Be ready for the rewards of the kingdom: The phrase Be ready suggests something to look forward to eagerly, not with fear. The kingdom is God’s kingdom in heaven. We may render this clause as “Be ready for the rewards of of God’s kingdom in heaven” or “Be ready because God will bless you in heaven.”

Because the eternal light will shine upon you for evermore may be translated “where his light will shine on you eternally.” Compare Isa 60.19-20; Rev 21.23; 22.5.

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.