2 Esdras 10:35-45

35 For I have seen what I did not know, and I have heard what I do not understand.
36 Or is my mind deceived, and my soul dreaming?
37 Now therefore I entreat you to give your servant an explanation of this bewildering vision."
38 He answered me and said, "Listen to me and I will inform you, and tell you about the things which you fear, for the Most High has revealed many secrets to you.
39 For he has seen your righteous conduct, that you have sorrowed continually for your people, and mourned greatly over Zion.
40 This therefore is the meaning of the vision.
41 The woman who appeared to you a little while ago, whom you saw mourning and began to console --
42 but you do not now see the form of a woman, but an established city has appeared to you --
43 and as for her telling you about the misfortune of her son, this is the interpretation:
44 This woman whom you saw, whom you now behold as an established city, is Zion.
45 And as for her telling you that she was barren for thirty years, it is because there were three thousand years in the world before any offering was offered in it.
Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.