Fourth Baruch

It happened that when the children of Israel were taken captive by the king of the Chaldeans, God spoke to Jeremiah, saying, “Jeremiah, my chosen one, arise and go out from this city, you and Baruch; for I will destroy it because of the multitude of sins of those who dwell in it.”

For your prayers are like a firm pillar in its midst, and like an adamant wall surrounding it.

Now therefore, arise and go out before the Chaldean power encircles it.

And Jeremiah answered, saying, “I beseech you, Lord, permit me, your servant, to speak before you.”

And the Lord said to him, “Speak, my chosen one, Jeremiah.”

And Jeremiah spoke, saying, “Lord Almighty, are you delivering the chosen city into the hands of the Chaldeans, so that the king may boast with the multitude of his people and say, ‘I have prevailed over the holy city of God’?”

“No, my Lord! But if it is your will, let it be destroyed by your own hands.”

And the Lord said to Jeremiah, “Because you are my chosen one, arise and go out from this city, you and Baruch; for I will destroy it because of the multitude of sins of those who dwell in it.”

“For neither the king nor his power will be able to enter it, unless I first open its gates.”

“Therefore, arise and go to Baruch, and tell him these words.”

“And rising at the sixth hour of the night, come to the walls of the city, and I will show you that unless I first destroy the city, they cannot enter it.”

Having said these things, the Lord departed from Jeremiah.