This verse provides an introduction for the direct quotation that is given in verse 11. The apparent redundancy in Esther spoke to Hathach and gave him a message is a reflection of the Hebrew use of two verbs “said” and “charged [or, instructed].” In translation an acceptable equivalent needs to be used that is not wooden or unnatural.

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 .