2 Esdras 9:21
King James VersionSource notes
“And I saw, and spared it greatly, and have kept me a grape of the cluster, and a plant of a great people.”
Context
18And now when I prepared the world, which was not yet made, even for them to dwell in that now live, no man spake against me.
19For then every one obeyed: but now the manners of them which are created in this world that is made are corrupted by a perpetual seed, and by a law which is unsearchable rid themselves.
20So I considered the world, and, behold, there was peril because of the devices that were come into it.
21And I saw, and spared it greatly, and have kept me a grape of the cluster, and a plant of a great people.
22Let the multitude perish then, which was born in vain; and let my grape be kept, and my plant; for with great labour have I made it perfect.
23Nevertheless, if thou wilt cease yet seven days more, (but thou shalt not fast in them,
24But go into a field of flowers, where no house is builded, and eat only the flowers of the field; taste no flesh, drink no wine, but eat flowers only;)