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Additions To Esther
Dating
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Setting is during the reign of Persian King Xerxes (Ahasuerus) and Queen Esther's intervention to save the Jews
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Reference point: Takes place during the events of the canonical Book of Esther​
Signifcance
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Emphasizes YHWH's divine providence
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Adds explicit religious dimension
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Expands on Esther's devotion to Torah
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Shows power of prayer and fasting
Discovery
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Found in Septuagint manuscripts
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Present in Old Latin versions
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Preserved in Greek codices
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Jerome's Vulgate separates additions
Transmission
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Through Greek Hebrew diaspora
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Via early believing community tradition
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Included in Catholic/Orthodox canons
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Separated in Protestant traditions
Language / Translation
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Original language: Greek
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Literary Hellenistic style
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Ancient versions: Latin, Coptic, Ethiopic
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Jerome translated separately
Genre
Narrative enhancement
Content
The text provides six major additions to the Hebrew Book of Esther, explicitly incorporating YHWH's name and religious elements absent from the Hebrew text. It includes Mordecai's prophetic dream, prayers of both Mordecai and Esther, expanded version of Esther's encounter with King Ahasuerus, royal decrees, and interpretation of Mordecai's dream. These additions emphasize divine intervention in the salvation of YHWH's people, highlighting how faithful observance of Torah and prayer led to deliverance from persecution. Through these expansions, the text reinforces the theme of YHWH's covenant faithfulness and His sovereign protection over His people in exile.
Commentary
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