2 Esdras 7:96-106

96 The fifth is to rejoice that they have now escaped the corrupt world and that they will receive the future life as their possession. They can see both the narrow, troubled world from which they have been freed and the spacious world they will receive and enjoy forever.

97 The sixth is to be shown how their faces will shine like the sun and how they are to be like the light of the stars that never die. ¹

98 The seventh joy, and best of all, is when they rush to meet God face-to-face, with perfect trust and happiness, without any fear or shame. They served him during their lifetime and now they will receive from him their reward in glory. ²

99 These rewards that I have been telling you about are those that have been prepared for the souls of the righteous. I described to you earlier the torment that the rebellious will suffer."

100 Then I asked, "When the souls of the righteous are separated from their bodies, will they be given time to see what you have told me about?"

101 "They will be free for seven days," he answered, "and during that time they will be able to see the things I have told you about. After that they will be brought together with the other souls in their homes."

102 Then I said, "Sir, please tell me whether the righteous will be able to ask God Most High to show mercy on the unrighteous on Judgment Day.

103 Will fathers be able to pray for their children, children for parents, brothers for brothers, relatives for those near to them, and friends for those dear to them?"

104 "I will be happy to tell you," he replied. "Judgment Day is final and sets the final seal on truth for all to see. You know that in this age a father cannot send his son to be sick for him or sleep or eat or be healed for him. An owner cannot send his slave to do these things for him, nor can a person send his best friend.

105 In the same way, on that day, no one will be able to pray for another person. Each person will receive the punishment or reward for his own sinfulness or righteousness."

106 "If that is so," I answered, "how can we explain what we find in the Scriptures? Abraham prayed for the people of Sodom, and Moses for our ancestors who sinned in the desert. ³

Cross References

• 1. 7.97Daniel 12.3;Matthew 13.43.
• 2. 7.98Matthew 5.8;Hebrews 12.14;1 John 3.2;Revelation 22.4.
• 3. 7.106Genesis 18.23;Exodus 32.11.

Footnotes

• [a]. [Some ancient translations] troubled; [Latin unclear.]
• [b]. [Some ancient translations] friends; [Latin] the confident.
• [c]. [One ancient translation] final; [Latin] bold.
• [d]. [Some ancient translations] be sick; [Latin] understand.
• [e]. [Verses 106-140 are the equivalent of verses 36-70 in the King James Version.]