Therefore I will now beseech the Most High … may be rendered “So now I will pray to God Most High….”

That he may strengthen me to the end: This clause could mean (a) that he may strengthen me completely, (b) that he may give me strength to endure the things that will happen at the end of time, or (c) that he may give me strength to endure the vision in this dream I have been having. Option (c) is the most likely, (b) next, and (a) least. So we suggest the following model for this verse:

• So, all I can do now is ask God Most High to give me strength until all this is over [or, strength to endure this vision].”

Quoted with permission from Bullard, Roger A. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on 1-2 Esdras. (UBS Helps for Translators). Miami: UBS, 2019. For this and other handbooks for translators see here.