Old Testament

New Testament

2 Esdras 13:10-29 World English Bible (WEB)

10. but only I saw how that he sent out of his mouth as it had been a flood of fire, and out of his lips a flaming breath, and out of his tongue he cast forth sparks of the storm.

11. And these were all mingled together; the flood of fire, the flaming breath, and the great storm; and fell upon the assault of the multitude which was prepared to fight, and burned them up every one, so that upon a sudden of an innumerable multitude nothing was to be perceived, but only dust of ashes and smell of smoke: when I saw this I was amazed.

12. Afterward I saw the same man come down from the mountain, and call to him another multitude which was peaceful.

13. And there came much people to him, whereof some were glad, some were sorry, some of them were bound, and other some brought of them that were offered: then through great fear I awaked, and prayed to the Most High, and said,

14. You have showed your servant these wonders from the beginning, and have counted me worthy that you should receive my prayer:

15. and now show me moreover the interpretation of this dream.

16. For as I conceive in mine understanding, woe to them that shall be left in those days! and much more woe to them that are not left!

17. for they that were not left shall be in heaviness,

18. understanding the things that are laid up in the latter days, but not attaining to them.

19. But woe to them also that are left, for this cause; for they shall see great perils and many necessities, like as these dreams declare.

20. Yet is it better for one to be in peril and to come into these things, than to pass away as a cloud out of the world, and not to see the things that shall happen in the last days. And he answered to me, and said,

21. The interpretation of the vision shall I tell you, and I will also open to you the things whereof you have made mention.

22. Whereas you have spoken of them that are left behind, this is the interpretation:

23. He that shall endure the peril in that time shall keep them that be fallen into danger, even such as have works, and faith toward the Almighty.

24. Know therefore, that they which be left behind are more blessed than they that be dead.

25. These are the interpretations of the vision: Whereas you saw a man coming up from the midst of the sea,

26. the same is he whom the Most High has kept a great season, which by his own self shall deliver his creature: and he shall order them that are left behind.

27. And whereas you saw, that out of his mouth there came wind, and fire, and storm;

28. and whereas he held neither spear, nor any instrument of war, but destroyed the assault of that multitude which came to fight against him; this is the interpretation:

29. Behold, the days come, when the Most High will begin to deliver them that are upon the earth.

Read complete chapter 2 Esdras 13