9
Fresh water will become salty. Friends everywhere will attack one another. Then understanding will disappear, and reason will go into hiding,
10
and they will not be found even though many may look for them. Everywhere on earth wickedness and violence will increase.
11
One country will ask a neighboring country if justice or anyone who does right has come that way, but the answer will always be "No.'
12
At that time people will hope for much, but will get nothing; they will work hard, but will never succeed at anything.
13
These are the signs of the end that I am permitted to show you. But if you begin to pray again and continue to weep and fast for seven more days, you will hear even greater things."
14
Then I woke up, and I was trembling violently. I was so disturbed that I was about to faint,
15
but the angel that had come to talk with me took hold of me, strengthened me, and set me on my feet.
16
The next night, Phaltiel, who was a leader of the people, came to me and asked, "Where have you been? And why do you look so sad?
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.