3. or the beautiful flowers appeared; before the powers that move the stars were established, or the armies of angels assembled;
4. before the air was piled up high, or the divisions of the heavens given their names; before I chose Mount Zion as my footstool;
5. before the present age was planned, or the scheming of its sinners was rejected, or my seal was placed on those who obeyed the Law and laid up a treasure of faithfulness.
6. Even then, I decided that since I, and I alone, had created the world, I, and I alone, would bring it to an end.”
7. Then I asked, “How long a period of time will divide the ages? When will the first age end and the next age begin?”
8. He answered, “The interval will be no longer than that between Abraham and Abraham. He was the grandfather of both Jacob and Esau, and when they were born, Jacob was holding Esau's heel.
9. Esau represents the end of this age, and Jacob represents the beginning of the new age.
10. So if Jacob's hand is the beginning and Esau's heel is the end, do not try to find a space in between.”
11. “Lord and Master,” I said, “please hear my request.
12. On that earlier night you showed me some of the signs of the end; now please show me the rest.”
13. “Stand up,” he said, “and you will hear a very loud voice.
14. If the place where you are standing is violently shaken
15. while the voice is speaking, don't be afraid. The message will be about the end of the world, and the foundations of the world will understand
16. that the voice is speaking about them. They will tremble and quake because they know that they will undergo a change when the end comes.”
17. When he said this, I stood up and listened. I heard a voice that sounded like a roaring river.
18. It said, “The time is near when I will come to judge the people living on the earth.
19. I will punish those who have hurt others with their injustice. Jerusalem's humiliation will come to an end,
20. and this age which is about to pass away will have the final seal put on it. Then I will give the following signs: The books will be opened across the sky for all to see.