13
These are the signs which I am permitted to tell you, and if you pray again, and weep as you do now, and fast for seven days, you shall hear yet greater things than these."
14
Then I awoke, and my body shuddered violently, and my soul was so troubled that it fainted.
15
But the angel who had come and talked with me held me and strengthened me and set me on my feet.
16
Now on the second night Phaltiel, a chief of the people, came to me and said, "Where have you been? And why is your face sad?
17
Or do you not know that Israel has been entrusted to you in the land of their exile?
18
Rise therefore and eat some bread, so that you may not forsake us, like a shepherd who leaves his flock in the power of cruel wolves."
19
Then I said to him, "Depart from me and do not come near me for seven days, and then you may come to me." He heard what I said and left me.
20
So I fasted seven days, mourning and weeping, as Uriel the angel had commanded me.
21
And after seven days the thoughts of my heart were very grievous to me again.
22
Then my soul recovered the spirit of understanding, and I began once more to speak words in the presence of the Most High.
23
And I said, "O sovereign Lord, from every forest of the earth and from all its trees thou hast chosen one vine,