And one shall reign whom those who dwell on earth do not expect: This clause refers to the wicked ruler of the end times that apocalyptic writers often speak of. In Christian apocalyptic literature he is called the Antichrist. Good News Bible renders do not expect as “unwanted” (similarly Contemporary English Version), which is not correct. The Latin text talks about “not expecting” rather than “not wanting.”

And the birds shall fly away together: Compare Jer 4.25. Some ancient peoples thought that birds had supernatural knowledge, and their actions could signify important events.

Here is an alternative model for this verse:

• A man whom no one on earth expects will come to power [or, begin to rule], and the birds will all fly off together.

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.