And it said: The pronoun it refers to the “voice” mentioned in verse 17. Translators may make this clear by saying “The voice said.” It is clear from the quote in verses 18-28 that the speaker is God.

Behold, the days are coming, and it shall be that when I draw near to visit the inhabitants of the earth: In Latin this sentence ends with verse 20, but we suggest dividing it into several sentences (so Good News Bible). The word Behold places focus on what follows. Some languages will render this word as “Look!” Good News Bible omits it, but it is better to express it in some way. Good News Bible renders the days are coming as “The time is near,” which fits this context well (compare the comments on 2 Esd 5.1). The verb visit is used here in the negative sense of “judge” (Good News Bible; see the comments on 2 Esd 5.56).

An alternative model for this verse is:

• The voice said, “Pay attention, the time is near when I will come to judge all people on earth.

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.