2 Esdras 15:42-52

42 They shall destroy cities and walls, mountains and hills, trees of the forests, and grass of the meadows, and their grain.
43 They shall go on steadily to Babylon and blot it out.
44 They shall come to it and surround it; they shall pour out on it the tempest and all its fury; then the dust and smoke shall reach the sky, and all who are around it shall mourn for it.
45 And those who survive shall serve those who have destroyed it.
46 And you, Asia, who share in the splendor of Babylon and the glory of her person—
47 woe to you, miserable wretch! For you have made yourself like her; you have decked out your daughters for prostitution to please and glory in your lovers, who have always lusted after you.
48 You have imitated that hateful one in all her deeds and devices. Therefore God says,
49 I will send evils upon you: widowhood, poverty, famine, sword, and pestilence, bringing ruin to your houses, bringing destruction and death.
50 And the glory of your strength shall wither like a flower when the heat shall rise that is sent upon you.
51 You shall be weakened like a wretched woman who is beaten and wounded, so that you cannot receive your mighty lovers.
52 Would I have dealt with you so violently, says the Lord,

Footnotes 4

  • [a]. Meaning of Lat uncertain
  • [b]. Other ancient authorities add [until they destroy it to its foundations]
  • [c]. Other ancient authorities read [devices, and you have followed after that one about to gratify her magnates and leaders so that you may be made proud and be pleased by her fornications]
  • [d]. Other ancient authorities read [the Lord]
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