2 Esdras 3:28-30

New Revised Standard Version, Anglicised

Babylon Compared with Zion

²⁸ ‘Then I said in my heart, Are the deeds of those who inhabit Babylon any better? Is that why it has gained dominion over Zion? ²⁹ For when I came here I saw ungodly deeds without number, and my soul has seen many sinners during these thirty years.^[a] And my heart failed me, ³⁰ because I have seen how you endure those who sin, and have spared those who act wickedly, and have destroyed your people, and protected your enemies,