2 Esdras 5:17-19

Common English Bible

¹⁷ Don’t you realize that Israel has been entrusted to you while it is in exile in this land? ¹⁸ Arise then, and take some food so that you may not abandon us like a shepherd who leaves his flock in the power of cruel wolves.”

¹⁹ I said to him, “Leave me and don’t come near me again for seven days. After that, you will come to me.” He heard how I spoke and withdrew from me.