If wayyehi in verse 1 above marks an important event, the occurrence of the same word at the beginning of this verse heightens the drama. Esther has taken it upon herself to face death on behalf of her people, and the author signals the king’s response to her presence by saying wayyehi, “and it is [that] when the king sees Esther…” (Chouraqui).

She found favor in his sight is the same expression as in 2.15 above. Since a ruler’s symbol of authority is often raised in accusation or judgment, or as a sign that an approaching person must stop, it may be necessary here to make it clear that the king is revealing his favor by extending his scepter toward Esther (also in 8.4). She acknowledges his goodwill toward her by approaching the throne and touching the end of the scepter with her finger or with her hand.

On the golden scepter see 4.11 and comments.

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 .