And bewilderment of mind shall come over those who dwell on the earth: The Latin phrase for bewilderment of mind is literally “departure of mind.” Good News Bible takes this phrase to mean “panic.” However, we believe it means people will lose their ability to think clearly (compare 2 Esd 5.9). This phrase does not mean bewilderment, as if not knowing what to do, but rather losing the ability to make sound, rational decisions. They may know what they want to do, but it will be the wrong thing. We join this verse to the following one, where a model is given.

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.