Behold, the calamities draw near, and are not delayed: The word Behold highlights the message that follows (see 2 Esd 6.18). The calamities are the disasters described in verses 18-34. An alternative model for this verse is:

• Be aware that these disasters are not far off [or, will happen soon], and there is no way to delay them.

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.