Therefore there shall not be grief at their destruction, so much as joy over those to whom salvation is assured: See verses 60-61. In light of those verses we may assume that the grief and joy spoken of here is God’s sorrow and joy (compare Matt 18.13). Revised Standard Version‘s footnote on shall not is really a translational matter, so it may be omitted. An alternative model for this verse is:

• That is why God will not be sorrowful at the destruction of the wicked [or, when he destroys the wicked], but will take great joy in saving the righteous.”

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.