1 Esdras

1 Esdras, also known as Esdras Alpha, Greek Esdras, or 3 Esdras (depending on the numbering system), is an ancient Jewish text that presents an alternative version of portions of the biblical books of Chronicles, Ezra, and Nehemiah. It is included in the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible) and the Vulgate (the Latin translation of the Bible). However, it is considered apocryphal by Jews, Protestants, and some Roman Catholics.

The book generally covers the period from the reign of Josiah until Ezra's public reading of the Law. It includes the story of the "Three Guardsmen," a narrative unique to 1 Esdras, where three young men compete in a contest of wisdom before King Darius, with the winner receiving the king’s favor. The winner argues that truth is the strongest thing.

Its relationship to the canonical books of Ezra-Nehemiah is complex. Many scholars believe that 1 Esdras represents an earlier Greek version of Ezra-Nehemiah, possibly derived from a different Hebrew text or a different textual tradition. Others argue that it is a later reworking of the canonical text.

The canonicity of 1 Esdras varies. It is considered canonical in the Eastern Orthodox Church. The Roman Catholic Church considers it non-canonical, relegating it to an appendix in the Vulgate. Protestants regard it as apocryphal and generally do not include it in their Bibles.

The book is valuable to scholars for several reasons. It provides insights into the textual history of the Old Testament, offering an alternative reading of key historical events. It also sheds light on the development of Jewish tradition and thought during the Second Temple period. The narrative style and thematic emphasis of 1 Esdras differ in places from Ezra-Nehemiah, highlighting alternative interpretations of historical events and religious practices.