Esther 2:18

2:18 Then the king prepared a large banquet for all his officials and his servants – it was actually Esther’s banquet. He also set aside a holiday for the provinces, and he provided for offerings at the king’s expense. ¹ 

Esther 2:21

2:21 In those days while Mordecai was sitting at the king’s gate, Bigthan ²  and Teresh, ³  two of the king’s eunuchs who protected the entrance, ⁴  became angry and plotted to assassinate ⁵  King Ahasuerus.

Esther 9:2

9:2 The Jews assembled themselves in their cities throughout all the provinces of King Ahasuerus to strike out against those who were seeking their harm. No one was able to stand before them, for dread of them fell on all the peoples.

¹ tc The LXX does not include the words “and he provided for offerings at the king’s expense.”

² tn This individual is referred to as “Bigthana,” a variant spelling of the name, in Esth 6:2.

³ tc The LXX does not include the names “Bigthan and Teresh” here.

⁴ tn Heb “guarders of the threshold”; NIV “who guarded the doorway.”

⁵ tn Heb “sought to send a hand against”; CEV “decided to kill.”