And I saw how all things under heaven were subjected to him: All things refers to all human beings, and under heaven means “under the sky,” that is, on earth, so this clause may be rendered “I noticed that all humans on earth were under the eagle’s control.”

And no one spoke against him, not even one creature that was on the earth: Not even one creature means specifically “not one human being.” The rest of creation is not involved here.

We suggest the following model for this verse:

• I noticed that all humans on earth were under the eagle’s control. Not one person spoke against [or, opposed] him.

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.