4 Esdras
16 chapters
Chapter summaries
The Douay-Rheims’ own argument for each chapter. Tap a number above to read.
- 1Esdras is sent to expostulate with the ungrateful Jews for neglecting God's many great benefits.
- 2The Synagogue expostulateth with her children for their ingratitude; 10. showing that they shall be forsaken, and the gentiles called.
- 3The works of God are wonderful from the beginning, 7. and men ungrateful 13. In Abraham God chose to himself a peculiar people: who nevertheless were froward, and obstinate. 23. He also chose David, but still the people were sinful: 28. the Babylonians also, by whom they are afflicted, are no less but rather greater sinners.
- 4Man's wit and reason is not able to understand the counsel and judgement of God, 22. why his people are afflicted by wicked nations, 33. nor of times, and things to come.
- 5Divers signs of things to come are shewed to Esdras by an Angel: 16. for the comfort of the people in captivity.
- 6God knowing all things before they were made, created them 54. for man: and considereth the ends of all.
- 7Without tribulations no man can attain immortal life: 17. which the just shall inherit: and the wicked shall perish. 28. Christ will come, and die for mankind. 36. Prayers of the just shall profit till the end of this world, but not after the general judgment. 48. All sinned in Adam. 52. and have added more sins, 57. but it is in man's power, 62. by God's grace, to live eternally.
- 8God is merciful in this world, yet few are saved. 6. God's works, and disposition of his creatures are marvellous. 15 Esdras prayeth for the people of Israel: 37. and salvation is promised to the just, and punishment threatened to the wicked.
- 9Certain signs shall go before the day of judgement. 14. More shall perish then be saved. 25. Prayer with other good works, are means to salvation.
- 10The state of Jerusalem is prefigured by a woman mourning, 25. and afterwards rejoicing.
- 11An eagle appeareth to Esdras coming forth of the sea, with three heads, and twelve wings: sometimes one reigning in the world, sometimes another, but every one vanisheth away. 36. A lion also appeareth coming forth of the wood, to suppress the eagle.
- 12The eagle vanisheth away, 5. Esdras prayeth, 10. and the former visions are declared to him.
- 13A vision of a wind (as it first seemed, but) indeed, v. 3. of a man: 5. strong against the enemies: 21. with the interpretation.
- 14God appeareth in a bush, 6. revealing some things to be published, and some things to be hid. 10. As the world waxeth old, all things become worse. 27. The people of Israel are ungrateful. 32. All shall be judged in the Resurrection according to their deeds.
- 15Esdras is bid to denounce, that assuredly many evils will come to the world. 9. God will protect his people, the wicked shall be punished, and lament their final miseries, God revenging for the good.
- 16All are admonished, that extreme calamities shall fall upon this world, 36. the penitent returning to justice shall escape, 55. and as all things were made by God's omnipotent power at his will, so all things shall serve to the reward of the blessed, and punishment of the wicked.