Old Testament

New Testament

2 Esdras 12:6-21 Common English Bible (CEB)

6. Now, therefore, I will pray to the Most High that he may strengthen me to the end.

7. I said, "Supreme Lord, if you do look upon me favorably, if you consider me to be among the more righteous, and if my prayer has indeed risen into your presence,

8. strengthen me, and show me, your servant, the interpretation and meaning of this terrible vision. Console my soul,

9. since you have thought me worthy to be shown the end of times and the last events of the times."

10. He said to me, “This is the interpretation of the vision that you saw.

11. The eagle you saw rising from the sea is the fourth kingdom. It appeared in a vision to your brother Daniel,

12. but it wasn’t interpreted for him as I now interpret it for you or have shown it to you.

13. Look, the days are coming when a kingdom will rise on earth that will be more terrifying than all the kingdoms that came before it.

14. Twelve kings will rule in it, one after the other.

15. The second one to rule will have a longer time than the rest of the twelve.

16. This then is the interpretation of the twelve wings that you saw.

17. As for the fact that you heard a voice that spoke, coming not from its heads but from the middle of its body,

18. this is the interpretation: In the midst of this kingdom’s time, great conflicts will arise. It will be in danger of falling; it won’t fall then but will be restored again to its beginning.

19. “As for the fact that you saw eight little wings clinging to its wings,

20. this is the interpretation: Eight kings will arise in it. Their rules will amount to nothing, and their years will be swift. Two of them will perish

21. when the middle of the time draws near, but four will be reserved until the time approaches for its end. Two will be preserved until the very end.

Read complete chapter 2 Esdras 12