2 Esdras 1:28-30

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

²⁸ “Thus says the Lord Almighty: Have I not entreated you as a father entreats his sons or a mother her daughters or a nurse her children, ²⁹ so that you should be my people and I should be your God and that you should be my children and I should be your father?^{(A) 30} I gathered you as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings. But now, what shall I do to you? I will cast you out from my presence.^(B)