Esther 9:31

to confirm It has been suggested that the former communications from Mordecai were only a recommendation, while this joint letter from him and Esther was intended to render the matter obligatory. Against such a view, however, is the fact that the word in the original here rendered -to confirm" is the same as that translated -to enjoin" in Esther 9:21.

in the matter of the fastings and their cry The words may be a gloss. They are not found in the LXX., and the Heb. word translated -fastings" does not occur in this exact form elsewhere.