9
But that which keepeth and is kept shall both be preserved: and when the time cometh, the womb preserved delivereth up the things that grew in it.
10
For thou hast commanded out of the parts of the body, that is to say, out of the breasts, milk to be given, which is the fruit of the breasts,
11
That the thing which is fashioned may be nourished for a time, till thou disposest it to thy mercy.
12
Thou broughtest it up with thy righteousness, and nurturedst it in thy law, and reformedst it with thy judgment.
13
And thou shalt mortify it as thy creature, and quicken it as thy work.
14
If therefore thou shalt destroy him which with so great labour was fashioned, it is an easy thing to be ordained by thy commandment, that the thing which was made might be preserved.
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,