It is not clear whether verse 15 introduces a new scene at some indefinite later time, or whether the same scene continues from verse 8. If the latter, all of the material in verses 9-14 is simply a continuation of events surrounding the writing and proclamation of Mordecai’s edict before returning to verse 8 to resume the story from that point. These verses then stand in marked contrast to 3.15b, which describes the scene after the first decree was issued.
Mordecai was dressed in royal robes of blue and white, the same colors as the cotton curtains and the hangings in the royal banquet scene in 1.6. And he wore a mantle of fine linen and purple, words that also remind the reader of the cords of white linen and purple in 1.6. Mordecai’s new position is clearly revealed by the “clothing of royalty” that he wore (compare 5.1). His status is now markedly different from that of the days when he sat at the gate of the palace.
The Hebrew says “clothing of royalty,” and some versions use similar general terms; for example, “a royal garment” (Traduction œcuménique de la Bible), “royal garments” (New International Version), “royal dress” (Bible en français courant). Others like Revised Standard Version and Good News Translation interpret Mordecai’s clothing to be royal robes (compare 5.1). The translator may restate to say “dressed in the great clothes of a king” or “dressed in blue and white clothes like a king.” The second item of clothing is usually understood to be a “cloak,” a mantle (Traduction œcuménique de la Bible, Bible en français courant, Chouraqui). This is a garment that was wrapped around oneself or that hung over one’s shoulders. The translator may wish to use a descriptive phrase.
The great golden crown that Mordecai wore was not the royal crown that the king or the queen wore. The Hebrew word for the royal crown in 1.11; 2.17; 6.8 is different from the word here in verse 15, which refers to the turban worn by high officials. If there is no technical term for a turban, one may describe it as “cloth wrapped around head [of important men]” or “head wrapping.” If it was cloth, it was decorated with gold or it had gold stitching. It was not, of course, a scarf.
The Hebrew says that the city of Susa shouted and rejoiced. This is the opposite of 3.15, where Susa was “thrown into confusion.” Some languages may have to say “the people of the city” rather than “the city.” Restructuring may also be used, such as “the city was filled with happy shouting and rejoicing” or “the city rang with the sounds of happy shouting and rejoicing.” The word “shouting” should be used with care, because in some languages it may have connotations of negative emotions such as fear and anger that are not appropriate in this situation.
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 .