2 Esdras 7:8-10

Revised Standard Version

⁸ and there is only one path lying between them, that is, between the fire and the water, so that only one man can walk upon that path. ⁹ If now that city is given to a man for an inheritance, how will the heir receive his inheritance unless he passes through the danger set before him?”

¹⁰ I said, “He cannot, lord.” And he said to me, “So also is Israel’s portion.