And before the beautiful flowers were seen refers back to the Garden of Eden. This clause may be rendered “before the beautiful flowers appeared” (similarly Good News Bible), “before the beautiful flowers bloomed,” or even “before there were any beautiful flowers in the garden.”

And before the powers of movement were established: Good News Bible interprets the powers of movement as the forces that move the stars (compare Matt 24.29). Perhaps this understanding is correct, but we believe this phrase more likely refers to the spiritual powers in space (see Eph 2.2), since the angels are mentioned next. According to ancient thought, these beings populate the space between earth and heaven. This clause may be translated “before the spiritual powers began to rule in space [or, between earth and heaven].” The Revised Standard Version footnote on this clause may be ignored.

And before the innumerable hosts of angels were gathered together may be expressed as “before all the countless armies of angels came [or, gathered] 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.