And he took his seat in the council chamber, and the writing was read in their presence: The council chamber was a room in which the ruler discussed important matters with his advisers. Contemporary English Version translates “throne room,” which is close enough and may in fact be what is intended. The writer does not say that the other Persian officials gathered in the throne room. Although it is rather obvious, the narrative will run more smoothly if it is made clear in translation (so model below). Contemporary English Version renders and the writing was read in their presence as “he read the three answers to everyone who had gathered.” However, the Greek text does not say that the king read the messages of the bodyguards. From verse 13 we learn that the king can read, but it seems more likely that on this formal occasion the king had a scribe do the reading. Alternative models for this verse are:

• These people gathered in the throne room, and the king took his seat. Then the three messages were read aloud.

• … Then a scribe [or, an official] read the three messages aloud.

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.