Flee from the shadow of this age: For the phrase the shadow of this age, which occurs again in verse 39, compare Eph 6.12 and Wis 2.5. It is a figurative expression that refers to the sinfulness of this world. For the Latin word rendered age ( saeculum), see the comments on verse 34. Contemporary English Version translates this clause as “Run from the darkness of these times.” We may also say “You must escape [or, run away from] these dark times.”

Receive the joy of your glory: The word glory may refer to the prize of heaven or to salvation itself. We may express this clause as “look forward to the joy [or, happiness] that awaits you in heaven” or “lay claim on the joy….”

I publicly call on my Savior to witness: My Savior refers to Jesus Christ as the one who has rescued Ezra. This clause is better translated “I bear witness openly to my Saviour” (New English Bible) or “Here before all of you I bear witness to my Savior.” We think these models fit the context well, and we suggest that no textual footnote is necessary. Ezra is speaking these words to the world’s peoples. We suggest the following models for this verse:

• Escape these dark times, and lay claim on the joy that awaits you in heaven. Here before all of you I bear witness to my Savior.

• You must run away from [or, escape] these dark times, and look forward to the joy [or, happiness] that awaits you in heaven….

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.