But to Leviathan thou didst give the seventh part, the watery part: For the seventh part, the watery part, see verse 42. This clause may be rendered “But you put Leviathan in the ocean, that is, one-seventh of the world” or simply “But you allowed Leviathan to live in the ocean.”

And thou hast kept them to be eaten by whom thou wilt, and when thou wilt: Good News Bible interprets whom thou wilt to mean God’s “chosen people.” This phrase may also be translated “your righteous people” or “the people you choose” (Contemporary English Version). The passage from 2 Baruch 29.4, quoted above at verse 49, goes on to say that at the end of time these two monsters will be “nourishment for all who are left.” This verse in 2 Esdras is not saying that God will give Behemoth and Leviathan to all human beings for food. It says that these two particular creatures who were in existence at the time of creation and who will survive until the end of time will be the food for the righteous at the heavenly banquet (compare Psa 74.14).

Here is a possible model for this verse:

• But you put Leviathan in the watery part of the world, and you will keep him and Behemoth alive so that the people you choose may eat them at the time you choose.

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.