Behold, the days are coming when the Most High will deliver those who are on the earth: For the word Behold, which highlights the following message, see the comments on 2 Esd 6.18. For the days are coming, compare 2 Esd 12.13. Good News Bible says “the time is near,” which the text does not actually say. A better model for this whole verse is:

• Look, the time is coming when God Most High will set his people on earth free.

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.