16. and for your inheritance, for whose cause I mourn; and for Israel, for whom I am heavy; and for the seed of Jacob, for whose sake I am troubled;
17. therefore will I begin to pray before you for myself and for them: for I see the falls of us that dwell in the land;
18. but I have heard the swiftness of the judgment which is to come.
19. Therefore hear my voice, and understand my saying, and I will speak before you. The beginning of the words of Esdras, before he was taken up. And he said,
20. O Lord, you that abidest for ever, whose eyes are exalted, and whose chambers are in the air;
21. whose throne is inestimable; whose glory may not be comprehended; before whom the hosts of angels stand with trembling,
22. at whose bidding they are changed to wind and fire; whose word is sure, and sayings constant; whose ordinance is strong, and commandment fearful;
23. whose look dries up the depths, and whose indignation makes the mountains to melt away, and whose truth bears witness:
24. hear, O Lord, the prayer of your servant, and give ear to the petition of your handiwork;
25. attend to my words, for so long as I live I will speak, and so long as I have understanding I will answer.
26. O look not upon the sins of your people; but on them that have served you in truth,