Commentaire sur Esther 8:18

How he was related to her. How he was related to her.

To divert the evil decree of Haman. That his evil plan should not be realized.

Here, [I have given] Haman’s estate, etc. And from now on everyone sees that I favor you,¹Achashveirosh’s reply does not address Esther’s request that he rescind Haman’s evil plans against the Jews. Therefore Rashi explains that the meaning of Achashveirosh’s reply was that, “from now on everyone sees....” (Sifsei Chachomim) and whatever you say, everyone will believe that it comes from me; therefore, you do not have to rescind them, but “write” other letters “as you please.”

It is not rescindable. It is not fitting to rescind it and make the king’s writ invalid.

In its own script. With its characters [i.e., alphabet].

In its own language. The spoken language.

Carried by couriers. The horsemen, whom he [the king] commanded to hurry.

Of the royal breed. A type of camel that runs swiftly.

With their booty to be taken. As was written in the first [letters], but they did not lay their hands upon the spoils, for they showed everyone that this was not done for the sake of money.

The terms. An explicit letter.

Rushed. They hastened them to act swiftly, because they had no time, for they had to get ahead of the first couriers to overtake them.

And a cloak of linen. A wrap of linen, a shawl in which to enwrap oneself.

Converting to Judaism. Converting to Judaism.