They scorned his law, and denied his covenants; they have been unfaithful to his statutes, and have not performed his works: The words law, statutes, and works refer to God’s commandments. The Latin word for covenants is not the same one rendered “covenant” in 2 Esd 2.5. This word is better translated “promises” (Good News Bible) as in 2 Esd 5.29. Here it refers to God’s promises to his people. Good News Bible provides a good model for this verse. The following model of Contemporary English Version is also helpful:

• They rejected his Law and his solemn promises, and they ignored everything he commanded.

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.