Verse 17 describes a situation so bad that ordinary travel and commerce is restricted. Verse 18 describes the situation inside the cities.

For a man will desire to go into a city, and shall not be able: The connector For may be omitted (so Good News Bible, Contemporary English Version). This sentence may be rendered “There will no longer be free access to the cities” (Good News Bible), “People will not be able to travel from city to city,” or even “Cities will become too dangerous to visit” (Contemporary English Version).

For because of their pride the cities shall be in confusion, the houses shall be destroyed, and people shall be afraid: Their pride does not refer to the people simply being “proud,” but to their “struggle for power” (Good News Bible) in the cities. Because of this power struggle the people in the cities will become totally confused, their houses will be demolished, and they will all be frightened.

Alternative models for verses 17-18 are:

• 17 People will not be able to travel from city to city, 18 because the struggle for power will bring ruin, terror, and total confusion in cities everywhere.

• 17 Cities will become too dangerous for people to visit them, 18 because people struggling to gain power will destroy the houses, and cause people to be terrified and completely confused.

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.