24
and from all the lands of the world you have chosen for yourself one region, and from all the flowers of the world you have chosen for yourself one lily,
25
and from all the depths of the sea you have filled for yourself one river, and from all the cities that have been built you have consecrated Zion for yourself,
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and from all the birds that have been created you have named for yourself one dove, and from all the flocks that have been made you have provided for yourself one sheep,
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and from all the multitude of peoples you have gotten for yourself one people; and to this people, whom you have loved, you have given the law that is approved by all.
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And now, O Lord, why have you handed the one over to the many, and dishonored the one root beyond the others, and scattered your only one among the many?
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And those who opposed your promises have trampled on those who believed your covenants.
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If you really hate your people, they should be punished at your own hands."
31
When I had spoken these words, the angel who had come to me on a previous night was sent to me.
32
He said to me, "Listen to me, and I will instruct you; pay attention to me, and I will tell you more."
33
Then I said, "Speak, my lord." And he said to me, "Are you greatly disturbed in mind over Israel? Or do you love him more than his Maker does?"
34
I said, "No, my lord, but because of my grief I have spoken; for every hour I suffer agonies of heart, while I strive to understand the way of the Most High and to search out some part of his judgment."