The contrastive conjunction But indicates that although the Temple had been built previously, it was later destroyed.

When our fathers sinned against the Lord of Israel who is in heaven, and provoked him: Our fathers probably refers to the ancestors of the speakers, although in many cases actual fathers may be in view, since the deportation was not that long ago (see 1 Esd 5.63). The Lord of Israel who is in heaven may be rendered “the heavenly ruler whom Israel worships.” Provoked him may be translated “made him angry” (Good News Bible).

He gave them over into the hands of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, king of the Chaldeans is an idiomatic expression that means “he let them be conquered by King Nebuchadnezzar…” (Good News Bible). For Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, see the comments on 1 Esd 1.40. The phrases king of Babylon and king of the Chaldeans mean the same thing, since Chaldea was another name for Babylonia (see the comments on 1 Esd 1.52). Babylon refers to the country of Babylonia, while Chaldeans refers to the people who lived there. We believe Good News Bible is overly precise in saying “King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylonia, king of the Chaldean dynasty.” We prefer to follow Contemporary English Version in saying simply “King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylonia.” Contemporary English Version adds a footnote explaining that the Greek text adds “the king of the Chaldeans,” but that Chaldea was another name for Babylonia. We do not think this footnote is really necessary, but some translators may wish to add it.

Here is our suggested model for this verse:

• But our ancestors sinned against Israel’s Lord [or, the God of Israel], who is in heaven, and made him angry. He then allowed King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylonia to capture 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.