The King James Version Bible

2 Esdras 16:7-24

  1. May one turn again the arrow that is shot of a strong archer?

  2. The mighty Lord sendeth the plagues and who is he that can drive them away?

  3. A fire shall go forth from his wrath, and who is he that may quench it?

  4. He shall cast lightnings, and who shall not fear? he shall thunder, and who shall not be afraid?

  5. The Lord shall threaten, and who shall not be utterly beaten to powder at his presence?

  6. The 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 the Lord, and before the glory of his power:

  7. For 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.

  8. Behold, the plagues are sent, and shall not return again, until they come upon the earth.

  9. The fire is kindled, and shall not be put out, till it consume the foundation of the earth.

  10. Like 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.

  11. Woe is me! woe is me! who will deliver me in those days?

  12. The 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?

  13. Behold, famine and plague, tribulation and anguish, are sent as scourges for amendment.

  14. But for all these things they shall not turn from their wickedness, nor be always mindful of the scourges.

  15. Behold, 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.

  16. For many of them that dwell upon earth shall perish of famine; and the other, that escape the hunger, shall the sword destroy.

  17. And 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.

  18. There shall be no man left to till the earth, and to sow it