2 Esdras 8:3-5

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

³ Many have been created, but only a few shall be saved.”^(A)

Ezra Again Appeals to God’s Mercy

⁴ I answered and said, “Then drink your fill of^[a] understanding, O my soul, and drink wisdom, O my heart. ⁵ For not of your own will did you come into the world,^[b] and against your will you depart, for you have been given only a short time to live.^(B)