17
Then answered I and said, O Lord that bearest rule, thou hast ordained in thy law, that the righteous should inherit these things, but that the ungodly should perish.
18
Nevertheless the righteous shall suffer strait things, and hope for wide: for they that have done wickedly have suffered the strait things, and yet shall not see the wide.
19
And he said unto me. There is no judge above God, and none that hath understanding above the Highest.
20
For there be many that perish in this life, because they despise the law of God that is set before them.
21
For God hath given strait commandment to such as came, what they should do to live, even as they came, and what they should observe to avoid punishment.
22
Nevertheless they were not obedient unto him; but spake against him, and imagined vain things;
23
And deceived themselves by their wicked deeds; and said of the most High, that he is not; and knew not his ways:
24
But his law have they despised, and denied his covenants; in his statutes have they not been faithful, and have not performed his works.
25
And therefore, Esdras, for the empty are empty things, and for the full are the full things.
26
Behold, the time shall come, that these tokens which I have told thee shall come to pass, and the bride shall appear, and she coming forth shall be seen, that now is withdrawn from the earth.
27
And whosoever is delivered from the foresaid evils shall see my wonders.