In verses 13-14 the Lord addresses his new people directly through Ezra. The pronouns you and your refer to them. Some languages may prefer to make this clear by beginning this verse with “I, the Lord, say to them.”

Ask and you will receive: Compare John 16.24. The rest of this verse makes it clear what the people should request. They should ask to receive their kingdom soon. We suggest placing this sentence near the end of the verse (see the model below). It may be rendered “Ask for this, and it will be yours” or “… and I will give it to you.”

Pray that your days may be few, that they may be shortened: Compare Matt 24.22; Mark 13.20. Your days refers to the length of time between the present and the time when Jerusalem will be given to the new people (verse 10). That you days may be few and that they may be shortened say the same thing, so translators may combine these two clauses by saying “Pray that you will not have to wait long [or, for a long time]” or “Pray that you will only have to wait for a short time.”

The kingdom is already prepared for you: Compare Matt 25.35. The kingdom refers to the kingdom of Jerusalem (verse 10). This clause may be translated “The kingdom is ready and waiting for you” or “I have already prepared the kingdom for you.”

Watch! may be rendered “Stay alert!” Compare Mark 13.37.

Here are alternative models for this verse:

• Pray that you will not have to wait long, because the kingdom is ready and waiting for you. Ask for this, and it will be yours. Stay alert!

• Pray that you will only have to wait for a short time. I have already prepared the kingdom for you. Ask me to give it to you, and it will be yours. Stay alert!

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.