2 Esdras 13:39-58 Common English Bible (CEB)

39. "As to the fact that you saw him collecting to himself another peaceful multitude,

40. these are the ten tribes that were taken captive from their land in the days of King Hoshea, whom King Shalmaneser of the Assyrians took across the river as a captive. They were taken into another land,

41. but they made this plan for themselves: They would leave the multitude of the nations and go into a more remote region, where the human race had never lived.

42. There they would be able to observe their customs, which they hadn’t kept in their own region.

43. They went in through the narrow passages of the Euphrates River.

44. Then the Most High gave them signs and stopped the flow of the river until they had passed.

45. They made a long journey through that region for a year and a half, and that region is called Arzareth.

46. They lived there until the last time, and now they begin again to return.

47. The Most High will once again stop the flow of the river so that they can cross. These people make up the multitude gathered in peace,

48. along with those who are left of your people, who are found within my holy boundaries.

49. Then when he begins to destroy the multitude of the nations that are gathered, he will protect the people who have survived.

50. Then he will show them many more signs."

51. I said, "Supreme Lord, show me why I saw a man rising up from the heart of the sea."He said to me,

52. "Just as no one can seek out or know what is in the depth of the sea, so no one on earth can see my Son or those who are with him, except in that time when his day has come.

53. This is the interpretation of the dream that you saw, which has enlightened you alone of all people.

54. You have abandoned your own affairs and occupied yourself with mine, and you have sought out my Law.

55. You have given your life to wisdom, and have called understanding your mother.

56. Because of this, I have shown you these things, for you have a reward with the Most High. After three days I will tell you more and explain to you weighty and wonderful things."

57. I went out from there into a large field, glorifying and praising the Most High for the wonders he performed over time,

58. and because he governs the times and all that comes about in its time. I stayed there for three days.

2 Esdras 13