This advice is literally “the word” (or, “the thing”); it is the advice that Memucan has been giving to the king and to his officials in verses 16-20 regarding Queen Vashti and the sending out of an official decree. In referring back to what has been said, many languages will prefer to say “That advice” or “That word.”

Pleased is literally “was good in the eyes of.” Translators may use appropriate receptor language idioms; for example, “This word was good to the king’s body” or “This advice seized the king’s heart.”

On the princes see comment on 1.3.

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 .