15
Now therefore, Lord, I will speak; touching man in general, thou knowest best; but touching thy people, for whose sake I am sorry;
16
And for thine inheritance, for whose cause I mourn; and for Israel, for whom I am heavy; and for Jacob, for whose sake I am troubled;
17
Therefore will I begin to pray before thee for myself and for them: for I see the falls of us that dwell in the land.
18
But I have heard the swiftness of the judge which is to come.
19
Therefore hear my voice, and understand my words, and I shall speak before thee. This is the beginning of the words of Esdras, before he was taken up: and I said,
20
O Lord, thou that dwellest in everlastingness which beholdest from above things in the heaven and in the air;
21
Whose throne is inestimable; whose glory may not be comprehended; before whom the hosts of angels stand with trembling,
22
Whose service is conversant in wind and fire; whose word is true, and sayings constant; whose commandment is strong, and ordinance fearful;
23
Whose look drieth up the depths, and indignation maketh the mountains to melt away; which the truth witnesseth:
24
O hear the prayer of thy servant, and give ear to the petition of thy creature.
25
For while I live I will speak, and so long as I have understanding I will answer.