The verse "and you only have been meet to know the secret of the Most High" (2 Esdras 12:36) appears within the broader context of the angel's interpretation of Ezra's vision. To understand its meaning, we need to consider the preceding verses and the overall message of the chapter.
Here's a breakdown of what it likely means:
"You" refers to Ezra: Ezra is the central figure in the book of 2 Esdras, a prophet who receives divine revelations and seeks to understand God's plan.
"Only" or "Alone": This emphasizes Ezra's unique role as the recipient of this particular revelation. It suggests that not everyone is privy to this specific knowledge. This could be due to his righteousness, his perseverance in seeking God, or simply God's sovereign choice.
"Been Meet" or "Found Worthy/Considered Worthy": This phrase indicates that Ezra has been judged or found to be deserving of this special knowledge. It's not something he earned, but rather a gift of grace and divine selection. His previous dialogues with God and his concern for Israel's fate likely played a role.
"The Secret of the Most High": This refers to the hidden or mysterious plan of God. In the context of 2 Esdras 12, the secret likely pertains to the interpretation of the vision he's just witnessed, particularly the vision of the eagle representing the Roman Empire and its eventual destruction and replacement by God's kingdom. These secrets often involve future events, God's judgments, and the ultimate triumph of good over evil. The "secret" might also encompass a deeper understanding of God's justice and purposes in the face of suffering.
Therefore, the verse means that Ezra, and Ezra alone among his contemporaries, has been chosen and deemed worthy by God to understand the hidden meaning behind the visions he's received. Specifically regarding the vision of the Eagle (Roman Empire) and its ultimate fate.
Implications and Significance:
Ezra's Authority: The verse reinforces Ezra's prophetic authority. He is presented as a trusted messenger of God, entrusted with vital information about the future.
Divine Revelation: It highlights the concept of divine revelation as a selective process. God chooses to reveal His secrets to those He deems ready and able to understand them.
Hope and Consolation: While the vision may contain elements of judgment and destruction, the revelation ultimately offers hope for the faithful. Understanding God's plan provides comfort and assurance that God is in control, even in the midst of turmoil.
Responsibility: Being entrusted with such a profound secret also carries a responsibility to share it (at least in some form, as the book is written for others to read) and to live in accordance with the understanding it provides.
It's important to remember that 2 Esdras is considered part of the Apocrypha, and its canonical status varies among different Christian traditions. Nonetheless, it offers valuable insights into Jewish thought and apocalyptic literature of the Second Temple period.
The verse "and you only have been meet to know the secret of the Most High" (2 Esdras 12:36) appears within the broader context of the angel's interpretation of Ezra's vision. To understand its meaning, we need to consider the preceding verses and the overall message of the chapter.
Here's a breakdown of what it likely means:
"You" refers to Ezra: Ezra is the central figure in the book of 2 Esdras, a prophet who receives divine revelations and seeks to understand God's plan.
"Only" or "Alone": This emphasizes Ezra's unique role as the recipient of this particular revelation. It suggests that not everyone is privy to this specific knowledge. This could be due to his righteousness, his perseverance in seeking God, or simply God's sovereign choice.
"Been Meet" or "Found Worthy/Considered Worthy": This phrase indicates that Ezra has been judged or found to be deserving of this special knowledge. It's not something he earned, but rather a gift of grace and divine selection. His previous dialogues with God and his concern for Israel's fate likely played a role.
"The Secret of the Most High": This refers to the hidden or mysterious plan of God. In the context of 2 Esdras 12, the secret likely pertains to the interpretation of the vision he's just witnessed, particularly the vision of the eagle representing the Roman Empire and its eventual destruction and replacement by God's kingdom. These secrets often involve future events, God's judgments, and the ultimate triumph of good over evil. The "secret" might also encompass a deeper understanding of God's justice and purposes in the face of suffering.
Therefore, the verse means that Ezra, and Ezra alone among his contemporaries, has been chosen and deemed worthy by God to understand the hidden meaning behind the visions he's received. Specifically regarding the vision of the Eagle (Roman Empire) and its ultimate fate.
Implications and Significance:
Ezra's Authority: The verse reinforces Ezra's prophetic authority. He is presented as a trusted messenger of God, entrusted with vital information about the future.
Divine Revelation: It highlights the concept of divine revelation as a selective process. God chooses to reveal His secrets to those He deems ready and able to understand them.
Hope and Consolation: While the vision may contain elements of judgment and destruction, the revelation ultimately offers hope for the faithful. Understanding God's plan provides comfort and assurance that God is in control, even in the midst of turmoil.
Responsibility: Being entrusted with such a profound secret also carries a responsibility to share it (at least in some form, as the book is written for others to read) and to live in accordance with the understanding it provides.
It's important to remember that 2 Esdras is considered part of the Apocrypha, and its canonical status varies among different Christian traditions. Nonetheless, it offers valuable insights into Jewish thought and apocalyptic literature of the Second Temple period.
