2 Esdras 5:18

18 Arise then, and take some food so that you may not abandon us like a shepherd who leaves his flock in the power of cruel wolves."

2 Esdras 5:18 In-Context

16 On the second night, Phaltiel a leader of the people came to me and said, "Where were you, and why is your face sad?

17 Don't you realize that Israel has been entrusted to you while it is in exile in this land?

18 Arise then, and take some food so that you may not abandon us like a shepherd who leaves his flock in the power of cruel wolves."

19 I said to him, "Leave me and don't come near me again for seven days. After that, you will come to me." He heard how I spoke and withdrew from me.

20 I didn't eat food for seven days, wailing and weeping, as the angel Uriel had commanded me.