For they shall destroy and plunder their goods, and drive them out of their houses: This verse conflicts with the statement in verse 71 that the persecutors will kill anyone they can find who insists on worshiping God. Here the persecuted people are alive for more destruction and plundering, and they are forced out of their homes. The author is aiming for emphasis, not logical consistency. All sorts of terrible things will happen—that is what he is saying. An alternative model for this verse is:

• They will destroy and plunder and drive God’s people out of their homes.

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.