but the earth not so: for the multitude present in it according to the course of the earth is gone, as it came: 14then 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. 15Now therefore keep thy sorrow to thyself, and bear with a good courage that which hath befallen thee. 16For if thou shalt acknowledge the determination of Elohim (God) to be just, thou shalt both receive thy son in time, and shalt be commended among women. 17Go thy way then into the city to thine husband. 18And she said unto me, That will I not do: I will not go into the city, but here will I die. 19So I proceeded to speak further unto her, and said, 20Do not so, but be counselled by me: for how many are the adversities of Tziyon ? be comforted in regard of the sorrow of Yerushalayim (Jerusalem). 21For thou seest that our sanctuary is laid waste, our altar broken down, our temple destroyed; 22our 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; 23and, which is the greatest of all, the seal of Tziyon hath now lost her honour; for she is delivered into the hands of them that hate us. 24And therefore shake off thy great heaviness, and put away the multitude of sorrows, that Shaddai (the Mighty) may be merciful unto thee again, and Elyon (the Highest) shall give thee rest and ease from thy labour. 25And 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. 26And, behold, suddenly she made a great cry very fearful: so that the earth shook at the noise of the woman. 27And 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, 28Where is Uriel the malach (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. 29And as I was speaking these words behold, he came unto me, and looked upon me. 30And, 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, 31What aileth thee? and why art thou so disquieted? and why is thine understanding troubled, and the thoughts of thine heart? 32And 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. 33And he said unto me, Stand up manfully, and I will advise thee. 34Then said I, Speak on, my lord, in me; only forsake me not, lest I die frustrate of my hope. 35For I have seen that I knew not, and hear that I do not know. 36Or is my sense deceived, or my soul in a dream? 37Now therefore I beseech thee that thou wilt shew thy servant of this vision. 38He answered me then, and said, Hear me, and I shall inform thee, and tell thee wherefore thou art afraid: for Elyon will reveal many secret things unto thee. 39He hath seen that thy way is right: for that thou sorrowest continually for thy people, and makest great lamentation for Tziyon . 40This therefore is the meaning of the vision which thou lately sawest: 41Thou sawest a woman mourning, and thou begannest to comfort her: 42but now seest thou the likeness of the woman no more, but there appeared unto thee a city builded. 43And whereas she told thee of the death of her son, this is the solution: 44This woman, whom thou sawest is Tziyon : and whereas she said unto thee, even she whom thou seest as a city builded, 45whereas, 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. 46But after thirty years Shlomo (Solomon) builded the city and offered offerings: and then bare the barren a son. 47And whereas she told thee that she nourished him with labour: that was the dwelling in Yerushalayim . 48But 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 Yerushalayim . 49And, 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. 50For now Elyon 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: 51and therefore I bade thee remain in the field where no house was builded: 52for I knew that Elyon would shew this unto thee. 53Therefore I commanded thee to go into the field, where no foundation of any building was. 54For in the place wherein Elyon beginneth to shew his city, there can no man’s building be able to stand. 55And 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: 56and then shalt thou hear as much as thine ears may comprehend. 57For thou art blessed above many other, and art called with Elyon ; and so are but few. 58But to morrow at night thou shalt remain here; 59and so shall Elyon shew thee visions of the high things, which Elyon 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.

Ezra HaShlishi (2nd/4th Esdras)—Chapter 11

The Dream of the Eagle from the Sea: The Twelve Wings and Three Heads, the Contrary Feathers, the Voice from the Midst, and the Roaring Aryeh Proclaiming Judgment

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1Then saw I a dream, and, behold, there came up from the sea an eagle, which had twelve feathered wings, and three heads. 2And 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. 3And I beheld, and out of her feathers there grew other contrary feathers; and they became little feathers and small. 4But her heads were at rest: the head in the midst was greater than the other, yet rested it with the residue. 5Moreover I beheld, and, lo, the eagle flew with her feathers, and reigned upon earth, and over them that dwelt therein. 6And I saw that all things under heaven were subject unto her, and no man spake against her, no, not one creature upon earth. 7And I beheld, and, lo, the eagle rose upon her talons, and spake to her feathers, saying, 8Watch not all at once: sleep every one in his own place, and watch by course: 9but let the heads be preserved for the last. 10And I beheld, and, lo, the voice went not out of her heads, but from the midst of her body. 11And I numbered her contrary feathers, and, behold, there were eight of them. 12And I looked, and, behold, on the right side there arose one feather, and reigned over all the earth; 13and 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; 14and it happened, that when it reigned, the end of it came also, like as the first, so that it appeared no more. 15Then came there a voice unto it, and said, 16Hear thou that hast borne rule over the earth so long: this I say unto thee, before thou beginnest to appear no more, 17there shall none after thee attain unto thy time, neither unto the half thereof. 18Then arose the third, and reigned as the other before, and appeared no more also. 19So went it with all the residue one after another, as that every one reigned, and then appeared no more. 20Then 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: 21for some of them were set up, but ruled not. 22After this I looked, and, behold, the twelve feathers appeared no more, nor the two little feathers: 23and there was no more upon the eagle's body, but three heads that rested, and six little wings. 24Then 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. 25And I beheld, and, lo, the feathers that were under the wing thought to set up themselves and to have the rule. 26And I beheld, and, lo, there was one set up, but shortly it appeared no more. 27And the second was sooner away than the first. 28And I beheld, and, lo, the two that remained thought also in themselves to reign: 29and 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. 30And then I saw that the two other heads were joined with it. 31And, 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. 32But 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. 33And after this I beheld, and, lo, the head that was in the midst suddenly appeared no more, like as the wings. 34But there remained the two heads, which also in like sort ruled upon the earth, and over those that dwelt therein. 35And I beheld, and, lo, the head upon the right side devoured it that was upon the left side. 36Then I heard a voice, which said unto me, Look before thee, and consider the thing that thou seest. 37And I beheld, and lo, as it were a roaring aryeh (lion) chased out of the wood: and I saw that he sent out a man's voice unto the eagle, and said, 38Hear thou, I will talk with thee, and Elyon (the Highest) shall say unto thee, 39Art 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? 40And 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. 41For the earth hast thou not judged with tzedek (truth/righteousness). 42For 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. 43Therefore is thy wrongful dealing come up unto Elyon , and thy pride unto Shaddai (the Mighty). 44Elyon also hath looked upon the proud times, and, behold, they are ended, and his abominations are fulfilled. 45And 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: 46that all the earth may be refreshed, and may return, being delivered from thy violence, and that she may hope for the mishpat (judgment) and rachamim (mercy) of him that made her.

Ezra HaShlishi (2nd/4th Esdras)—Chapter 12

The Interpretation of the Eagle Vision: The Kingdom of Daniyel, the Twelve Wings, the Three Heads, the Mashiach as the Roaring Aryeh, and the Charge to Write These Secrets

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1And it came to pass, whiles the aryeh (lion) spake these words unto the eagle, I saw, 2and, 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 full of uproar. 3And 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 ruach (spirit), 4Lo, this hast thou done unto me, in that thou searchest out the ways of Elyon (the Highest). 5Lo, yet am I weary in my mind, and very weak in my ruach ; and little strength is there in me, for the great fear wherewith I was afflicted this night. 6Therefore will I now beseech Elyon , that he will comfort me unto the end. 7And I said, Yahuah (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; 8comfort me then, and shew me thy servant the interpretation and plain difference of this fearful vision, that thou mayest perfectly comfort my nefesh (soul). 9For thou hast judged me worthy to shew me the last times. 10And he said unto me, This is the interpretation of the vision: 11The eagle, whom thou sawest come up from the sea, is the kingdom which was seen in the vision of thy brother Daniyel (Daniel). 12But it was not expounded unto him, therefore now I declare it unto thee. 13Behold, 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. 14In the same shall twelve kings reign, one after another: 15whereof the second shall begin to reign, and shall have more time than any of the twelve. 16And this do the twelve wings signify, which thou sawest. 17As 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: 18That 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. 19And whereas thou sawest the eight small under feathers sticking to her wings, this is the interpretation: 20That in him there shall arise eight kings, whose times shall be but small, and their years swift. 21And 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. 22And whereas thou sawest three heads resting, this is the interpretation: 23In his last days shall Elyon raise up three kingdoms, and renew many things therein, and they shall have the dominion of the earth, 24and of those that dwell therein, with much oppression, above all those that were before them: therefore are they called the heads of the eagle. 25For these are they that shall accomplish his wickedness, and that shall finish his last end. 26And 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. 27For the two that remain shall be slain with the sword. 28For the sword of the one shall devour the other: but at the last shall he fall through the sword himself. 29And whereas thou sawest two feathers under the wings passing over the head that is on the right side; 30it signifieth that these are they, whom Elyon hath kept unto their end: this is the small kingdom and full of trouble, as thou sawest. 31And 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; 32this is the Mashiach (the anointed), which Elyon hath kept for them and for their wickedness unto the end: he shall reprove them, and shall upbraid them with their cruelty. 33For he shall set them before him alive in mishpat (judgment), and shall rebuke them, and correct them. 34For 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 beginning. 35This is the dream that thou sawest, and these are the interpretations. 36Thou only hast been meet to know this secret of Elyon . 37Therefore write all these things that thou hast seen in a sefer (book), and hide them: 38and teach them to the wise of the people, whose hearts thou knowest may comprehend and keep these secrets. 39But wait thou here thyself yet seven days more, that it may be shewed thee, whatsoever it pleaseth Elyon to declare unto thee. And with that he went his way. 40And it came to pass, when all the people saw that the seven days were past, and I not come again into the city, they gathered them all together, from the least unto the greatest, and came unto me, and said, 41What have we offended thee? and what evil have we done against thee, that thou forsakest us, and sittest here in this place? 42For of all the prophets thou only art left us, as a cluster of the vintage, and as a candle in a dark place, and as a haven or ship preserved from the tempest. 43Are not the evils which are come to us sufficient? 44If thou shalt forsake us, how much better had it been for us, if we also had been burned in the midst of Tziyon (Sion)? 45For we are not better than they that died there. And they wept with a loud voice. 46Then answered I them, and said, Be of good comfort, O Yisra'el (Israel); and be not heavy, thou house of Ya'akov (Jacob): 47For Elyon hath you in remembrance, and Shaddai (the Mighty) hath not forgotten you in temptation. 48As for me, I have not forsaken you, neither am I departed from you: but am come into this place, to pray for the desolation of Tziyon , and that I might seek mercy for the low estate of your sanctuary. 49And now go your way home every man, and after these days will I come unto you. 50So the people went their way into the city, like as I commanded them: 51But I remained still in the field seven days, as the malach (angel) commanded me; and did eat only in those days of the flowers of the field, and had my meat of the herbs.

Ezra HaShlishi (2nd/4th Esdras)—Chapter 13

The Dream of the Man from the Sea: The Blast of Fire, the Ten Tribes from Arsereth, the Mashiach on Mount Tziyon, and the Destruction of Nations by Torah Without Sword

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1And it came to pass after seven days, I dreamed a dream by night: 2and, lo, there arose a wind from the sea, that it moved all the waves thereof. 3And I beheld, and, lo, that man waxed strong with the thousands of Shamayim (heaven): and when he turned his countenance to look, all the things trembled that were seen under him. 4And whensoever the voice went out of his mouth, all they burned that heard his voice, like as the earth faileth when it feeleth the fire. 5And after this I beheld, and, lo, there was gathered together a multitude of men, out of number, from the four winds of the heaven, to subdue the man that came out of the sea. 6But I beheld, and, lo, he had graved himself a great mountain, and flew up upon it. 7But I would have seen the region or place whereout the hill was graven, and I could not. 8And after this I beheld, and, lo, all they which were gathered together to subdue him were sore afraid, and yet durst fight. 9And, lo, as he saw the violence of the multitude that came, he neither lifted up his hand, nor held sword, nor any instrument of war: 10but only I saw that he sent out of his mouth as it had been a blast of fire, and out of his lips a flaming breath, and out of his tongue he cast out sparks and tempests. 11And they were all mixed together; the blast of fire, the flaming breath, and the great tempest; and fell with violence upon the multitude which was prepared to fight, and burned them up every one, so that upon a sudden of an innumerable multitude nothing was to be perceived, but only dust and smell of smoke: when I saw this I was afraid. 12Afterward saw I the same man come down from the mountain, and call unto him another peaceable multitude. 13And there came much people unto him, whereof some were glad, some were sorry, and some of them were bound, and other some brought of them that were offered: then was I sick through great fear, and I awaked, and said, 14Thou hast shewed thy servant these wonders from the beginning, and hast counted me worthy that thou shouldest receive my prayer: 15shew me now yet the interpretation of this dream. 16For as I conceive in mine understanding, woe unto them that shall be left in those days and much more woe unto them that are not left behind! 17For they that were not left were in heaviness. 18Now understand I the things that are laid up in the latter days, which shall happen unto them, and to those that are left behind. 19Therefore are they come into great perils and many necessities, like as these dreams declare. 20Yet is it easier for him that is in danger to come into these things, than to pass away as a cloud out of the world, and not to see the things that happen in the last days. 21And he answered unto me, and said, The interpretation of the vision shall I shew thee, and I will open unto thee the thing that thou hast required. 22Whereas thou hast spoken of them that are left behind, this is the interpretation: 23He that shall endure the peril in that time hath kept himself: they that be fallen into danger are such as have works, and emunah (faith) toward Shaddai (the Almighty). 24Know this therefore, that they which be left behind are more blessed than they that be dead. 25This is the meaning of the vision: Whereas thou sawest a man coming up from the midst of the sea: 26the same is he whom Elohim (God) Elyon (the Highest) hath kept a great season, which by his own self shall deliver his creature: and he shall order them that are left behind. 27And whereas thou sawest, that out of his mouth there came as a blast of wind, and fire, and storm; 28and that he held neither sword, nor any instrument of war, but that the rushing in of him destroyed the whole multitude that came to subdue him; this is the interpretation: 29Behold, the days come, when Elyon will begin to deliver them that are upon the earth. 30And he shall come to the astonishment of them that dwell on the earth. 31And one shall undertake to fight against another, one city against another, one place against another, one people against another, and one realm against another. 32And the time shall be when these things shall come to pass, and the signs shall happen which I shewed thee before, and then shall my Ben (Son) be declared, whom thou sawest as a man ascending. 33And when all the people hear his voice, every man shall in their own land leave the battle they have one against another. 34And an innumerable multitude shall be gathered together, as thou sawest them, willing to come, and to overcome him by fighting. 35But he shall stand upon the top of the mount Tziyon (Sion). 36And Tziyon shall come, and shall be shewed to all men, being prepared and builded, like as thou sawest the hill graven without hands. 37And this my Ben shall rebuke the wicked inventions of those nations, which for their wicked life are fallen into the tempest; 38and shall lay before them their evil thoughts, and the torments wherewith they shall begin to be tormented, which are like unto a flame: and he shall destroy them without labour by the Torah (law) which is like unto me. 39And whereas thou sawest that he gathered another peaceable multitude unto him; 40those are the Aseret HaShevatim (ten tribes), which were carried away prisoners out of their own land in the time of Hoshea (Osea) the king, whom Shalmaneser (Salmanasar) the king of Ashur (Assyria) led away captive, and he carried them over the waters, and so came they into another land. 41But they took this counsel among themselves, that they would leave the multitude of the Goyim (heathen), and go forth into a further country, where never mankind dwelt, 42that they might there keep their statutes, which they never kept in their own land. 43And they entered into Perath (Euphrates) by the narrow places of the river. 44For Elyon then shewed signs for them, and held still the flood, till they were passed over. 45For through that country there was a great way to go, namely, of a year and a half: and the same region is called Arsereth (Arsareth). 46Then dwelt they there until the latter time; and now when they shall begin to come, 47Elyon shall stay the springs of the stream again, that they may go through: therefore sawest thou the multitude with peace. 48But those that be left behind of thy people are they that are found within my borders. 49Now when he destroyeth the multitude of the nations that are gathered together, he shall defend his people that remain. 50And then shall he shew them great wonders. 51Then said I, O Yahuah (Lord) that bearest rule, shew me this: Wherefore have I seen the man coming up from the midst of the sea? 52And he said unto me, Like as thou canst neither seek out nor know the things that are in the deep of the sea: even so can no man upon earth see my Ben , or those that be with him, but in the day time. 53This is the interpretation of the dream which thou sawest, and whereby thou only art here lightened. 54For thou hast forsaken thine own way, and applied thy diligence unto my Torah , and sought it. 55Thy life hast thou ordered in chochmah (wisdom), and hast called understanding thy mother. 56And therefore have I shewed thee the treasures of Elyon : after other three days I will speak other things unto thee, and declare unto thee mighty and wondrous things. 57Then went I forth into the field, giving praise and thanks greatly unto Elyon because of his wonders which he did in time; 58and because he governeth the same, and such things as fall in their seasons: and there I sat three days.

Ezra HaShlishi (2nd/4th Esdras)—Chapter 14

The Voice from the S'neh: The Commission of Esdras to Restore the Burnt Torah, the Coming of the Ruach HaKodesh, the Forty Days of Writing, and the Command to Publish Openly

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1And it came to pass upon the third day, I sat under an oak, and, behold, there came a voice out of a s’neh (bush) over against me, and said, Esdras, Esdras . 2And I said, Here am I, Lord. And I stood up upon my feet. 3Then said he unto me, In the bush I did manifestly reveal myself unto Moshe (Moses), and talked with him, when my people served in Mitzrayim (Egypt): 4and I sent him and led my people out of Mitzrayim , and brought him up to the mount of Sinai (Sinai), where I held him by me a long season, 5and told him many wondrous things, and shewed him the secrets of the times, and the end; and commanded him, saying, 6These words shalt thou declare, and these shalt thou hide. 7And now I say unto thee, 8that thou lay up in thy lev (heart) the signs that I have shewed, and the dreams that thou hast seen, and the interpretations which thou hast heard: 9for thou shalt be taken away from all, and from henceforth thou shalt remain with my Ben (Son), and with such as be like thee, until the times be ended. 10For the world hath lost his youth, and the times begin to wax old. 11For the world is divided into twelve parts, and the ten parts of it are gone already, and half of a tenth part: 12and there remaineth that which is after the half of the tenth part. 13Now therefore set thine house in order, and reprove thy people, comfort such of them as be in trouble, and now renounce corruption, 14let go from thee mortal thoughts, cast away the burdens of man, put off now the weak nature, 15and set aside the thoughts that are most heavy unto thee, and haste thee to flee from these times. 16For yet greater evils than those which thou hast seen happen shall be done hereafter. 17For look how much the world shall be weaker through age, so much the more shall evils increase upon them that dwell therein. 18For the time is fled far away, and leasing is hard at hand: for now hasteth the vision to come, which thou hast seen. 19Then answered I before thee, and said, 20Behold, Lord, I will go, as thou hast commanded me, and reprove the people which are present: but they that shall be born afterward, who shall admonish them? thus the world is set in darkness, and they that dwell therein are without light. 21For thy Torah (law) is burnt, therefore no man knoweth the things that are done of thee, or the work that shall begin. 22But if I have found grace before thee, send the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Ghost) into me, and I shall write all that hath been done in the world since the beginning, which were written in thy Torah , that men may find thy path, and that they which will live in the latter days may live. 23And he answered me, saying, Go thy way, gather the people together, and say unto them, that they seek thee not for forty days. 24But look thou prepare thee many box trees, and take with thee Sarea, Dabria, Selemia, Ecanus, and Asiel , these five which are ready to write swiftly; 25and come hither, and I shall light a candle of understanding in thine heart, which shall not be put out, till the things be performed which thou shalt begin to write. 26And when thou hast done, some things shalt thou publish, and some things shalt thou shew secretly to the wise: to morrow this hour shalt thou begin to write. 27Then went I forth, as he commanded, and gathered all the people together, and said, 28Hear these words, O Yisra'el (Israel). 29Our fathers at the beginning were strangers in Mitzrayim (Egypt), from whence they were delivered: 30and received the Torah of life, which they kept not, which ye also have transgressed after them. 31Then was the land, even the land of Tziyon (Sion), parted among you by lot: but your fathers, and ye yourselves, have done unrighteousness, and have not kept the ways which Elyon (the Highest) commanded you. 32And forasmuch as he is a righteous judge, he took from you in time the thing that he had given you. 33And now are ye here, and your brethren among you. 34Therefore if so be that ye will subdue your own understanding, and reform your hearts, ye shall be kept alive and after death ye shall obtain mercy. 35For after death shall the judgment come, when we shall live again: and then shall the names of the Tzaddikim (righteous) be manifest, and the works of the ungodly shall be declared. 36Let no man therefore come unto me now, nor seek after me these forty days. 37So I took the five men, as he commanded me, and we went into the field, and remained there. 38And the next day, behold, a voice called me, saying, Esdras , open thy mouth, and drink that I give thee to drink. 39Then opened I my mouth, and, behold, he reached me a full cup, which was full as it were with water, but the colour of it was like fire. 40And I took it, and drank: and when I had drunk of it, my lev (heart) uttered understanding, and chochmah (wisdom) grew in my breast, for my ruach (spirit) strengthened my memory: 41and my mouth was opened, and shut no more. 42Elyon gave understanding unto the five men, and they wrote the wonderful visions of the night that were told, which they knew not: and they sat forty days, and they wrote in the day, and at night they ate bread. 43As for me, I spake in the day, and I held not my tongue by night. 44In forty days they wrote two hundred and four books. 45And it came to pass, when the forty days were filled, that Elyon spake, saying, The first that thou hast written publish openly, that the worthy and unworthy may read it: 46but keep the seventy last, that thou mayest deliver them only to such as be wise among the people: 47for in them is the spring of understanding, the fountain of chochmah , and the stream of knowledge. 48And I did so.

Ezra HaShlishi (2nd/4th Esdras)—Chapter 15

The Prophecy of Plagues: The Sword, Famine, Death, and Destruction Upon the World, the Avenging of Innocent Blood, and the Woe to Asia That Followed Her Abominations

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1Behold, speak thou in the ears of my people the words of prophecy, which I will put in thy mouth, saith Yahuah (the Lord): 2and cause them to be written in paper: for they are faithful and true. 3Fear not the imaginations against thee, let not the incredulity of them trouble thee, that speak against thee. 4For all the unfaithful shall die in their unfaithfulness. 5Behold, saith Yahuah , I will bring plagues upon the world; the sword, famine, death, and destruction. 6For wickedness hath exceedingly polluted the whole earth, and their hurtful works are fulfilled. 7Therefore saith Yahuah , 8I will hold my tongue no more as touching their wickedness, which they profanely commit, neither will I suffer them in those things, in which they wickedly exercise themselves: behold, the innocent and tzedek (righteous) blood crieth unto me, and the souls of the just complain continually. 9And therefore, saith Yahuah , I will surely avenge them, and receive unto me all the innocent blood from among them. 10Behold, my people is led as a flock to the slaughter: I will not suffer them now to dwell in the land of Mitzrayim (Egypt): 11but I will bring them with a mighty hand and a stretched out arm, and smite Mitzrayim with plagues, as before, and will destroy all the land thereof. 12Mitzrayim shall mourn, and the foundation of it shall be smitten with the plague and punishment that Elohim (God) shall bring upon it. 13They that till the ground shall mourn: for their seeds shall fail through the blasting and hail, and with a fearful constellation. 14Woe to the world and them that dwell therein! 15For the sword and their destruction draweth nigh, and one people shall stand up and fight against another, and swords in their hands. 16For there shall be sedition among men, and invading one another; they shall not regard their kings nor princes, and the course of their actions shall stand in their power. 17A man shall desire to go into a city, and shall not be able. 18For because of their pride the cities shall be troubled, the houses shall be destroyed, and men shall be afraid. 19A man shall have no pity upon his neighbour, but shall destroy their houses with the sword, and spoil their goods, because of the lack of bread, and for great tribulation. 20Behold, saith Elohim , I will call together all the kings of the earth to reverence me, which are from the rising of the sun, from the south, from the east, and Levanon (Libanus); to turn themselves one against another, and repay the things that they have done to them. 21Like as they do yet this day unto my chosen, so will I do also, and recompense in their bosom. Thus saith Adonai Elohim (the Lord God); 22My right hand shall not spare the sinners, and my sword shall not cease over them that shed innocent blood upon the earth. 23The fire is gone forth from his wrath, and hath consumed the foundations of the earth, and the sinners, like the straw that is kindled. 24Woe to them that sin, and keep not my commandments! saith Yahuah . 25I will not spare them: go your way, ye children, from the power, defile not my sanctuary. 26For Yahuah knoweth all them that sin against him, and therefore delivereth he them unto death and destruction. 27For now are the plagues come upon the whole earth and ye shall remain in them: for Elohim shall not deliver you, because ye have sinned against him. 28Behold an horrible vision, and the appearance thereof from the east: 29where the nations of the dragons of Arav (Arabia) shall come out with many chariots, and the multitude of them shall be carried as the wind upon earth, that all they which hear them may fear and tremble. 30Also the Carmanians (Carmanians) raging in wrath shall go forth as the wild boars of the wood, and with great power shall they come, and join battle with them, and shall waste a portion of the land of the Ashurim (Assyrians). 31And then shall the dragons have the upper hand, remembering their nature; and if they shall turn themselves, conspiring together in great power to persecute them, 32then these shall be troubled, and keep silence through their power, and shall flee. 33And from the land of the Ashurim shall the enemy besiege them, and consume some of them, and in their host shall be fear and dread, and strife among their kings. 34Behold clouds from the east and from the north unto the south, and they are very horrible to look upon, full of wrath and storm. 35They shall smite one upon another, and they shall smite down a great multitude of stars upon the earth, even their own star; and blood shall be from the sword unto the belly, 36and dung of men unto the camel's hough. 37And there shall be great fearfulness and trembling upon earth: and they that see the wrath shall be afraid, and trembling shall come upon them. 38And then shall there come great storms from the south, and from the north, and another part from the west. 39And strong winds shall arise from the east, and shall open it; and the cloud which he raised up in wrath, and the star stirred to cause fear toward the east and west wind, shall be destroyed. 40The great and mighty clouds shall be puffed up full of wrath, and the star, that they may make all the earth afraid, and them that dwell therein; and they shall pour out over every high and eminent place an horrible star, 41fire, and hail, and flying swords, and many waters, that all fields may be full, and all rivers, with the abundance of great waters. 42And they shall break down the cities and walls, mountains and hills, trees of the wood, and grass of the meadows, and their corn. 43And they shall go stedfastly unto Bavel (Babylon), and make her afraid. 44They shall come to her, and besiege her, the star and all wrath shall they pour out upon her: then shall the dust and smoke go up unto the heaven, and all they that be about her shall bewail her. 45And they that remain under her shall do service unto them that have put her in fear. 46And thou, Asia (Asia), that art partaker of the hope of Bavel , and art the glory of her person: 47woe be unto thee, thou wretch, because thou hast made thyself like unto her; and hast decked thy daughters in whoredom, that they might please and glory in thy lovers, which have always desired to commit whoredom with thee. 48Thou hast followed her that is hated in all her works and inventions: therefore saith Elohim , 49I will send plagues upon thee; widowhood, poverty, famine, sword, and pestilence, to waste thy houses with destruction and death. 50And the glory of thy power shall be dried up as a flower, the heat shall arise that is sent over thee. 51Thou shalt be weakened as a poor woman with stripes, and as one chastised with wounds, so that the mighty and lovers shall not be able to receive thee. 52Would I with jealousy have so proceeded against thee, saith Yahuah , 53if thou hadst not always slain my chosen, exalting the stroke of thine hands, and saying over their dead, when thou wast drunken, 54Set forth the beauty of thy countenance? 55The reward of thy whoredom shall be in thy bosom, therefore shalt thou receive recompence. 56Like as thou hast done unto my chosen, saith Yahuah , even so shall Elohim do unto thee, and shall deliver thee into mischief. 57Thy children shall die of hunger, and thou shalt fall through the sword: thy cities shall be broken down, and all thine shall perish with the sword in the field. 58They that be in the mountains shall die of hunger, and eat their own flesh, and drink their own blood, for very hunger of bread, and thirst of water. 59Thou as unhappy shalt come through the sea, and receive plagues again. 60And in the passage they shall rush on the idle city, and shall destroy some portion of thy land, and consume part of thy glory, and shall return to Bavel that was destroyed. 61And thou shalt be cast down by them as stubble, and they shall be unto thee as fire; 62and shall consume thee, and thy cities, thy land, and thy mountains; all thy woods and thy fruitful trees shall they burn up with fire. 63Thy children shall they carry away captive, and, look, what thou hast, they shall spoil it, and mar the beauty of thy face.

Ezra HaShlishi (2nd/4th Esdras)—Chapter 16

The Woe to Bavel, Asia, Mitzrayim, and Aram: The Irresistible Sword, the Desolation of the Earth, the Charge to the Servants of Yahuah to Be as Pilgrims, and the Chosen as Gold

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1Woe be unto thee, Bavel (Babylon), and Asia (Asia)! woe be unto thee, Mitzrayim (Egypt) and Aram (Syria)! 2Gird up yourselves with cloths of sack and hair, bewail your children, and be sorry; for your destruction is at hand. 3A sword is sent upon you, and who may turn it back? 4A fire is sent among you, and who may quench it? 5Plagues are sent unto you, and what is he that may drive them away? 6May any man drive away an hungry lion in the wood? or may any one quench the fire in stubble, when it hath begun to burn? 7May one turn again the arrow that is shot of a strong archer? 8The mighty Yahuah (Lord) sendeth the plagues and who is he that can drive them away? 9A fire shall go forth from his wrath, and who is he that may quench it? 10He shall cast lightnings, and who shall not fear? he shall thunder, and who shall not be afraid? 11Yahuah shall threaten, and who shall not be utterly beaten to powder at his presence? 12The earth quaketh, and the foundations thereof; the sea ariseth up with waves from the deep, and the waves of it are troubled, and the fishes thereof also, before Yahuah , and before the glory of his power: 13For strong is his right hand that bendeth the bow, his arrows that he shooteth are sharp, and shall not miss, when they begin to be shot into the ends of the world. 14Behold, the plagues are sent, and shall not return again, until they come upon the earth. 15The fire is kindled, and shall not be put out, till it consume the foundation of the earth. 16Like as an arrow which is shot of a mighty archer returneth not backward: even so the plagues that shall be sent upon earth shall not return again. 17Woe is me! woe is me! who will deliver me in those days? 18The beginning of sorrows and great mournings; the beginning of famine and great death; the beginning of wars, and the powers shall stand in fear; the beginning of evils! what shall I do when these evils shall come? 19Behold, famine and plague, tribulation and anguish, are sent as scourges for amendment. 20But for all these things they shall not turn from their wickedness, nor be always mindful of the scourges. 21Behold, victuals shall be so good cheap upon earth, that they shall think themselves to be in good case, and even then shall evils grow upon earth, sword, famine, and great confusion. 22For many of them that dwell upon earth shall perish of famine; and the other, that escape the hunger, shall the sword destroy. 23And the dead shall be cast out as dung, and there shall be no man to comfort them: for the earth shall be wasted, and the cities shall be cast down. 24There shall be no man left to till the earth, and to sow it. 25The trees shall give fruit, and who shall gather them? 26The grapes shall ripen, and who shall tread them? for all places shall be desolate of men: 27So that one man shall desire to see another, and to hear his voice. 28For of a city there shall be ten left, and two of the field, which shall hide themselves in the thick groves, and in the clefts of the rocks. 29As in an orchard of olives upon every tree there are left three or four olives; 30Or as when a vineyard is gathered, there are left some clusters of them that diligently seek through the vineyard: 31Even so in those days there shall be three or four left by them that search their houses with the sword. 32And the earth shall be laid waste, and the fields thereof shall wax old, and her ways and all her paths shall grow full of thorns, because no man shall travel therethrough. 33The virgins shall mourn, having no bridegrooms; the women shall mourn, having no husbands; their daughters shall mourn, having no helpers. 34In the wars shall their bridegrooms be destroyed, and their husbands shall perish of famine. 35Hear now these things and understand them, ye servants of Yahuah . 36Behold, the word of Yahuah , receive it: believe not the gods of whom Yahuah spake. 37Behold, the plagues draw nigh, and are not slack. 38As when a woman with child in the ninth month bringeth forth her son, with two or three hours of her birth great pains compass her womb, which pains, when the child cometh forth, they slack not a moment: 39Even so shall not the plagues be slack to come upon the earth, and the world shall mourn, and sorrows shall come upon it on every side. 40O my people, hear my word: make you ready to thy battle, and in those evils be even as pilgrims upon the earth. 41He that selleth, let him be as he that fleeth away: and he that buyeth, as one that will lose: 42He that occupieth merchandise, as he that hath no profit by it: and he that buildeth, as he that shall not dwell therein: 43He that soweth, as if he should not reap: so also he that planteth the vineyard, as he that shall not gather the grapes: 44They that marry, as they that shall get no children; and they that marry not, as the widowers. 45And therefore they that labour labour in vain: 46For strangers shall reap their fruits, and spoil their goods, overthrow their houses, and take their children captives, for in captivity and famine shall they get children. 47And they that occupy their merchandise with robbery, the more they deck their cities, their houses, their possessions, and their own persons: 48The more will I be angry with them for their sin, saith Yahuah . 49Like as a whore envieth a right honest and virtuous woman: 50So shall tzedakah (righteousness) hate iniquity, when she decketh herself, and shall accuse her to her face, when he cometh that shall defend him that diligently searcheth out every sin upon earth. 51And therefore be ye not like thereunto, nor to the works thereof. 52For yet a little, and iniquity shall be taken away out of the earth, and tzedakah shall reign among you. 53Let not the sinner say that he hath not sinned: for Elohim (God) shall burn coals of fire upon his head, which saith before Adonai Elohim (the Lord God) and his glory, I have not sinned. 54Behold, Yahuah knoweth all the works of men, their imaginations, their thoughts, and their hearts: 55Which spake but the word, Let the earth be made; and it was made: Let the heaven be made; and it was created. 56In his word were the stars made, and he knoweth the number of them. 57He searcheth the deep, and the treasures thereof; he hath measured the sea, and what it containeth. 58He hath shut the sea in the midst of the waters, and with his word hath he hanged the earth upon the waters. 59He spreadeth out the heavens like a vault; upon the waters hath he founded it. 60In the desert hath he made springs of water, and pools upon the tops of the mountains, that the floods might pour down from the high rocks to water the earth. 61He made man, and put his heart in the midst of the body, and gave him breath, life, and understanding. 62Yea and the Ruach (Spirit) of El Shaddai (Almighty God), which made all things, and searcheth out all hidden things in the secrets of the earth, 63Surely he knoweth your inventions, and what ye think in your hearts, even them that sin, and would hide their sin. 64Therefore hath Yahuah exactly searched out all your works, and he will put you all to shame. 65And when your sins are brought forth, ye shall be ashamed before men, and your own sins shall be your accusers in that day. 66What will ye do? or how will ye hide your sins before Elohim and his malachim (angels)? 67Behold, Elohim himself is the judge, fear him: leave off from your sins, and forget your iniquities, to meddle no more with them for ever: so shall Elohim lead you forth, and deliver you from all trouble. 68For, behold, the burning wrath of a great multitude is kindled over you, and they shall take away certain of you, and feed you, being idle, with things offered unto idols. 69And they that consent unto them shall be had in derision and in reproach, and trodden under foot. 70For there shall be in every place, and in the next cities, a great insurrection upon those that fear Yahuah . 71They shall be like mad men, sparing none, but still spoiling and destroying those that fear Yahuah . 72For they shall waste and take away their goods, and cast them out of their houses. 73Then shall they be known, who are my chosen; and they shall be tried as the gold in the fire. 74Hear, O ye my beloved, saith Yahuah : behold, the days of trouble are at hand, but I will deliver you from the same. 75Be ye not afraid neither doubt; for Elohim is your guide, 76And the guide of them who keep my commandments and precepts, saith Adonai Elohim: let not your sins weigh you down, and let not your iniquities lift up themselves. 77Woe be unto them that are bound with their sins, and covered with their iniquities like as a field is covered over with bushes, and the path thereof covered with thorns, that no man may travel through! 78It is left undressed, and is cast into the fire to be consumed therewith.

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Ezra HaShlishi

Introduction

Introduction to Ezra HaShlishi (4th/2nd Esdras)

The Visionary Path of Testing, Judgment, and Consummation

Context and Historical Background

Core Structural Themes

3. Apocalyptic Imagery: The Eagle, the Man, and the Scribe (Chapters 11–14)

4. The Execution of Cosmic Plagues (Chapters 15–16)

Key Vocabulary Standard Tracking

Ezra HaShlishi (2nd/4th Esdras)—Chapter 1

Ezra HaShlishi (2nd/4th Esdras)—Chapter 2

Ezra HaShlishi (2nd/4th Esdras)—Chapter 3

Ezra HaShlishi (2nd/4th Esdras)—Chapter 4

Ezra HaShlishi (2nd/4th Esdras)—Chapter 5

Ezra HaShlishi (2nd/4th Esdras)—Chapter 6

Ezra HaShlishi (2nd/4th Esdras)—Chapter 7

Ezra HaShlishi (2nd/4th Esdras)—Chapter 8

Ezra HaShlishi (2nd/4th Esdras)—Chapter 9

Ezra HaShlishi (2nd/4th Esdras)—Chapter 10

Ezra HaShlishi (2nd/4th Esdras)—Chapter 11

Ezra HaShlishi (2nd/4th Esdras)—Chapter 12

Ezra HaShlishi (2nd/4th Esdras)—Chapter 13

Ezra HaShlishi (2nd/4th Esdras)—Chapter 14

Ezra HaShlishi (2nd/4th Esdras)—Chapter 15

Ezra HaShlishi (2nd/4th Esdras)—Chapter 16