But we thy people …: Even though other nations have conquered Israel (verse 57), Ezra is confident that the Israelites are still God’s people. So the connector But should be retained by beginning this verse with “But we are your people….”

Whom thou hast called thy first-born: Compare Exo 4.22; Jer 31.9.

Only begotten may be rendered “your only child” (Good News Bible).

The Latin word translated zealous for thee, which the Revised Standard Version footnote calls obscure, is literally “imitator.” Good News Bible has “your witness.” Myers says “[your] confidant,” citing the Syriac version, in which the word here means “kin.” Stone translates “kin.” New English Bible says “your champion.” We see no reason why “imitator” cannot be the real meaning here. So we suggest “people who want to be just like you.”

And most dear: We may begin a new sentence here by saying “You say we are precious to you” or “You say that you love us more than any other people.”

Have been given into their hands: In languages that do not have the passive voice, this figurative expression may be translated “But you have handed us over into the power of these enemies.” Contemporary English Version uses nonfigurative language, saying “although you allowed enemy nations to conquer us.”

This verse uses the imagery of parent and child (compare Hos 11.1-3). An alternative model for it is:

• But we are your people. You called us your firstborn [or, your oldest child], your only child, who wants to be just like you. You say we are precious to you. But you have handed us over into the power of these enemies!

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.