This is the interpretation: These are they whom the Most High has kept to his end. This is the brief reign that was full of trouble, as you saw.
KJV
2 Esdras 12:30
It signifieth that these are they, whom the Highest hath kept unto their end: this is the small kingdom and full of trouble, as thou sawest.
Parallel Translations
These are thei whome the moste High hathe preserued for their end, whose kingdome is litle, and ful of trouble as thou sawest.