Changes

The apocryphal book of 2 Esdras is included in many English translations of the Bible. In printed Bibles of the 17th through 18th and 19th centuries, '''II Esdras''' (2 Esdras) was listed as '''IV Esdras''' (4 Esdras), the Book of '''[[Ezra]]''' was called I Esdras (1 Esdras), the Book of '''[[Nehemiah]]''' was called II Esdras (2 Esdras), and [[1 Esdras|I Esdras]] (''not Ezra'') was called III Esdras (3 Esdras), hence this book was designated '''IV Esdras''' (4 Esdras). This has been a source of some confusion for many beginning students of the Bible.

The apocryphal book of 2 Esdras is included in many English translations of the Bible. In printed Bibles of the 17th through 18th and 19th centuries, '''II Esdras''' (2 Esdras) was listed as '''IV Esdras''' (4 Esdras), the Book of '''[[Ezra]]''' was called I Esdras (1 Esdras), the Book of '''[[Nehemiah]]''' was called II Esdras (2 Esdras), and [[1 Esdras|I Esdras]] (''not Ezra'') was called III Esdras (3 Esdras), hence this book was designated '''IV Esdras''' (4 Esdras). This has been a source of some confusion for many beginning students of the Bible.

While [[1 Esdras]] (3 Esdras) is presented as an historical text, '''2 Esdras''' (4 Esdras) is an example of a Jewish apocalypse, similar to parts of the [[Daniel (Biblical book)|Book of Daniel]] and the [[Book of Enoch]], and to Christian works such as the [[Book of Revelation]]. It describes seven visions given to Ezra, three of which come in answer to his questions about human suffering as related to God's justice. Its outlook is profoundly pessimistic. The vast majority of humanity as well as many Jews will be eternally damned. God is unconcerned about the fate of those who do not obey him. Ezra himself is presented as a paragon of righteousness and asceticism, chosen by God to renew the divine word of the sacred scriptures to the chosen people.

While [[1 Esdras]] (3 Esdras) is presented as an historical text, '''2 Esdras''' (4 Esdras) is an example of a Jewish apocalypse, similar to parts of the [[Daniel (Biblical book)|Book of Daniel]] and the [[Book of Enoch]], and to Christian works such as the [[Book of Revelation]]. It describes seven visions given to Ezra, three of which come in answer to his questions about human suffering as related to God's justice. Its outlook is profoundly pessimistic. The vast majority of humanity as well as many Jews will be eternally damned. God is unconcerned about the fate of those who do not obey him. Ezra himself is presented as a paragon of righteousness and [[Ascesis|asceticism]], chosen by God to renew the divine word of the sacred scriptures to the chosen people.

II Esdras was first included in the Apocrypha by Martin Luther in the 16th century.

II Esdras was first included in the Apocrypha by Martin Luther in the 16th century.