⁹ From Rehum^[a] the chief deputy, Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of their colleagues—the judges and magistrates^[b] from Tripolis, Persia, Erech, Babylon, Susa^(A) (that is, the people of Elam),^[c]

1 The words of Nehemiah^(A) son of Hacaliah:

News from Jerusalem

During the month of Chislev^(B) in the twentieth year,^(C) when I was in the fortress city of Susa,^(D)

² In those days King Ahasuerus reigned from his royal throne^(A) in the fortress at Susa.^(B)

⁸ When the king’s command and edict became public knowledge and when many young women were gathered at the fortress of Susa under Hegai’s supervision, Esther was taken to the palace, into the supervision of Hegai, keeper of the women.