18
Before I created this world or the people who would live in it, no one opposed me, because no one existed.
19
When I had created the world, I supplied it with an abundance of food and a Law of profound wisdom, but the people I created lived corrupt lives.
20
I looked at my world and saw that it was ruined. I saw that my earth was in danger of being destroyed by the wicked plans of the people who had come into it.
21
When I saw this, I found it very difficult to spare them, but I saved a few for myself, one grape out of a bunch and one tree out of a great forest.
22
So let them perish - all those people who were born only to be lost. But let my chosen people be kept safe - those for whom I worked so hard to bring to perfection.
23
"And now, Ezra, you must wait seven more days, but do not fast this time.
24
Go to a field of wild flowers where no one has ever lived and eat nothing but the flowers - do not eat any meat or drink any wine.
25
Pray the whole time to God Most High. Then I will come and talk with you again."
26
I obeyed the angel's command and went to a field called Ardat. I sat there among the flowers and ate the wild plants, and that was enough food for me.
27
After seven days I was lying on the grass, and once again my thoughts began to trouble me.
28
Then I began to speak and said to God Most High,