Verses 55-62 are based on the creation account in Gen 1.1–2.7.

He said, “Let the earth be made,” and it was made; “Let the heaven be made,” and it was made: In this context the heaven refers to “the sky” (Good News Bible). Translators may use indirect speech here if this will be better style. We prefer the direct speech of Good News Bible, but offer the following alternative model of this verse for translators who prefer indirect speech:

• When God spoke, the earth and the sky came into existence.

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.