2 ESDRAS

What makes 2 Esdras special?

Esdras is the Greek form of the Hebrew name Ezra. The book of 2 ESDRAS is written as a series of visions and prophecies that were given to Ezra, the priest who is sometimes referred to as the "second founder of Judaism" after Moses (see Ezra 7-10; Neh 8). The writers of each of the three main sections of 2 ESDRAS used the name of Ezra, who lived during the rule of the Persian Kings Artaxerxes I (ruled 465-425 B.C.) or Artaxerxes II (ruled 405-358 B.C.). These writers actually lived much later, after the Romans destroyed the second Jewish temple in A.D. 70. It was common in ancient times to attach the name of an important person to a writing as a way of honoring that person and in order to make the writing more acceptable to readers. This is especially true of writings known as "apocalyptic," which much of this book is considered to be.

It is generally agreed that this book known as 2 ESDRAS is actually made up of three different writings: Chapters 1 and 2 (in some traditions called 2 or 5 Ezra); Chapters 3 through 14 (sometimes known as 4 Ezra); and Chapters 15 and 16 (also known as 5 or 6 Ezra). Each of these sections was probably written by a different author (see below). See also the chart called "Titles Given to Books Associated with Ezra."

Parts of this book were first written in Hebrew, Aramaic, or Greek, but no complete manuscripts in the original languages exist, and so the CEV translates 2 ESDRAS from Latin.

Why was 2 Esdras written?

The first section of the book (chapters 1 and 2) explores how and why God abandoned the chosen people of Israel and now gives the promise of eternal life to a new group of faithful people, perhaps meaning the Christian church. This section and the two that follow also seem to be written to comfort those who are facing persecution. Ezra's visions are described as taking place during the time of Persian rule (1:1-3) or earlier during the Babylonian exile (see 3:1), but the book actually was written to show its readers in a later period that the problems they faced with the Romans were the same kind that their ancestors had faced already. In spite of their troubles, the Lord's people are encouraged to remain loyal to him and to trust him (2:45; 16:74,75).

The second section (chapters 3-14) relates a series of seven visions. In these visions Ezra talks with God and has the meaning of some of the visions explained by an angel named Uriel. The visions concern evil and suffering in the world, God's control of history, the signs and events associated with the end of time, God's final judgment, and how God will judge sinners and give new life to those who trust in him.

The third section (chapters 15 and 16) refers to many Old and New Testament passages and is written in the style of Old Testament prophecies. Enemies of God's people will be attacked and face disasters, but in the end God will punish sinners and rescue his people.

What's the story behind the scene?

As stated above, 2 ESDRAS was likely written after the Romans destroyed the second Jewish temple in A.D. 70 while putting down a Jewish revolt that had begun in A.D. 66. Though the book questions how God could have allowed the Babylonians to destroy Jerusalem and its temple in an earlier period, the writer is actually giving voice to a similar concern in a much later time: How could God allow Jerusalem and its temple to be destroyed by the Romans? In the apocalyptic writing of Revelation, Babylon is similarly used as a symbol for Rome (Rev 14:8; 17:3--18:24).

The three-headed eagle in 2 Esdras 11, 12 seems to fit the Roman rulers Vespasian (A.D. 69-79), Titus (A.D. 79-81), and Domitian (A.D. 81-96). The roaring lion (11:37) is associated with God's Messiah. The "visions" section (chapters 3-14) also appears to draw heavily on material in Daniel, a book set in the time of the Babylonian exile but clearly addressing historical situations much later.

It is generally agreed that chapters 15 and 16 were written somewhat later than the "visions" section, and like chapters 1 and 2, were probably written by a Christian author. His writing shows that he is aware of the Old Testament prophetic style of writing, and he even refers directly to a number of New Testament writings. The theme of persecution of God's people could fit with a number of different times when the Romans persecuted Christians during the second and third centuries A.D.

How is 2 Esdras constructed?

As described above, the book can be divided into three independent sections based on content and style. The main section (chapters 3-14) is an apocalypse consisting of seven visions. Here, then, is one way the book can be outlined.

God's judgment and promise (1:1--2:48)

• God turns away from Israel (1:1--2:9)
• Hope for God's new people (2:10--2:48)