Let it not be thy will to destroy those who have had the ways of cattle; but regard those who have gloriously taught thy law. Be not angry with those who are deemed worse than beasts; but love those who have always put their trust in thy glory: These two verses are parallel in meaning. The first clauses of the two verses have the same meaning, and so do the final two clauses. Cattle and beasts refer to domestic animals and wild animals, that is, all animals (compare 2 Esd 7.65). For God’s glory, see 2 Esd 3.19. Some translators will wish to keep the two verses separate with all the repetition contained in Revised Standard Version. And if they use a general term for animals, they should study Good News Bible‘s model. Others may find it better style to combine these two verses as follows:

• There are people who live like animals, but don’t be so angry with them that you destroy them. Instead, think about those who have taught your law in such wonderful ways, who have always put their trust in your glorious [or, majestic] ways. You should show them your love.

The Syriac reading for the last half of verse 29 given in Revised Standard Version‘s footnote is interesting, but is translationally unnecessary.

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.