Then land was given to you for a possession in the land of Zion: The land of Zion refers to the land of Israel, in which Zion, that is, the city of Jerusalem, was located (see the comments on 1 Esd 8.81). Good News Bible says “the holy land,” and Contemporary English Version has “the land of Israel.”

But you and your fathers committed iniquity: Committed iniquity may be rendered simply “sinned” (Contemporary English Version).

And did not keep the ways which the Most High commanded you may be translated “and did not walk on the paths where God Most High commanded you to walk” or “and did not follow the teachings of God Most High.” For the Most High, see the comments on 2 Esd 3.3.

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.