8. Because you give life to the body that is now fashioned in the womb and give it members, your creation is preserved in fire and water. For nine months the womb you have fashioned endures what is created in it.
9. But both the container and its contents will be conserved by your care. And when the womb at last gives forth what is created in it,
10. you have commanded that from the members themselves; that is, from the breasts, milk (the fruit of the breasts) should be provided.
11. By this means, that which is fashioned may be nourished for a time, and afterward you will dispose of this person in your mercy.
12. You nourished him with your justice, tutored him in your Law, and reproved him in your wisdom.
13. You will cause him to die as your creation and give him life as your work.
14. If, therefore, you will destroy with a simple command one who was fashioned at your command with so much labor, why was he made?
15. Now I will surely speak: You know best about the sum total of humanity, but what about your people who grieve me,
16. and about your inheritance because of which I lament, and about Israel, on whose account I am sad, and about the seed of Jacob because of which I am disturbed?
17. Therefore, I will pray before you for myself and for them, because I see the defects of we who live on earth,
18. but I have heard of the swiftness of the judgment that is to come.
19. Therefore, hear my voice and consider my words, and I will speak before you."
20. The beginning of the words of Ezra’s prayer before he was taken up. He said:Lord, you live in eternity. The highest heavens are yours, and your upper chambers are in the air.
21. Your authority is beyond estimation, and your glory is beyond our power to comprehend. The armies of angels wait on in fear,
22. and at your command they are changed into wind and fire. Your word is true, and what you say lasts forever.
23. Your command is powerful, and your precept is fearsome. Your gaze dries up the deeps, and your threat makes mountains melt. Your truth is acknowledged.
24. Hear your servant’s voice and listen to my request, the request of one whom you formed, and listen to my words.
25. But me! I will speak as long as I live, and while I still have understanding, I will respond.