Common English Bible

2 Esdras 13:20-33 Common English Bible (CEB)

20. Yet it is better to encounter these things, even incurring danger, than to pass from the world like a cloud and not see what happens at the end."

21. He answered me, “I will tell you the interpretation of the dream as well, and I will explain to you the things you spoke about.

22. As to what you said about those who are left, this is the interpretation:

23. He who brings the danger at that time will himself guard those who fall into danger, who have works and faith in the most mighty one.

24. Know, therefore, that those who are left enjoy greater privilege than those who have died.

25. The interpretations of the vision are as follows:“In that you saw a man going up from the heart of the sea,

26. that is the one whom the Most High has been keeping for many ages. He will liberate God’s creation all by himself, and he will put in order those who are left.

27. “In that you saw something like wind and fire and storm go out of his mouth,

28. and that he didn’t hold a spear or weapon of war, yet destroyed the rush of that multitude that had come to fight him, here is the interpretation:

29. Look, the days are coming when the Most High will begin to rescue those who are on the earth.

30. Those who live on earth will go out of their minds.

31. They will plan to wage war against each other, city against city, place against place, nation against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.

32. When these things happen, and the signs that I showed you before take place, then my Son will be revealed, whom you saw as a man rising up.

33. When all the nations hear his voice, then each one will leave its own region and will leave off the wars they were waging against each other.