In verses 6-7 the writer asks three more rhetorical questions, the assumed answer to all of which is “No.” The images in these questions underscore the inevitability of God’s judgment.

Can one drive off a hungry lion in the forest may be rendered “No one can scare away a hungry lion in the forest” or even “No one can stop a hungry lion from attacking in the bush.” For lion see 2 Esd 11.37.

Or quench a fire in the stubble, when once it has begun to burn?: For stubble see 2 Esd 15.61.

Can one turn back an arrow shot by a strong archer?: An archer is a person who shoots with a bow and arrow. The phrase turn back an arrow refers to stopping the arrow in midair.

Here is a possible model for verses 6-7:

• 6 Can anyone scare away a hungry lion in the forest? Can anyone put out a fire in straw, once it starts burning? 7 When a strong man shoots an arrow, can anyone stop the arrow in midair?

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.