This is he whom the Most High has been keeping for many ages: See 2 Esd 12.32 (see also the comments on 2 Esd 3.6). The pronoun he refers to the Messiah. For many ages may be rendered “during the history of the world” (Contemporary English Version) or even “from the time he created the world.”

Who will himself deliver his creation: The Latin text here is ambiguous, but in this context it appears that his creation refers to God’s creation, not the Messiah’s. This clause may be translated “He will set God’s creation free” (Contemporary English Version) or “He will free the world that God created.”

And he will direct those who are left: Once again the pronoun he refers to the Messiah. The verb direct may be expressed as “put things in order [or, prepare things] for.” Those who are left refers to the people alive at the end of time (see verse 16).

Here is a possible model for this verse:

• This is the one whom God Most High has kept ready for many ages. He will set God’s creation free, and prepare things [or, the world] for those who survive at the end.

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.