8:8a

write in the king’s name: See note on 3:12d.

8:8b

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

8:8c

For a decree that is written in the name of the king and sealed with the royal signet ring cannot be revoked: The commentators and English versions do not agree on which document the king is referring to here. There are two possibilities:

(1) It is a general statement, referring to any order made in the king’s name. In this verse it therefore refers to the order Esther and Mordecai were about to make. Because the king authorized it to be issued, no one would be able to cancel it. This is the best interpretation of this sentence based on its position in the Hebrew text, and it is the one followed by nearly every English version.

(2) It refers specifically to the order Haman had issued. The king was saying that he could not cancel it, but he permitted Esther and Mordecai to write something of their own. This interpretation is followed by Good News Translation, which reverses the order of the verse to express this:

But a proclamation issued in the king’s name and stamped with the royal seal cannot be revoked. You may, however, write to the Jews whatever you like; and you may write it in my name and stamp it with the royal seal. (Good News Translation)

It is recommended that you follow the first option like the majority of the translations.

a decree: See note on 1:19a.

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