2 Baruch 13

1And it came to pass after these things, that I, Baruch, was standing upon Mount Zion, and lo! a voice came from the height and said unto me:

2'Stand upon your feet, Baruch, and hear the word of the mighty God.'

3Because you have been astonished at what has befallen Zion, you shall therefore be assuredly preserved to the consummation of the times, that you may be for a testimony.

4So that, if ever those prosperous cities say:

5'Why hath the mighty God brought upon us this retribution?' Say you to them, you and those like you who shall have seen this evil: '(This is the evil) and retribution which is coming upon you and upon your people in its (destined) time that the nations may be thoroughly smitten.

6And then they shall be in anguish.

7And if they say at that time:

8For how long? you will say to them: "Ye who have drunk the strained wine, Drink you also of its dregs, The judgment of the Lofty One Who has no respect of persons."

9On this account he had aforetime no mercy on His own sons, But afflicted them as His enemies, because they sinned,

10Then therefore were they chastened That they might be sanctified. OXYRHYNCHUS GREEK FRAGMENT Recto

11But now, you peoples and nations, you are guilty Because you have always trodden down the earth, And used the creation unrighteously.

12For I have always benefited you. And you have always been ungrateful for the beneficence.