World English Bible

2 Esdras 9:18-27 World English Bible (WEB)

18. even then when I was preparing for them that now live, before the world was made for them to dwell in; and then no man spoke against me,

19. for there was not any: but now they which are created in this world that is prepared, both with a table that fails not, and a law which is unsearchable, are corrupted in their manners.

20. So I considered my world, and, behold, it was destroyed, and my earth, and, behold, it was in peril, because of the devices that were come into it.

21. And I saw, and spared them, but not greatly, and saved me a grape out of a cluster, and a plant out of a great forest.

22. Let the multitude perish then, which was born in vain; and let my grape be saved, and my plant; for with great labor have I made them perfect.

23. Nevertheless if you will cease yet seven days more, (howbeit you shall not fast in them,

24. but shall go into a field of flowers, where no house is builded, and eat only of the flowers of the field; and you shall taste no flesh, and shall drink no wine, but shall eat flowers only;)

25. and pray to the Most High continually, then will I come and talk with you.

26. So I went my way, like as he commanded me, into the field which is called Ardat; and there I sat among the flowers, and did eat of the herbs of the field, and the meat of the same satisfied me.

27. And it came to pass after seven days that I lay upon the grass, and my heart was vexed again, like as before: