is preserved in fire and
water, and nine months doth thy workmanship endure thy creature
which is created in her.

2 Esdr 8:9
But that which keepeth and is kept shall both be preserved:
and when the time cometh, the womb preserved delivereth up the
things that grew in it.

2 Esdr 8:10
For thou hast commanded out of the parts of the body, that is
to say, out of the breasts, milk to be given, which is the fruit
of the breasts,

2 Esdr 8:11
That the thing which is fashioned may be nourished for a
time, till thou disposest it to thy mercy.

2 Esdr 8:12
Thou broughtest it up with thy righteousness, and nurturedst
it in thy law, and reformedst it with thy judgment.

2 Esdr 8:13
And thou shalt mortify it as thy creature, and quicken it as
thy work.

2 Esdr 8:14
If therefore thou shalt destroy him which with so great
labour was fashioned, it is an easy thing to be ordained by thy
commandment, that the thing which was made might be preserved.

2 Esdr 8:15
Now therefore, Lord, I will speak; touching man in general,
thou knowest best; but touching thy people, for whose sake I am
sorry;

2 Esdr 8:16
And for thine inheritance, for whose cause I mourn; and for
Israel, for whom I am heavy; and for Jacob, for whose sake I am
troubled;

2 Esdr 8:17
Therefore will I begin to pray before thee for myself and for
them: for I see the falls of us that dwell in the land.

2 Esdr 8:18
But I have heard the swiftness of the judge which is to come.

2 Esdr 8:19
Therefore hear my voice, and understand my words, and I shall
speak before thee. This is the beginning of the words of Esdras,
before he was taken up: and I said,

2 Esdr 8:20
O Lord, thou that dwellest in everlastingness which beholdest
from above things in the heaven and in the air;

2 Esdr 8:21
Whose throne is inestimable; whose glory may not be
comprehended; before whom the hosts of angels stand with
trembling,

2 Esdr 8:22
Whose service is conversant in wind and fire; whose word is
true, and sayings constant; whose commandment is strong, and
ordinance fearful;

2 Esdr 8:23
Whose look drieth up the depths, and indignation maketh the
mountains to melt away; which the truth witnesseth:

2 Esdr 8:24
O hear the prayer of thy servant, and give ear to the
petition of thy creature.

2 Esdr 8:25
For while I live I will speak, and so long as I have
understanding I will answer.

2 Esdr 8:26
O look not upon the sins of thy people; but on them which
serv