2 Esdras 1:1-10

1 The second book of the prophet Ezra the son of Seraiah, son of Azariah, son of Hilkiah, son of Shallum, son of Zadok, son of Ahitub,
2 son of Ahijah, son of Phinehas, son of Eli, son of Amariah, son of Azariah, son of Meraioth, son of Arna, son of Uzzi, son of Borith, son of Abishua, son of Phinehas, son of Eleazar,
3 son of Aaron, of the tribe of Levi, who was a captive in the country of the Medes in the reign of Artaxerxes, king of the Persians.
4 The word of the Lord came to me, saying,
5 "Go and declare to my people their evil deeds, and to their children the iniquities which they have committed against me, so that they may tell their children's children
6 that the sins of their parents have increased in them, for they have forgotten me and have offered sacrifices to strange gods.
7 Was it not I who brought them out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage? But they have angered me and despised my counsels.
8 Pull out the hair of your head and hurl all evils upon them, for they have not obeyed my law -- they are a rebellious people.
9 How long shall I endure them, on whom I have bestowed such great benefits?
10 For their sake I have overthrown many kings: I struck down Pharaoh with his servants, and all his army.
Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] by the 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.