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The King James Version Bible
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  9. 2 Esdras 4:23-35

2 Esdras 4:23-35

  1. For it was not my mind to be curious of the high things, but of such as pass by us daily, namely, wherefore Israel is given up as a reproach to the heathen, and for what cause the people whom thou hast loved is given over unto ungodly nations, and why the law of our forefathers is brought to nought, and the written covenants come to none effect,

  2. 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.

  3. What will he then do unto his name whereby we are called? of these things have I asked.

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

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

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. 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?

  9. Ponder now by thyself, how great fruit of wickedness the grain of evil seed hath brought forth.

  10. And when the ears shall be cut down, which are without number, how great a floor shall they fill?

  11. Then I answered and said, How, and when shall these things come to pass? wherefore are our years few and evil?

  12. 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.

  13. 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?