2 Esdras 1:3-18
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3 The son of Aaron, of the tribe of Levi; which was captive in the land of the Medes, in the reign of Artexerxes king of the Persians.
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4 And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying,
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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:
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6 Because the sins of their fathers are increased in them: for they have forgotten me, and have offered unto strange gods.
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7 Am not I even he that brought them out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage? but they have provoked me unto wrath, and despised my counsels.
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8 Pull thou off then the hair of thy head, and cast all evil upon them, for they have not been obedient unto my law, but it is a rebellious people.
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9 How long shall I forbear them, into whom I have done so much good?
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10 Many kings have I destroyed for their sakes; Pharaoh with his servants and all his power have I smitten down.
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11 All the nations have I destroyed before them, and in the east I have scattered the people of two provinces, even of Tyrus and Sidon, and have slain all their enemies.
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12 Speak thou therefore unto them, saying, Thus saith the Lord,
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13 I led you through the sea and in the beginning gave you a large and safe passage; I gave you Moses for a leader, and Aaron for a priest.
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14 I gave you light in a pillar of fire, and great wonders have I done among you; yet have ye forgotten me, saith the Lord.
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15 Thus saith the Almighty Lord, The quails were as a token to you; I gave you tents for your safeguard: nevertheless ye murmured there,
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16 And triumphed not in my name for the destruction of your enemies, but ever to this day do ye yet murmur.
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17 Where are the benefits that I have done for you? when ye were hungry and thirsty in the wilderness, did ye not cry unto me,
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18 Saying, Why hast thou brought us into this wilderness to kill us? it had been better for us to have served the Egyptians, than to die in this wilderness.