The Book of Esther

The Old (Hebrew) Testament book of Esther has particular challenges to scholars who want to translate it into modern, vernacular languages.

One of the major challenges is that there are two "competing" versions. There is a surviving manuscript that is slightly more senior written in Hebrew (circa 250 BC) and there is a slightly younger surviving manuscript written in Greek (circa 50 BC).

Most translations use the significantly slimmed down, senior document and make no reference to the "competing" version written in Greek. That is probably the correct choice BUT there is a possibility (however faint) that the older Hebrew version was abridged due to the expense of parchment and the Greek version might-maybe be the unabridged version.

One passage from the junior manuscript in Chapter 8 of Esther that is positioned after Esther 8:12 in the senior manuscript follows:

“The great King Ahasuerus to the governors of the provinces in the hundred and twenty-seven satrapies from India to Ethiopia, and to those who are loyal to our government: Greetings

“Many (administrators) have become more ambitious the more they were showered with honors through the bountiful generosity of their patrons. Not only do they seek to do harm to our subjects but, incapable of dealing with such greatness, they even begin plotting against their own benefactors. (Benefactor being the Chief Executive)

Not only do they drive out gratitude from among humankind but, with the arrogant boastfulness of those to whom goodness has no meaning, they suppose they will escape the stern judgment of the all-seeing God. 

“Often, too, the fair speech of friends entrusted with the administration of affairs has induced many placed in authority to become accomplices in the shedding of innocent blood, and has involved them in irreparable calamities by deceiving with malicious slander the sincere good will of rulers. 

This can be verified in the ancient stories that have been handed down to us, but more fully when you consider the wicked deeds perpetrated in your midst by the pestilential influence of those undeserving of authority. 

We must provide for the future, so as to render the kingdom undisturbed and peaceful for all people, taking advantage of changing conditions and always deciding matters coming to our attention with equitable treatment.

Regardless of whether you think the passage is Divinely inspired and merits inclusion in the Biblical Canon, you must admit the passage has a timeless quality about it. That passage could have been written yesterday about the Deep State and it would ring every bit as true as it did when first inked onto parchment.