2 Esdras 4:24

24 Why do we die as quickly as insects? Why is our life shorter than a breath? Why does God think us unworthy of his mercy?

2 Esdras 4:24 In-Context

22 "Please tell me, sir," I asked, "why then was I given the ability to understand anything?

23 I am not interested in asking questions about what goes on in the heavens; I am only concerned about things that go on around us. Why has God allowed Israel to be disgraced by foreign nations? Why has he let the nation he loves be handed over to the power of godless nations? Why do the Law and the covenant that were given to our ancestors mean nothing any more?

24 Why do we die as quickly as insects? Why is our life shorter than a breath? Why does God think us unworthy of his mercy?

25 Why doesn't God do something to help his own people? These are the questions that I want to ask."

26 Uriel answered, "If you live long enough, you will be surprised at what you will see, because this age is rapidly passing away.