Therefore we now make known to you, O lord and king: See the comments on verse 18.

That if this city is built and its walls finished: Compare verse 19.

You will no longer have access to Coelesyria and Phoenicia means the king will no longer be able to send his army or officials into this area; in other words, he will lose control of it. For Coelesyria and Phoenicia, see the comments on verse 17. The writers of this letter identified themselves in verse 17 as royal officials of Coelesyria and Phoenicia. By closing the letter with a reference to the official name of their province, they attempt to tell the king that this is territory they are familiar with, and they know what they are talking about.

Here are alternative models for this verse:

• And so, Your Royal Majesty, we must tell you that if Jerusalem is rebuilt and fortified with a city wall, you will lose control over Southwest Syria Province [or, the province of Phoenicia and Southwest Syria].”

• … that if the Jews rebuild Jerusalem and fortify its wall, you will….”

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.