And let the maiden: the servants’ advice continues, literally, that “the girl who is pleasing in the eyes of the king” become queen in the place of Vashti. Revised Standard Version uses maiden for the “young woman” (Good News Translation) who will be chosen, because of its positive connotations (see verse 7 below). Hebrew uses the same word throughout. The young woman who is chosen will assume the royal rank formerly held by Vashti.

The words This pleased the king refer to the advice that was given in verses 2-4 by the king’s servants. Moffatt says “This proposal pleased the king.” In the Hebrew there is an interesting parallel pattern, namely, that the expression “pleasing in the eyes of the king” is used first with reference to the young woman who will be chosen, and secondly with reference to the advice given by the servants. The restructuring of Good News Translation significantly modifies the artistic form of this verse.

And he did so: it may be helpful to make explicit, as Good News Translation has done, that the king followed the advice that was given to him.

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Noss, Philip A. A Handbook on Esther (The Hebrew Text). (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1997. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .