SIL Translator’s Notes on Esther 2000 – Page 12

SIL Translator’s Notes on Esther 9:20

Section 9:20–32

How the Jews began to celebrate the festival called Purim

Mordecai sent out letters to tell the Jews to hold a celebration each year to remember the victory of the Jews over their enemies. This annual festival was called Purim because Haman had cast lots called purim to choose the best day to kill the Jews. Jews still celebrate this festival today.

Paragraph 9:20–23

9:20a

these events: This probably refers to the massacre by the Jews and not to all the events recorded in Esther.

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SIL Translator’s Notes on Esther 1:21

1:21

princes: See note on 1:3b.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Esther 3:12

3:12a

royal scribes: These were men whose job was to write the letters and documents the king told them to write.

3:12b

satraps: This is another word for government officials.

officials: This is the same word as 1:3a, but here it is best translated as “leaders” or “chiefs.”

3:12c

script: See note on 1:22b.

3:12d

in the name of King Xerxes: This means that they wrote the letters with the king’s full authority.

3:12e

sealed with the royal signet ring: When people finished writing a document, they then rolled it up and covered the end of the paper with wax. The king then stamped it with his seal, that is, he pressed the wax with the special ring on one of his fingers. This made a design on the wax and showed that the letter was authorized by the king.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Esther 6:2

6:2

who guarded the king’s entrance: See note on 2:21b.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Esther 8:13

8:13a

A copy of the text of the edict was to be issued in every province: This is identical to 3:14a. See notes on that verse.

8:13b

avenge themselves on their enemies: The Jews were to be ready to take revenge on anyone who attacked them.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Esther 9:32

9:32a

decree: See note on 1:19a.

these regulations about Purim: That is, the rules about how and when they were to celebrate the festival.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Esther 2:11

2:11a

harem: See note on 2:3b.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Esther 4:9

-10

Paragraph 4:9–11

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Source: SIL Translator’s Notes on Esther 2000