ings, but
of such as pass by us daily, namely, wherefore Israel is given
up as a reproach to the heathen, and for what cause the people
whom thou hast loved is given over unto ungodly nations, and why
the law of our forefathers is brought to nought, and the written
covenants come to none effect,

2 Esdr 4:24
And we pass away out of the world as grasshoppers, and our
life is astonishment and fear, and we are not worthy to obtain
mercy.

2 Esdr 4:25
What will he then do unto his name whereby we are called? of
these things have I asked.

2 Esdr 4:26
Then answered he me, and said, The more thou searchest, the
more thou shalt marvel; for the world hasteth fast to pass away,

2 Esdr 4:27
And cannot comprehend the things that are promised to the righteous
in time to come: for this world is full of unrighteousness and
infirmities.

2 Esdr 4:28
But as concerning the things whereof thou askest me, I will
tell thee; for the evil is sown, but the destruction thereof is
not yet come.

2 Esdr 4:29
If therefore that which is sown be not turned upside down,
and if the place where the evil is sown pass not away, then
cannot it come that is sown with good.

2 Esdr 4:30
For the grain of evil seed hath been sown in the heart of
Adam from the beginning, and how much ungodliness hath it
brought up unto this time? and how much shall it yet bring forth
until the time of threshing come?

2 Esdr 4:31
Ponder now by thyself, how great fruit of wickedness the
grain of evil seed hath brought forth.

2 Esdr 4:32
And when the ears shall be cut down, which are without number,
how great a floor shall they fill?

2 Esdr 4:33
Then I answered and said, How, and when shall these things
come to pass? wherefore are our years few and evil?

2 Esdr 4:34
And he answered me, saying, Do not thou hasten above the most
Highest: for thy haste is in vain to be above him, for thou hast
much exceeded.

2 Esdr 4:35
Did not the souls also of the righteous ask question of these
things in their chambers, saying, How long shall I hope on this
fashion? when cometh the fruit of the floor of our reward?

2 Esdr 4:36
And unto these things Uriel the archangel gave them answer,
and said, Even when the number of seeds is filled in you: for he
hath weighed the world in the balance.

2 Esdr 4:37
By measure hath he measured the times; and by number hath he
numbered the times; and he doth not move nor stir them, until
the said measure be fulfilled.