HarperCollins Study Bible
Page 424
25While I was talking to her, her face suddenly began to shine exceedingly; her countenance flashed like lightning, so that I was too frightened to approach her, and my heart was terrified. Whilef I was wondering what this meant, 26she suddenly uttered a loud and fearful cry, so that the earth shook at the sound. 27When I looked up, the woman was no longer visible to me, but a city was being built,g and a place of huge foundations showed itself. I was afraid, and cried with a loud voice and said, 28“Where is the angel Uriel, who came to me at first? For it was he who brought me into this overpowering bewilderment; my end has become corruption, and my prayer a reproach.”
Uriel’s Interpretation of the Vision
29While I was speaking these words, the angel who had come to me at first came to me, and when he saw me 30lying there like a corpse, deprived of my understanding, he grasped my right hand and strengthened me and set me on my feet, and said to me, 31“What is the matter with you? And why are you troubled? And why are your understanding and the thoughts of your mind troubled?”
32I said, “It was because you abandoned me. I did as you directed, and went out into the field, and lo, what I have seen and can still see, I am unable to explain.”
33He said to me, “Stand up like a man, and I will instruct you.”
34I said, “Speak, my lord; only do not forsake me, so that I may not die before my time.h 35For I have seen what I did not know, and I heari what I do not understand 36—or is my mind deceived, and my soul dreaming? 37Now therefore I beg you to give your servant an explanation of this bewildering vision.”
38He answered me and said, “Listen to me, and I will teach you, and tell you about the things that you fear; for the Most High has revealed many secrets to you. 39He has seen your righteous conduct, and that you have sorrowed continually for your people and mourned greatly over Zion. 40This therefore is the meaning of the vision. 41The woman who appeared to you a little while ago, whom you saw mourning and whom you began to console 42(you do not now see the form of a woman, but there appeared to you a city being built)j 43and who told you about the misfortune of her son—this is the interpretation: 44The woman whom you saw is Zion, which you now behold as a city being built.k 45And as for her telling you that she was barren for thirty years, the reason is that there were three thousandl years in the world before any offering was offered in it.m 46And after three thousandn years Solomon built the city, and offered offerings; then it was that the barren woman bore a son. 47And as for her telling you that she brought him up with much care, that was the period of residence in Jerusalem. 48And as for her saying to you, ‘My son died as he entered his wedding chamber,’ and that misfortune had overtaken her,o this was the destruction that befell Jerusalem. 49So you saw her likeness, how she mourned for her son, and you began to console her for what had happened.p 50For now the Most High, seeing that you are sincerely grieved and profoundly distressed for her, has shown you the brilliance of her glory, and the loveliness of her beauty. 51Therefore I told you to remain in the field where no house had been built, 52for I knew that the Most High would reveal these things to you. 53Therefore I told you to go into the field where there was no foundation of any building, 54because no work of human construction could endure in a place where the city of the Most High was to be revealed.
55“Therefore do not be afraid, and do not let your heart be terrified; but go in and see the splendor orq the vastness of the building, as far as it is possible for your eyes to see it, 56and afterward you will hear as much as your ears can hear. 57For you are more blessed than many, and you have been called to be withr the Most High as few have been. 58But tomorrow night you shall remain here, 59and the Most High will show you in those dream visions what the Most High will do to those who inhabit the earth in the last days.”
So I slept that night and the following one, as he had told me.
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a Literally all my citizens
b Compare Syr: Meaning of Lat uncertain
c Literally walk
d Ethiop free men
e Syr our seers
f Syr Ethiop Arab 1: Lat lacks I was too…terrified. While
g Lat: Syr Ethiop Arab 1 Arab 2 Arm but there was an established city
h Syr Ethiop Arab: Lat die to no purpose
i Other ancient authorities read have heard
j Lat: Syr Ethiop Arab 1 Arab 2 Arm an established city
k Cn: Lat an established city
l Most Lat Mss read three
m Cn: Lat Syr Arab Arm her
n Syr Ethiop Arab Arm: Lat three
o Or him
p Most Lat Mss and Arab 1 add These were the things to be opened to you
q Other ancient authorities read and
r Or been named by
10.1 Cf. Tob 7.11; 8.10.
10.2 The night of the second day marked the end of the first period of mourning. Sitting in silence and extinguishing lamps are ancient Jewish mourning customs.
10.5–24 The second part of Ezra’s vision; here Ezra dominates, as the woman did in the preceding section. Ezra takes on the angel’s characteristics, and the woman takes on Ezra’s. This is possible because Ezra has accepted the teachings contained in the angel’s earlier speech, yet his pain persists.
10.5 See 9.39.
10.6 Our mourning…to us points ahead to the next part of the vision. Cf. the angel’s reproach in 4.2; 5.33.
10.7 Zion, or Jerusalem, as mother is biblical, e.g., Isa 50.1; Jer 50.12; Gal 4.26. A striking parallel story is Pesiqta Rabbati 26.
10.8 But we…mother does not seem to be original; the verse’s structure resembles v. 20.
10.9 This apostrophe quotes 7.54, which emphasizes Ezra’s acceptance of the angel’s perspective; cf. 4.40. The earth begets humans; cf. 5.48; 6.53.
10.10 This teaching Ezra rejected in the third vision. His perception has changed.
10.12 Pain and sorrow. Cf. Gen 3.16.
10.14 The earth also undergoes a sort of travail.
10.16 This focuses Ezra’s earlier concern with justice. Here he asserts what he rejected previously. The return of the son may be an element of the older folk tale. Due time implies predestination.
10.17 The husband’s role is secondary.
10.21–22 Note this poetic lament; cf. 1 Macc 1.36–40; 2.7–13, relating to the desecration of the temple; also cf. Lam 1.10; 2.7. This is the last lament in 4 Ezra. The destruction of the temple and the ensuing issue of theodicy are central in ancient Judaism.
10.22 This verse mentions temple-related features and different groups of the population.
10.23 Seal, meaning unclear, but the point is that Zion is in enemy hands.
10.25–28 Transformation. Nothing had hinted that the woman was other than what she seemed. The description of her transformation is unparalleled in apocalyptic literature. Ezra is terrified and faints; he undergoes an intense emotional experience.
10.25 Face…began to shine. See note on 7.97.
10.26 The earth shakes at portentous events and cries accompany them; see 3.18; 6.13–15.
10.27 But a city was being built should be read as but there was an established city (text note d). See 7.26; 8.52; 13.36. Foundations. Cf. Heb 11.10; Rev 21.14, 19.
10.28 Uriel, the usual interpreting angel in the book.
10.29–37 The angel’s role as interpreter here differs from that in 5.31; 7.1 and is more traditional. A strong sense of Ezra’s turmoil is conveyed.
10.30 Lying there like a corpse. Fainting is described; cf. 5.14.
10.31 Cf. 4.2.
10.32 And can still see implies that the vision has not passed. Unable to explain, different from 2 Cor 12.4.
10.33 Stand up. Cf. 4.47; 6.13; 7.2.
10.34 Danger accompanies such experiences.
10.35 Hear, better have heard (text note a). Cf. Job 42.3–5. A sense of numinous awe is conveyed; Ezra has seen the ineffable.
10.36 Cf. Sir 34.1–8.
10.38–54 Interpreta
tion of the vision; cf. 12.10; 13.25. The detailed interpretation of the vision’s symbols (vv. 44–48) is followed by an explanation of Ezra’s experience (vv. 49–54). The center stage is held by the woman, and the son’s role is quite passive.
10.38 Secrets indicates the special nature of the ensuing.
10.39 Cf. v. 50.
10.40 General introduction to the interpretation; cf. 4.47. Meaning of the vision, lit. “word.”
10.42 A city being built, better an established city (text note b), and similarly in v. 44. Cf. 10.27.
10.43 This verse marks the shift from relating the symbol to offering its interpretation.
10.45 Metaphorical barrenness; see 5.1; 6.28. Temple offerings are central; cf. 3.24. A millennial reckoning from the creation of the world may be used here, but it would be unusual.
10.46 Solomon. David builds the city in 3.24. Both David and Solomon in fact expanded it.
10.47 Cf. 9.45–46. The son’s marriage is attributed no significance.
10.48 Cf. vv. 1–2.
10.49 Cf. 9.38–40; 10.6–24. Likeness, appearance.
10.50 For her indicates the shift from signifying the woman to signifying Zion. On glory, see 3.19; 7.42.
10.51 Field. Cf. 9.24.
10.54 See note on 7.26.
10.55–59 Concluding injunctions of the fourth vision.
10.55 Go in and see implies that the city is still standing; cf. v. 32.
10.56 Afterward, after you enter the building. Ezra’s experience in the city is not related. As much as stresses the limits of human knowledge.
10.57 Called, better “named” cf. 14.35; Isa 45.4. Only few resemble Ezra.
10.59 The preparation for the fifth vision differs from preceding visions: only two nights’ wait, no fast, and dream visions are promised, which are a new type in the book.
2 ESDRAS 11
The Vision of the Eagle
1On the second night I had a dream: I saw rising from the sea an eagle that had twelve feathered wings and three heads. 2I saw it spread its wings overa the whole earth, and all the winds of heaven blew upon it, and the clouds were gathered around it.b 3I saw that out of its wings there grew opposing wings; but they became little, puny wings. 4But its heads were at rest; the middle head was larger than the other heads, but it too was at rest with them. 5Then I saw that the eagle flew with its wings, and it reigned over the earth and over those who inhabit it. 6And I saw how all things under heaven were subjected to it, and no one spoke against it—not a single creature that was on the earth. 7Then I saw the eagle rise upon its talons, and it uttered a cry to its wings, saying, 8“Do not all watch at the same time; let each sleep in its own place, and watch in its turn; 9but let the heads be reserved for the last.”
10I looked again and saw that the voice did not come from its heads, but from the middle of its body. 11I counted its rival wings, and there were eight of them. 12As I watched, one wing on the right side rose up, and it reigned over all the earth. 13And after a time its reign came to an end, and it disappeared, so that even its place was no longer visible. Then the next wing rose up and reigned, and it continued to reign a long time. 14While it was reigning its end came also, so that it disappeared like the first. 15And a voice sounded, saying to it, 16“Listen to me, you who have ruled the earth all this time; I announce this to you before you disappear. 17After you no one shall rule as long as you have ruled, not even half as long.”
18Then the third wing raised itself up, and held the rule as the earlier ones had done, and it also disappeared. 19And so it went with all the wings; they wielded power one after another and then were never seen again. 20I kept looking, and in due time the wings that followedc also rose up on the rightd side, in order to rule. There were some of them that ruled, yet disappeared suddenly; 21and others of them rose up, but did not hold the rule.
22And after this I looked and saw that the twelve wings and the two little wings had disappeared, 23and nothing remained on the eagle’s body except the three heads that were at rest and six little wings.
24As I kept looking I saw that two little wings separated from the six and remained under the head that was on the right side; but four remained in their place. 25Then I saw that these little wingse planned to set themselves up and hold the rule. 26As I kept looking, one was set up, but suddenly disappeared; 27a second also, and this disappeared more quickly than the first. 28While I continued to look the two that remained were planning between themselves to reign together; 29and while they were planning, one of the heads that were at rest (the one that was in the middle) suddenly awoke; it was greater than the other two heads. 30And I saw how it allied the two heads with itself, 31and how the head turned with those that were with it and devoured the two little wingsf that were planning to reign. 32Moreover this head gained control of the whole earth, and with much oppression dominated its inhabitants; it had greater power over the world than all the wings that had gone before.
33After this I looked again and saw the head in the middle suddenly disappear, just as the wings had done. 34But the two heads remained, which also in like manner ruled over the earth and its inhabitants. 35And while I looked, I saw the head on the right side devour the one on the left.
A Lion Roused from the Forest
36Then I heard a voice saying to me, “Look in front of you and consider what you see.” 37When I looked, I saw what seemed to be a lion roused from the forest, roaring; and I heard how it uttered a human voice to the eagle, and spoke, saying, 38“Listen and I will speak to you. The Most High says to you, 39‘Are you not the one that remains of the four beasts that I had made to reign in my world, so that the end of my times might come through them? 40You, the fourth that has come, have conquered all the beasts that have gone before; and you have held sway over the world with great terror, and over all the earth with grievous oppression; and for so long you have lived on the earth with deceit.g 41You have judged the earth, but not with truth, 42for you have oppressed the meek and injured the peaceable; you have hated those who tell the truth, and have loved liars; you have destroyed the homes of those who brought forth fruit, and have laid low the walls of those who did you no harm. 43Your insolence has come up before the Most High, and your pride to the Mighty One. 44The Most High has looked at his times; now they have ended, and his ages have reached completion. 45Therefore you, eagle, will surely disappear, you and your terrifying wings, your most evil little wings, your malicious heads, your most evil talons, and your whole worthless body, 46so that the whole earth, freed from your violence, may be refreshed and relieved, and may hope for the judgment and mercy of him who made it.’”
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a Arab 2 Arm: Lat Syr Ethiop in
b Syr: Compare Ethiop Arab: Lat lacks the clouds and around it
c Syr Arab 2 the little wings
d Some Ethiop Mss read left
e Syr: Lat underwings
f Syr: Lat underwings
g Syr Arab Arm: Lat Ethiop The fourth came, however, and conquered…and held sway…and for so long lived
11.1–12.39, 51 Fifth vision.
11.1–12.3a This long vision is a dream the writer had at night. It resembles other apocalypses and is related to them by 11.40, which recalls Dan 7; cf. 2 Esd 12.11. The vision is composed of the description of the eagle, which symbolizes Rome (11.1–35), the judgment scene (11.36–46), and the execution of judgment (12.1–3a).
11.1 General description of the eagle. The eagle was the symbol found on the standards of the Roman legions. Feathered, probably secondary.
11.2–4 Initial stance of the eagle.
11.2 Spread. Cf. Ex 19.4; Deut 32.11.
11.3 The puny wings have particular significance.
11.5–6 The eagle’s rule extended over the whole earth.
11.6 Creature may signify “human being.”
11.7–11 Preparation for sequence of rulers.
11.8 Watch, i.e., “be awake.”
11.9 The last, an eschatol
ogical term.
11.12–19 Rule of right-hand wings. The right side is dominant and favorable.
11.13 And after a time, text uncertain. The next wing is treated in detail because of its importance; cf. 12.15.
11.22–23 Summary.
11.24–27 Rule of four little wings.
11.25 These little wings, better “these four little wings.”
11.26–27 Brief rule of first two wings.
11.28–32 Fate of next two wings. They did not achieve even a brief rule.
11.33–35 Fate of the heads.
11.35 The Dead Sea Scrolls Pesher on Habakkuk (1QpHab) 3.11 refers to the Kittim (understood to be Romans), which devour like an eagle.
11.36–38 The appearance of a lion.
11.36 I. Ezra becomes personally involved.
11.37 The lion symbolizes the Messiah. The voice is a human attribute.
11.38–43 Indictment of the eagle. These verses have a clearly legal character.
11.39 My times, better “the times.” This verse establishes the identification of the eagle; cf. 2 Apocalypse of Baruch 39.7. Kings and empires are foreordained by God; the eagle’s domination is the zenith of evil, preceding the end.