Just as an arrow shot by a mighty archer does not return, so the calamities that are sent upon the earth shall not return: Here the comparison between the arrows shot by an strong archer and the disasters sent by God is made explicit (see the comments on verses 7 and 13-14). There is no way to stop either of them. An alternative model for this verse is:

• Disasters are already on their way to earth, and like an arrow shot by a strong archer, there is no way to stop them.

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.