This verse is full of both lexical and stylistic repetition from earlier verses. First the days are described, then the month. Next, pairs of opposites are cited in parallel clauses to describe what has taken place. Finally, referring back to their first celebrations, it is spelled out how the Jews are to fulfil the obligation placed upon them in verse 21. The verse states very explicitly the theme of reversal that is central to the book of Esther (see introduction, “Translating the Book of Esther,” A-4, page 3), that the Jews’ situation had changed from sorrow into gladness and from mourning into a holiday.

On choice portions see 9.19. Here the detail is added that they are also to send gifts to the poor, that is, to “poor people,” to “people who are in need” or “in want.”

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 .