15. So the angel that was come to talk with me held me, comforted me, and set me up upon my feet.
16. And in the second night it came to pass, that Phaltiel the captain of the people came to me, saying, Where have you been? and why is your countenance sad?
17. or know you not that Israel is committed to you in the land of their captivity?
18. Up then, and eat some bread, and forsake us not, as the shepherd that leaves in the hands of cruel wolves.
19. Then said I to him, Go your ways from me, and come not near me for seven days, and then shall you come to me. And he heard what I said, and went from me.
20. And so I fasted seven days, mourning and weeping, like as Uriel the angel commanded me.
21. And after seven days, so it was, that the thoughts of my heart were very grievous to me again,
22. and my soul recovered the spirit of understanding, and I began to speak words before the Most High again,
23. and said, O Lord that bear rule, of all the woods of the earth, and of all the trees thereof, you have chosen you one vine:
24. and of all the lands of the world you have chosen you one country: and of all the flowers of the world you have chosen you one lily:
25. and of all the depths of the sea you have filled you one river: and of all builded cities you have hallowed Sion to yourself:
26. and of all the fowls that are created you have named you one dove: and of all the cattle that are made you have provided you one sheep:
27. and among all the multitudes of peoples you have gotten you one people: and to this people, whom you loved, you gave a law that is approved of all.
28. And now, O Lord, why have you given this one people over to many, and have dishonored the one root above others, and have scattered your only one among many?
29. And they which did gainsay your promises have trodden them down that believed your covenants.
30. If you do so much hate your people, they should be punished with your own hands.
31. Now when I had spoken these words, the angel that came to me the night before was sent to me,
32. and said to me, Hear me, and I will instruct you; hearken to me, and I shall tell you more.
33. And I said, Speak on, my Lord. Then said he to me, You are sore troubled in mind for Israel’s sake: love you that people better than he that made them?
34. And I said, No, Lord: but of very grief have I spoken: for my reins torment me every hour, while I labor to comprehend the way of the Most High, and to seek out part of his judgement.