Now this is the order of those who have kept the ways of the Most High …: Uriel now turns to discuss the future of the righteous after they die. For order see the comments on “ways” at verse 80. For the Most High, see the comments on 2 Esd 3.3. This clause may be rendered “Now let me explain what will happen to those who have lived as God Most High has commanded” or “… to those who have walked the paths of God Most High.”

When they shall be separated from their mortal body: The pronoun they may be rendered “their souls.” The Latin expression for their mortal body is literally “the corruptible vessel” (Revised Standard Version footnote), which obviously means their mortal body, and requires no footnote.

At the beginning of this subsection it may be helpful to remind the reader that Uriel is speaking by rendering this verse as follows:

• “Now,” Uriel continued, “I will tell you about those who have lived as God Most High commanded, and the stages they will go through when they [or, their souls] leave their mortal bodies.

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.