This verse from 2 Esdras 15:21 speaks of divine retribution. Let's break it down:
"Just as they do yet this day to my chosen...": This refers to the present (at the time of writing) persecution and mistreatment inflicted upon God's "chosen" people (likely the Israelites) by their enemies.
"...so will I do also...": This signifies that God will inflict a similar (or even harsher) fate upon those who are persecuting his chosen people. It's a statement of reciprocal justice.
"...and recompense in their bosom.": The phrase "recompense in their bosom" is an idiom. "Bosom" here refers to the chest area, and metaphorically, it means that the punishment and suffering will be intensely personal and directly felt by the oppressors. They will receive their just deserts directly.
"Thus says the Lord God:": This is a powerful declaration that emphasizes the authority and certainty of the prophecy. It is not merely human opinion; it is a divine decree.
In essence, the verse means:
God promises to repay the enemies of his chosen people with the same kind of suffering and injustice that they are inflicting upon them. This retribution will be severe and directly experienced by the perpetrators. God's justice will prevail.
Context within 2 Esdras:
2 Esdras is an apocalyptic book, filled with prophecies and visions of impending judgment. This verse is part of a larger section predicting wars, plagues, and calamities that will befall the wicked nations. It offers a message of hope for the oppressed, assuring them that God sees their suffering and will ultimately vindicate them.
This verse from 2 Esdras 15:21 speaks of divine retribution. Let's break it down:
"Just as they do yet this day to my chosen...": This refers to the present (at the time of writing) persecution and mistreatment inflicted upon God's "chosen" people (likely the Israelites) by their enemies.
"...so will I do also...": This signifies that God will inflict a similar (or even harsher) fate upon those who are persecuting his chosen people. It's a statement of reciprocal justice.
"...and recompense in their bosom.": The phrase "recompense in their bosom" is an idiom. "Bosom" here refers to the chest area, and metaphorically, it means that the punishment and suffering will be intensely personal and directly felt by the oppressors. They will receive their just deserts directly.
"Thus says the Lord God:": This is a powerful declaration that emphasizes the authority and certainty of the prophecy. It is not merely human opinion; it is a divine decree.
In essence, the verse means:
God promises to repay the enemies of his chosen people with the same kind of suffering and injustice that they are inflicting upon them. This retribution will be severe and directly experienced by the perpetrators. God's justice will prevail.
Context within 2 Esdras:
2 Esdras is an apocalyptic book, filled with prophecies and visions of impending judgment. This verse is part of a larger section predicting wars, plagues, and calamities that will befall the wicked nations. It offers a message of hope for the oppressed, assuring them that God sees their suffering and will ultimately vindicate them.
