2 BARUCH 55
Interpretation of the apocalypse
55:1 And it happened that when I had finished the words of this prayer, I sat down there under a tree to rest in the shadow of its branches.
55:2 And I was surprised and astonished, and I pondered in my thoughts about the multitude of the goodness which the sinners who are on earth have rejected from them, and about the great punishment which they have despised, when they knew that they should be punished because of the sins they have committed.
55:3 And while I was pondering these and similar things, behold, Ramael, the malak who is set over true visions, was sent to me and said to me:
55:4 Why does your heart trouble you, Baruch, and why are you disturbed by your thought?
55:5 For if you are already disturbed, only hearing about the judgment, what about when you see it with your eyes openly?
55:6 And if you are already so disturbed by the expectation with which you expect the day of YAHWEH the Mighty One, what about when you arrive at its coming?
55:7 And if you are so fully terrified by the Words of the announcement of the punishment of those who have transgressed, how much more when this event itself will reveal marvelous things?
55:8 And if you have heard the names of the tov and evil things which will come at that time, and if you are grieved, what about when you will see what the Majesty will reveal, who will convince some and cause others to rejoice?