23
He is led further downward and sees a cauldron filled with sulfur and bitumen, rolling like waves of the sea.
24
The righteous enter and walk over the fiery waves as though over dew or cold water, praising the Name.
25
Ezra asks who these are.
26
The messengers say they practiced confession, gave alms freely, and resisted the sins that sought to master them.
27
Sinners approach the same crossing, but the infernal messengers submerge them into the fiery stream.
28
From within the fire they cry for pity, but their present punishment is not immediately removed.
29
Their voices are heard although their bodies are hidden by fire and anguish.
30
Ezra asks who they are.
31
The answer says they lived under lust, refused hospitality to strangers, and withheld mercy from the needy.
32
They also seized what belonged to others and turned desire into injustice; therefore anguish receives them.
33
Ezra again petitions for the sinners.
34
He sees in a dark place an undying worm whose size he cannot measure.
35
Many sinners stand before its mouth; when it draws breath they enter like flies, and when it exhales they come forth changed in color.
36
The messengers say these were filled with many evils and went through life without repentance or confession.