SIL Translator’s Notes on Esther 2000 – Page 15

SIL Translator’s Notes on Esther 8:9

Paragraph 8:9–14

There are many similarities between this passage and the section about Haman’s plot to kill the Jews. You should compare this passage with 3:12–15.

8:9a

royal scribes: See note on 3:12a.

were summoned: The text does not say who summoned the secretaries, but it was probably Mordecai and Esther, since the king had permitted them to issue the order.

Sivan: See the note about Tebeth in 2:16. The month of Sivan was from mid-May to mid-June.

8:9b

satraps: See note on 3:12b.

princes: See note on 1:3b.

from India to Cush: See note on 1:1c.

8:9c

writing to each province in its own script, to every people in their own language: The same instructions were given for the writing of these documents as for the original documents which Haman wrote. See 3:12–14.

script: See note on 1:22b.

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SIL Translator’s Notes on Esther 8:10

8:10a

in the name of King Xerxes: See note on 3:12d. These letters had the same authority as Haman’s letters.

8:10b

sealed it with the royal signet ring: See note on 3:12e.

8:10c

mounted couriers: This means messengers who rode on horses.

8:10d

swift horses: The meaning of the word the Berean Standard Bible translates as “swift horses” is not certain. Most versions understand it to refer to horses which can run fast, and therefore the messengers could deliver messages throughout the kingdom as quickly as possible.

bred from the royal mares: This is another phrase which is difficult to understand in Hebrew. It probably refers to a group of horses which were specially bred not just for the king himself to ride, but also for officials to ride on state business.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Esther 8:11

8:11a

letters: See note on 1:22a.

8:11b

destroy, kill, and annihilate: See notes on 3:13b and 7:4a.

including women and children: The commentaries disagree about which women and children are being referred to. There are two possibilities:

(1) It refers to the women and children of their attackers (Berean Standard Bible, New Century Version, Contemporary English Version, Tanakh: The Holy Scriptures, Revised English Bible, God’s Word, Revised Standard Version).

(2) It refers to the Jewish women and children (New International Version, Good News Translation, New Living Translation (2004)).

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1), since it is supported by most of the commentaries and is a more natural way to understand the Hebrew.

8:11c

plunder their possessions: See note on 3:13c.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Esther 8:12

8:12

the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month of Adar: This was the same day that Haman had chosen for the massacre. See note on 3:7d.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Esther 8:13

8:13a

A copy of the text of the edict was to be issued in every province: This is identical to 3:14a. See notes on that verse.

8:13b

avenge themselves on their enemies: The Jews were to be ready to take revenge on anyone who attacked them.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Esther 8:14

8:14a

couriers: See note on 3:13a.

pressed on by the command of the king: See note on 3:15a. Although it was Mordecai who issued the orders, he did so with the authority of the king.

8:14b

And the edict was also issued in the citadel of Susa: This is similar to 3:15b. See notes on that verse.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Esther 8:15

Paragraph 8:15–17

These verses are in contrast to Esther 4:1–3. Mordecai is dressed in royal robes instead of sackcloth, and there is general rejoicing instead of mourning.

8:15c

crown: This is not the same word in Hebrew as was used in 1:11a, 2:17c and 6:8b. Perhaps a different word was used to make clear that Mordecai wasn’t wearing the king’s crown, but a different sort of hat.

a purple robe of fine linen: This probably means a long cloak or coat, worn over the other garments. It was made of a finely woven material called linen (see note on 1:6a).

purple: see note on 1:6b.

8:15d

And the city of Susa shouted and rejoiced: It is not clear how this sentence is connected to the rest of the verse. Some commentators believe that the city rejoiced when they saw Mordecai in his official robes, but it is more likely that this phrase refers back to the news of the new law. When Haman’s order was issued, the people of the city were upset (see 3:15), but now they rejoiced.

shouted and rejoiced: You should choose an expression in your language which means that the people made a lot of noise to show how happy they were when they heard the news.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Esther 8:16

8:16

the Jews: This probably refers to the Jews in Susa. Verse 17 refers to the rest of the Jews.

light and gladness, of joy and honor: You should choose words that express the joy and relief that the Jews felt when they heard that they were allowed to defend themselves if people attacked them. The words light, gladness, and joy all have similar meanings.

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Source: SIL Translator’s Notes on Esther 2000