2 Esdras 12:8-18

8 give me strength. Show me, O Lord, the full meaning of this terrifying vision, and set my mind at ease.
9 After all, you did consider me worthy to be shown the end of this age."
10 God's angel said to me, "Here is the interpretation of the vision you saw.
11 The eagle you saw coming up out of the sea represents the fourth kingdom in the vision that your brother Daniel saw. 1
12 But he was not given the same interpretation of it that I am giving you.
13 The time is coming when an empire will be established on earth that is more terrible than any before it.
14 Twelve kings will rule over it, one after the other.
15 The second king will rule longer than any of the others.
16 That is the meaning of the twelve wings that you saw.
17 "You heard the voice speaking from the middle of the eagle's body, instead of from its heads.
18 That means that after the rule of the second king, a great struggle for power will take place, and the empire will be in danger of breaking up. But that will not happen, and the empire will regain its earlier power.

Cross References 1

  • 1. 12.11Daniel 7.7.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.