20
Better that many of those now alive should perish than that the Law of God, which is laid out before them, be disregarded.
21
God commanded those who come into the world, after they came, what they needed to do to live, and what laws they should observe to avoid punishment.
22
But they weren't persuaded and opposed him. They filled their heads with worthless thoughts,
23
and they invented excuses for their sins. They emphatically denied that the Most High exists, and they didn't learn his ways.
24
They despised his Law and rejected his covenants. They weren't faithful to his statutes, and didn't perform the works he prescribed.
25
Therefore, Ezra, empty things are for the empty and full things for the full.
26
“Look! The time is coming when the signs appear that I told you about in advance, and the city will appear, appearing as a bride, and the land that is now hidden will be openly displayed.
27
Everyone who is rescued from the evils foretold will see my wonders.
28
My Son the anointed one will be revealed along with those who are with him, and those who remain will rejoice for four hundred years.
29
“After these years, my Son the anointed one and all who have human breath will die.
30
The world will be turned back to primeval silence for seven days, as in the earliest beginnings so that no one is left alive.