This verse, 2 Esdras 15:8, is a declaration of divine judgment. Let's break it down:
"I will hold my peace no more as touching their wickedness, which they profanely commit..." This means God has been patient with the people's wickedness, but His patience has run out. He will no longer remain silent or inactive concerning their sins. The phrase "profanely commit" emphasizes that their actions are not only wicked but also demonstrate a lack of reverence or respect for God and sacred things.
"...neither will I suffer them in these things, which they wickedly practise..." God will not allow or tolerate these wicked practices to continue. The term "suffer them" implies that he will take action to stop their evil deeds.
"behold, the innocent and righteous blood cries to me, and the souls of the righteous cry out continually." This is a crucial part of the verse. The suffering and death of innocent and righteous people have reached a point where their cries are heard by God. The phrase "cries to me" suggests that their suffering is so great that it demands divine intervention and justice. The continuous cry implies prolonged and ongoing injustice.
In essence, the verse is saying that God is about to intervene and punish the wicked because of their continued and profane wickedness, and because the suffering of the innocent and righteous has become unbearable. This verse is often interpreted within the context of the larger apocalyptic themes of 2 Esdras, suggesting a coming period of tribulation and judgment.
This verse, 2 Esdras 15:8, is a declaration of divine judgment. Let's break it down:
"I will hold my peace no more as touching their wickedness, which they profanely commit..." This means God has been patient with the people's wickedness, but His patience has run out. He will no longer remain silent or inactive concerning their sins. The phrase "profanely commit" emphasizes that their actions are not only wicked but also demonstrate a lack of reverence or respect for God and sacred things.
"...neither will I suffer them in these things, which they wickedly practise..." God will not allow or tolerate these wicked practices to continue. The term "suffer them" implies that he will take action to stop their evil deeds.
"behold, the innocent and righteous blood cries to me, and the souls of the righteous cry out continually." This is a crucial part of the verse. The suffering and death of innocent and righteous people have reached a point where their cries are heard by God. The phrase "cries to me" suggests that their suffering is so great that it demands divine intervention and justice. The continuous cry implies prolonged and ongoing injustice.
In essence, the verse is saying that God is about to intervene and punish the wicked because of their continued and profane wickedness, and because the suffering of the innocent and righteous has become unbearable. This verse is often interpreted within the context of the larger apocalyptic themes of 2 Esdras, suggesting a coming period of tribulation and judgment.
