2. before the voices of the thunder sounded and before the flashes of the lightning shone, or ever the foundations of paradise were laid,
3. before the fair flowers were seen, or ever the powers of the earthquake were established, before the innumerable hosts of angels were gathered together,
4. or ever the heights of the air were lifted up, before the measures of the firmament were named, or ever the footstool of Sion was established,
5. and ere the present years were sought out, and or ever the imaginations of them that now sin were estranged, before they were sealed that have gathered faith for a treasure:
6. then did I consider these things, and they all were made through me alone, and through none other: as by me also they shall be ended, and by none other.
7. Then answered I and said, what shall be the parting asunder of the times? or when shall be the end of the first, and the beginning of it that follows?
8. And he said to me, From Abraham to Abraham, inasmuch as Jacob and Esau were born of him, for Jacob’s hand held the heel of Esau from the beginning.
9. For Esau is the end of this world, and Jacob is the beginning of it that follows.
10. The beginning of a man is his hand, and the end of a man is his heel; between the heel and the hand seek you nothing else, Esdras.
11. I answered then and said, O Lord that bear rule, If I have found favor in your sight,