2 Esdras 5:35

35 "You cannot understand!" he answered. ¹ And I asked, "Why not, sir? In that case, why was I born? Why didn't I die before I was born? Then I wouldn't have seen the sufferings and troubles of the people of Israel."

2 Esdras 5:35 In-Context

33 "Please go on, sir," I said. So he continued, "Are you worried about the people of Israel? Do you think you love them more than God, who made them?"

34 "No, sir," I replied. "I spoke as I did because I was so confused and upset. I am always troubled whenever I try to think about the ways of God Most High or to understand even a small part of what he does."

35 "You cannot understand!" he answered. And I asked, "Why not, sir? In that case, why was I born? Why didn't I die before I was born? Then I wouldn't have seen the sufferings and troubles of the people of Israel."

36 The angel said to me, "I will answer you if you can do the following things: Tell me how many people are yet to be born; collect scattered raindrops for me; make dead flowers bloom again;

37 open the rooms where the winds are locked up and make them blow for me; show me the picture of a sound. If you can do these things, I will answer your questions about the sufferings of the people of Israel."

Cross References

• 1. 5.35Job 3.11.