Old Testament

New Testament

2 Esdras 2:20-31 Common English Bible (CEB)

20. Defend the widow’s rights. Judge in favor of the fatherless. Provide for those who are in need. Protect the orphan. Clothe the naked.

21. Care for the broken and the weak. Don’t mock the lame, but protect them instead. Help the blind to see a vision of my glory.

22. Gather the old and the young within your walls. Watch over your infants. Let your servants and employees rejoice, and your whole community will have good morale.

23. When I find your dead, I will raise them. I will watch for signs, and I will give them the front seat at the resurrection I will bring about.

24. Wait a little; your rest will come.

25. Good nurse, nourish your children. Strengthen those whom you bore and make their feet steady,

26. because none of those whom I have given you will perish. I will require them from your number.

27. Give it your all! Strengthen them! Days of pressure and anguish will come; others will weep and be sad, but you will be happy and have plenty.

28. All the nations will be jealous of you, but they won’t be able to do anything against you, says the Lord.

29. All things tremble before me; my eyes see the pit of hell.

30. Rejoice, mother, with your children, and I will rescue you, says the Lord.

31. I will remember your children who sleep, because I will seek them out from the breadth of the earth. Strengthen them in the abundance of your glory and show mercy, because I am merciful, says the Lord.

Read complete chapter 2 Esdras 2