2 Esdras 13:17-27

17 For those who are not left will be sad
18 because they understand the things that are reserved for the last days, but cannot attain them.
19 But alas for those also who are left, and for that very reason! For they shall see great dangers and much distress, as these dreams show.
20 Yet it is better to come into these things, though incurring peril, than to pass from the world like a cloud, and not to see what will happen in the last days." He answered me and said,
21 "I will tell you the interpretation of the vision, and I will also explain to you the things that you have mentioned.
22 As for what you said about those who survive, and concerning those who do not survive, this is the interpretation:
23 The one who brings the peril at that time will protect those who fall into peril, who have works and faith toward the Almighty.
24 Understand therefore that those who are left are more blessed than those who have died.
25 "This is the interpretation of the vision: As for your seeing a man come up from the heart of the sea,
26 this is he whom the Most High has been keeping for many ages, who will himself deliver his creation; and he will direct those who are left.
27 And as for your seeing wind and fire and a storm coming out of his mouth,

Footnotes 3

  • [a]. Ethiop Compare Arab 2: Lat [easier]
  • [b]. Syr: Lat [this]
  • [c]. Syr Arab 1: Lat lacks [and . . . not survive]
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.