17
Don't you know that the people of Israel in the land of their exile have been put in your care?
18
So get up and eat. Do not abandon us like a shepherd leaving his flock to the attacks of savage wolves."
19
"Leave me alone," I answered, "do not come near me for the next seven days. Then come back." So he left.
20
Then, crying and mourning, I fasted seven days, as the angel Uriel had commanded me to do.
21
At the end of the seven days, I was again deeply troubled,
22
but I recovered my ability to think, and again I began to speak with God Most High.
23
"Lord and Master," I said, "from all the forests and plants on earth you have chosen this one vine.
24
From all the countries of the world, you have chosen this one small land. From all the flowers in the world, you have chosen this one lily.
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From all the water in the deep oceans, you have filled up this one river. From all the cities that have ever been built, you have set apart this one city, Jerusalem, as your own.
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From all the birds that were created, you chose this one dove. From all the animals that were made, you chose this one lamb.
27
From all the nations of the world, you chose this one nation to be your own, and you gave its people your Law, which is honored by people everywhere.