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,
27. Regard not the doings of them that deal wickedly, but of them that have kept your covenants in affliction.
28. Think not upon those that have walked feignedly before you; but remember them which have willingly known your fear.