2 Esdras

By Mary Jane Chaignot

Scholars agree that 2 Esdras is actually a compilation of three separate works, none of which have anything to do with the time of Ezra. The prophet, Ezra, is a visionary in these writings. In the first section, chapters 1-2, Ezra basically affirms the rejection of the Jews in favor of the Christian Church. It is believed that Christians wrote these chapters themselves, probably around the middle of the second century CE. The second section is the longest and is comprised of chapters 3-14. This is an apocalyptic composition that addresses God's plans for the future of Israel. It is believed that Jews wrote this piece around 100 CE. The last two chapters, 15-16, are the third section. This was also written by Christians and is thought to be even later than the first section, possibly written in the third century CE. It is comprised of oracles of doom addressed to the enemies of God's people who are now represented by the Christian Church.

Putting them into chronological order, most scholars refer to chapters 3-14 as 4 Ezra, chapters 1-2 as 5 Esdras, and chapters 15-16 as 6 Esdras. It is completely unknown who, how, or why these were put together as one apocryphal book. The original documents (written in Hebrew and Greek) have been lost. Our only knowledge of these books comes from Latin translations. The composite works can be found in the Slavonic Bible under the heading of 3 Esdras and in the Latin Bible as 4 Esdras. English translations label them as 2 Esdras. It seems really confusing. But for the purposes of our study, we will refer to the individual sections as 5, 4, and 6 Esdras.

2 Esdras 1-2 (5 Esdras) portends to be Ezra's prophecy about the rejection of Israel. There is a lot of prophetic language, obviously meant to give the book authenticity. According to this book, Ezra was the messenger for God's prophecies. The book is historically set in the time of the Persians, back in the fifth century BCE. Ezra prophecies about the world of Christianity that would be in place by the second century CE. Whoever actually wrote this had a good command of Scripture, prophecy, and apocalypticism.

Though comprised of only two chapters, 5 Esdras played a huge role in the early Church. Its message affirmed that Jews were suffering because they had failed to obey God's laws (a huge issue in the historical time of Ezra). God was patient and merciful, but Israel's transgressions were so onerous that God transferred the identity of "God's people" to the Christian Church. The Jews totally brought this upon themselves and God's actions were an example of his justice. In short, this is supposed to explain how the Christian Church became the replacement for a fallen Israel. In other words, the Christian Church superseded the nation of Israel. Unfortunately, this concept of supercessionism really caught on and has dominated Jewish-Christian relations ever since. Modern scholars are revisiting this issue in their attempts to promote a better dialogue between Jews and Christians.

2 Esdras 3-14 (4 Esdras) is an apocalyptic work written by Jews around 100 CE. This section is comprised of three separate dialogues (3:1-5:20; 5:21-6:34; 6:35-9:25). Ezra, as a scribe, raises various theological questions that are answered by the angel Uriel. These basically have to do with the end times and the signs that will accompany "the age to come." Following the dialogues are three dreams and their interpretations: a mourning woman (9:26-10:59); the eagle and the lion (11:1-12:51); and the man from the sea (13:1-58). The last verse includes God's instructions to Ezra and a notation about him being a scribe. Some people prefer to think of 4 Esdras as comprised of seven separate units, but many scholars think it should be addressed as a whole.

In this section Ezra, as a scribe in exile, asks many hard questions about life in exile. He really struggles with the ageless question: "Why do good people suffer?" It is his attempt to explain how God's people could be oppressed by nations far more wicked than Israel ever was. Some liken him to Job in that he relentlessly questions God's plan and eventually comes to accept God's will while hoping for a better life in the world to come. Uriel is the angel, sent by God, who explains and interprets for Ezra. At times, it is not clear whether it is the angel or God Himself who is speaking, but that is quite common in the Hebrew Scriptures. The prime question, of course, is, "How could this [the exile] have happened to God's people?" The answer, of course, is sin. This leads Ezra to question the origin of sin and its control in humans' lives. Since people can't resist sinning, he questions God's justice.

In a manner similar to his encounter with Job, God does not respond to Ezra directly but offers a different solution – the ushering in of the new age. It speaks to the fact that sin is so rampant that it cannot be eradicated. This world simply needs to end. Then God's justice will be evident and complete. 4 Ezra speaks about the cosmic signs that will signal the end of time. He also refers to "my son the Messiah" (who has to die). Like many other apocalyptic works, 4 Esdras acknowledges God's work in the present though it is unseen. It will only become evident once the "new age" has arrived.

Once again, this second section appears to be set in the time of Ezra, but scholars believe it was written around 100 CE. This was still a difficult time for Jews because the Romans were clearly in charge. This would also be after the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple [70 CE] and a time when Jews were highly harassed and possibly persecuted. According to this book, Jews expected the "new age" to come soon. Needless to say, much of the book is modeled after Daniel, another Jewish apocalyptic book set in the time of Nebuchadnezzar but written in the second century BCE.

2 Esdras 15-16 (6 Esdras) is comprised of oracles anticipating the demise of God's enemies while offering encouragement to those who are being persecuted. Most scholars believe this is actually a Christian document dating back to the third century CE, but the evidence is not as convincing as it was with 2 Esdras 1-2. Nonetheless, Christians were having a rough time in the Roman Empire during this time, so it fits historically. The whole idea is that they should continue to be faithful because the end of time is near; God is about to intervene in the world.

It is again set in the time of Ezra, who is called to prophesy for God. The prophecy is that the nations will be punished for persecuting God's "elect." The main issue seems to be that the persecuting nations (Rome) have forced people to eat food sacrificed to idols. In so doing, God's judgment on the nations will be irreversible and imminent. It is for this reason that God's people should remain steadfast. Moreover, these events will be happening soon and God will deliver those who have been faithful.

Several scholars have pointed out that if this book really was written in the third century, it offers a peek into what Christian life was like at that time. Plus, it shows that Christians simply appropriated Jewish apocalypticism into their own situation. Needless to say, there are many parallels with the book of Revelation. The book ends with a warning and a promise. The warning is not to become involved in evil ways; the promise is that they will be rescued. Enemies who have oppressed and killed God's people will, in turn, be dealt with harshly. God is a God of justice and God's people can depend on this.

There are three separate sections to this letter: Chapters 1-2 – God's Rejection of Israel; Chapters 3-14 – A Jewish Apocalypse; Chapters 15-16 – Oracles Against God's Enemies.

I – 1:1-2:48 – God's Rejection of Israel

  • 1:1-3
    • Ezra's genealogy
    • This establishes his priestly descent going back to Aaron, son of Levi
    • It also establishes he was a captive in the reign of Artaxerxes, king of Persia
    • This presumes the historical time of the exile when Ezra returned to Jerusalem 
  • 1:4
    • Word of the Lord
    • This prophetic formula was never used of Ezra 
  • 1:5-11
    • Indictment of sins
    • Litany of Israel's sins
    • Despite God's many mercies, Israel has failed to be obedient
    • They have also sacrificed to other gods
    • Ezra is to "pluck out his hair" – a sign of God's anger
    • Calamities will ensue upon those who have disobeyed the law
    • God repeats all the wondrous things He has done for Israel 
  • 1:12-27
    • Historical review of God's dealings with His people
    • Description of God's deliverance at Red Sea
    • He gave them light from a pillar of fire He gave them quail as a sign and water from a rock When they murmured against Him,
    • He gave them manna – the bread of angels He gave them fertile lands and expelled the inhabitants who opposed them
    • When they cursed God, He gave them sweet water to drink
    • "What more could I do for you?"
    • "Because you have turned from me, I will turn to other nations"
    • Israel has brought all this upon itself
    • God has not deserted them; they have deserted God
    • Israel's rejection is final 
  • 1:28-32
    • God is concerned for Israel
    • Israel's rejection was not God's original plan
    • He was a father and a mother to them; He gathered them as a hen gathers her chicks
    • Israel failed to respond; now she will be rejected 
  • 1:33-40
    • A new people to come
    • There is a new group that will take Israel's place
    • This would be the Christian Church
    • "I will hand over your houses" – a symbolic transfer of Israel's status
    • These new people "have not known me"
    • This is a possible reference to Gentile Christians
    • This nation will come "from the east"
    • Its leaders will be the patriarchs and prophets of old
    • It is not clear why they will be coming from the "east"
    • (It is a possible reference to the place where this was written)
    • In that sense, Christianity was moving westward
    • The Christian Church will take over from the Jews 
  • 2:1-9
    • God will judge Israel
    • Israel's response to God's saving deeds has been to be disobedient
    • Jerusalem is depicted as the mother of this nation
    • Now she is widowed and deserted; she has lost her children
    • It is this mother that confirms their sins and proclaims God's judgment against them
    • Their punishment will involve being scattered among the nations
    • Their name will vanish from the earth
    • Assyria is included because they have harbored Jews 
  • 2:10-14
    • Promises for the new people
    • They will be given the kingdom that had been offered to Jerusalem
    • Christians are exhorted to pray that this happens as soon as possible
    • Heaven and earth will be witnesses of this event 
  • 2:15-32
    • Assurances for the Church
    • God assures them that He will care for and protect them
    • The image of a mother now refers to the Church
    • She will rear her children joyfully, without fear
    • Author refers to imagery from Revelation – twelve trees with twelve fruits
    • Images from Jewish tradition are handed over to Church
    • Jewish expectations for handling the dead, caring for widowed and orphans are now expected of Church
    • This all describes a complete passing on of the mantle
  • 2:33-41
    • The rewards of the kingdom
    • Christians should look forward to the coming of the shepherd
    • He will give everlasting rest
    • They should observe the blessings of those who already have rest
    • Again, they are to pray that this all comes to pass soon 
  • 2:42-48
    • Ezra's vision
    • A large crowd on Mount Zion sings praises to God
    • A tall man was placing a crown on each person's head
    • These are the people who have acknowledged the name of God
    • The tall man is the Son of God
    • Whatever problems Christians were having, they will be resolved
    • Martyrs were given an honored place in God's final victory 

II – 3:1-14:48 – A Jewish Apocalypse

  • 3:1-5:20
    • The first dialogue
      • 3:1-36 
        • Ezra's lament
        • First, he reviews God's history with people
        • Adam was created and given life in the garden
        • He sinned and brought death into the world
        • Then there was the flood, but Noah was spared
        • Then there was Abraham and the promises made to him
        • People continued sinning and ended up in Egypt
        • God rescued them from Egypt and gave them the law
        • He did not remove their wicked hearts
        • Still, he led them into the Promised Land
        • People continued sinning, so God gave them a king (David)
        • Even that didn't stop them from sinning, so God sent them into exile
        • Yet, the conquerors (Babylonians) were far worse than Israel ever was
        • It appeared as though God tolerated their sins and wickedness
        • "Has anyone kept your commandments like Israel?"
        • "How can anyone understand your ways?"
      • 4:1-50 
        • Uriel's response
        • He is sent to Ezra to help him understand
        • Basically, his main point is that it is impossible for men to understand God's ways
        • He has three illustrations for Ezra to consider
        • If Ezra can explain any one of them, the angel will explain it all to him
        • He will answer his question about the way of the Most High
        • He will teach him why the heart is wicked
        • Ezra invites him to speak
        • The angel tells him to "weigh a pound of fire," to measure a bushel of wind," or "call back a day that has passed"
        • Ezra acknowledges no man could do that
        • More impossible tasks are given
        • "If you cannot understand things you have grown up with, how can your small capacity comprehend God"
        • Ezra cries out in despair at which point the angel follows with a parable
        • The parable involves a revolt by the trees who want to roll back the sea
        • At the same time the sea wants to get rid of all trees
        • Fire thwarts the trees; sand blocks the sea
        • The angel asks: which was right and which was wrong
        • Ezra acknowledges that they were both wrong
        • They each have their own place
        • Uriel says this is true for men and God as well
        • Ezra cries out again – why wasn't he given the gift of understanding
        • He does want to know abut things on earth
        • Like why has Israel been handed over to the godless Babylonians?
        • The angel answers that he must wait for the new age to come
        • Then all will be made clear
        • Evil must first run its course; judgment will take place
        • Evil in the world goes way beyond Israel's problems
        • Ezra, of course, wants to know when all this will happen
        • The angel tells him it is not for him to know
        • The Lord will act when the appointed time has come
        • The appointed time will not be affected by the sins of the world
        • Then Ezra asked if the past exceeds the future
        • He is given a vision of fire and a storm
        • Yes, we are nearer the end of the present age than the beginning
      • 4:51-5:20 
        • Signs of the end
        • Ezra wants to know if he will live to see the end
        • The angel can't tell him that but does give signs of the end
        • These are typical apocalyptic signs
        • Increase in chaos, confusion, and wickedness
        • A complete reversal of the natural order of things
        • Upon hearing all this, Ezra is very upset
        • He is told to pray for seven days
  • 5:21-6:34
    • The second dialogue
    • At the end of seven days, Ezra is again disturbed
    • Using a variety of images, Ezra describes the choosing of Israel
    • The problem: God first chose her then put her at the mercy of others
    • If God really wanted to punish her, he should have done so Himself
    • How could He use people who were more wicked than Israel
    • Uriel comes back again
    • The angel asks if Ezra loves Israel more than God does
    • Ezra says he knows God loves Israel
    • The instructions are the same – do what is impossible for man but easy for God
    • Of course Ezra cannot God's judgments and
    • God's love cannot be understood by people
    • Ezra then asks why God's judgments are delayed
    • A delay in judgment doesn't help those living now
    • God's plan for the world must go until the appointed time
    • Ezra then asks for more information about that appointed time
    • How near is it?
    • Will it come through someone? – no, only through God
    • (Scholars think this was meant to counter Christianity's understanding of Jesus)
    • What interval is there between then and now?
    • This is followed by more signs of the end
    • Again, there is a reversal of what is expected
    • After all this, those who are left will be preserved
    • Wickedness will be blotted out; fidelity will flourish
    • Ezra then feels the ground shake and is told again to pray for seven days
  • 6:35-9:25
    • The third dialogue
    • It is similar to the first two but has a greater emphasis on sin and
    • its consequences 
    • After praying for seven days, Ezra is again disturbed
    • He reflects upon the seven days of creation
    • All this was created for the benefit of "our sake," yet those nations that count for nothing are ruling over "your people"
    • Why does Israel not have possession of the world that was created for her?
    • The angel comes again to respond
    • What Ezra said is true
    • Yet, because of sin the world is a dangerous place
    • Israel must endure the hardships of this world before she will be able to experience the blessings of the world to come
    • This may be so, according to Ezra, but the wicked are still treated unfairly
    • If those who are good will be rewarded at the end, what awaits the wicked
    • They suffer here too, but get nothing in the end
    • The angel refutes Ezra's sympathy for the wicked
    • They get what they deserve
    • Argument is put on hold while additional apocalyptic images are described
    • This includes the reign of the Messiah that will mark the end of the age
    • As far as the Jews were concerned, this Messiah had not yet arrived
    • The Messiah would usher in a 400 year rule (of joy and peace), then he would die
    • Seven days of silence would be followed by the final judgment
    • Then the new age will begin 
    • The argument is resumed; Ezra tries a new approach
    • This promise of reward is great, but will anyone really qualify for it
    • Everyone sins at some point
    • So when the Lord talks about punishing the wicked, He will end up having to punish almost everyone
    • In response, the angel compares what is valuable to what is common
    • In metals, gold is scarce and more valuable than clay
    • But which would you rather have
    • God will have joy in the few who are saved because they will have made His glory prevail
    • The many who are not saved are no more than a "vapor, flame, or smoke"
    • Given the angel's heartless attitude, Ezra says it would have been better if man had never been created
    • All men will be judged because all men fall short
    • Maybe it would have been better if there simply was no judgment at all
    • Angel replies that it is man's own fault for sinning
    • God has been patient, forgiving
    • Man was given the law and chose to ignore it
    • Therefore, man has brought judgment on himself
    • He will have no defense on the last day
    • Though Ezra asks for more information about the torment that awaits, the angel is clear – he will not be included in those facing torment
    • Those who are righteous will have different experiences from those who are not
    • There are seven stages that occur after death for both groups
    • The wicked begin their torment immediately
    • The righteous are in a state of joy and will be rewarded
    • The righteous, however, cannot intercede for the wicked
    • On the Day of Judgment, each will be accountable for his own actions
    • Ezra reminds the angel that people used to be able to intercede for each other
    • The angel replies that the Day of Judgment inaugurates a new age
    • Things will be different
    • Ezra again laments that it would have been better if Adam had never been born
    • Or at least that Adam would not have been able to sin
    • Basically, he is questioning God's sense of fairness
    • Angel simply repeats that man is accountable for his own choices
    • Ezra presses the point that God is compassionate and merciful
    • Maybe through that, sinners can be saved
    • Angel replies that many have been created but only a few will be saved
    • After this, Ezra appeals directly to God to show mercy to His people
    • Despite the angel's rebuttal, he prays for more understanding
    • He desperately wants to make sense of all this
    • He knows that God created man and cannot believe that He would then turn around and destroy him
    • Finally, though, he leaves it in God's hands
    • Ultimately, the angel rejects his argument advising him to think about his own future rather than the torment that awaits the wicked
    • They have reached an impasse of sorts
    • The dialogue ends with another request for signs that the end is near
    • Again Ezra is told to pray for seven days
  • 9:26-10:59
    • The first vision
    • Ezra no longer questions God, but admits that God's ways are just
    • After seven days, he again addresses the Most High
    • In thinking about the world, he sees that Israel was given the law
    • They disobeyed the law and for that they were destroyed, yet the law survived
    • Generally, when the container is destroyed, the contents are also destroyed
    • This is different and contrary to the natural world
    • His musings are interrupted by a grieving woman
    • She is mourning her son who was born after years of barrenness
    • He dropped dead on his wedding night
    • She, therefore, wants to die
    • Ezra rebukes her saying she should be mourning for Jerusalem
    • Then he contrasts her loss with that of the earth's
    • How many young men has the earth lost
    • She should put her own loss in perspective
    • While he is still speaking, she is suddenly transformed into a city
    • Ezra has no idea what this means and cries out for Uriel
    • Uriel appears and identifies the woman as Zion
    • The birth and death of her son corresponds to the rise and fall of Jerusalem
    • Because Ezra had compassion for the woman, he saw the vision of the restored city 
  • 11:1-12:51
    • The vision of the eagle and the lion
    • Two nights later, Ezra saw another vision
    • In this one, a monstrous creature rose from the sea – an eagle with twelve wings, eight rival wings, and three heads
    • The wings and heads rule over the earth for a time, then disappear
    • Eventually, only one head and two wings remain
    • Then a lion comes and rebukes the eagle for oppressing the earth
    • The lion says its time for the eagle to go
    • The eagle immediately bursts into flames and disappears
    • Ezra asks for an interpretation of this dream
    • Uriel states the eagle symbolizes Rome
    • The heads and wings are Emperors
    • The rival wings are great military commanders who try to seize power
    • The end of the eagle signifies the end of the Roman Empire
    • This is all part of God's plan
    • The lion represents the Messiah who confronts the evil rulers
    • It is the Messiah who will bring them all to judgment
    • Ezra is told to write this vision in a book and share it with others
    • In the meantime, people are noticing that Ezra has been gone a long time
    • They think he has abandoned them
    • He tells them that he had come to pray for Zion and to beg for mercy
    • The people returned to their homes to wait for him
  • 13:1-58
    • The third vision – a man from the sea
    • The man from the sea provides more details of the Messiah
    • The Messiah will come not only to destroy the Roman Empire but also all of God's enemies
    • Then he will gather the twelve tribes to live in the messianic kingdom
    • Ezra sees a vision of a man rising out of the sea
    • He goes to the top of a mountain
    • Hordes of men gather to wage war against him
    • Instead of fighting the men, the Messiah simply opened his mouth
    • Out came fire, flame, and a storm of sparks
    • Without a sound, the fire burned up the hordes
    • The Messiah then gathered up other men, some with joy on their faces
    • Others full of sorrow
    • Ezra asked what this vision meant
    • This time it is unclear whether God or the angel responds
    • The man from the sea is the Messiah
    • He will take his stand on Mount Zion and defeat all who oppose him
    • He will then gather a peaceful company
    • These are the ten tribes from Assyria
    • They will join the others who are already in Palestine
    • The Messiah will protect his people who are left
    • Ezra wanted to know why this man came up from the sea
    • The answer to that question was beyond his ability to understand
    • These visions were given to Ezra because of his character
    • He has devoted himself to studying the law and the wonders of God
  • 14:1-48
    • The writing of the sacred books
    • These verses are very different from the rest
    • They are comprised of a story about Ezra
    • As his life is coming to an end, he is instructed to warn the nations
    • Ezra worries who will instruct them after he is gone He says that the law was destroyed in the fire (destruction of Jerusalem)
    • He asks for permission to restore the writings God grants this permission
    • He is to tell the people he will be gone for 40 days He is to bring several good scribes
    • God will "light a lamp of understanding in his mind"
    • Ezra follows these instructions to the letter
    • Then he took with him five scribes and began to dictate what he was told
    • The scribes wrote non-stop for forty days
    • At the end of that time, they had written ninety-four books
    • Some books were to be held back to be given only to the wise
    • And so he did

III – 15:1-16:78 – Oracles Against God's Enemies

  • 15:1-4
    • God will wreak vengeance on the wicked
    • The prophet is instructed to announce God's words
    • The words should be written down
    • They should not fear any plots against themselves
  • 15:5-19
    • God is about to let loose his vengeance
      • 15:5-9 
        • The wicked have been persecuting the innocent
        • The blood of the innocents have cried to the Lord for vengeance
      • 15:10-13 
        • God will deliver His people from Egypt
        • Egypt will be struck down with plagues
        • Its land will be destroyed; seed will not grow; trees will be devastated by hail
      • 15:14-19
        • Description of chaos
        • In the aftermath of this destruction will be chaos
        • Nation will fight against nation
        • No one will show pity on another
  • 15:20-27
    • Judgment for kings and rulers
    • Kings will reap what they have sown
    • Those who have tormented the innocent will be tormented
    • Those who have sinned will reap death and destruction 
  • 15:28-33
    • Apocalyptic Vision
    • Hordes of dragons will come from Arabia
  • 15:34-45
    • Judgment on Babylon
    • Images of storm clouds represent nations attacking Rome
    • Historical events might be behind this imagery
    • Clearly the author thought Rome was about to fall
  • 15:46-63
    • Judgment on Asia
    • This probably refers to eastern Rome
    • The point of the two prophecies is that it will encompass all nations
  • 16:1-16
    • Judgments are irreversible
    • God's judgments are already in progress
    • Nothing can stop it
    • The passage is addressed to Babylon, Asia, Egypt, and Syria
    • This would encompass the whole Roman Empire
    • Many disasters are described, but cannot be tied to specific events
  • 16:17-34
    • Horrors of the last days
    • Despite the catastrophes people will continue their evil ways
    • Destruction will be complete
    • Most people will die; the earth will be left a desert
  • 16:35-52
    • Advice to the faithful
    • The end is compared to childbirth
    • Birth pangs are inevitable and only last for a short time
    • There will be an increase in evil
  • 16:53-67
    • God knows men's sins
    • Those who have sinned (everyone) should not deny their sins
    • God already sees them as well as their innermost thoughts
    • They cannot hide; God will call everyone to account
    • It is better to abandon their wicked ways
    • Then God "will set you free from all distress"
  • 16:68-78
    • Assurance for those who are persecuted
    • Those who fear the Lord will be targets for persecution
    • Horrible events are described
    • Nonetheless, they should remain faithful
    • God will rescue them; they should not fear or doubt
    • Those who are wicked will be shut off and doomed to destruction by fire

2 Esdras is a composite of three different works, covering three different time periods. The main portion of it is a response to the hardships facing Judaism shortly after the destruction of the temple. This section, along with the other two, have been appropriated by Christians to provide encouragement during their own times of persecutions. The historical setting probably reflects times that were so bad that believers felt God had to intervene. It also wrestles with the notion of sin and its consequences: "Why do bad things happen to good people?"

Bibliography

Coggins, R. J. and M.A. Knibb. "The First and Second Books of Esdras." The Cambridge Bible Commentary. London, Great Britain: Cambridge University Press. 1979.

deSilva, David. Introducing the Apocrypha. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic. 2002.

Harrington, Daniel. Invitation to the Apocrypha. Grand Rapids, MI: William B Eerdmans Publishing Co. 1999.

Jones, Ivor. "The Apocrypha." Epworth Commentaries. London, Great Britain: Epworth Press. 2003.

Kee, Howard Clark. Cambridge Annotated Study Apocrypha. Cambridge, Great Britain: Cambridge University Press. 1989.

Meeks, Wayne, ed. The Harper Collins Study Bible. San Francisco, CA: HarperCollins Publishers. 1993.

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