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Text -- Esther 2:1-23 (NET)

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Esther Becomes Queen in Vashti’s Place
2:1 When these things had been accomplished and the rage of King Ahasuerus had diminished, he remembered Vashti and what she had done and what had been decided against her. 2:2 The king’s servants who attended him said, “Let a search be conducted in the king’s behalf for attractive young women. 2:3 And let the king appoint officers throughout all the provinces of his kingdom to gather all the attractive young women to Susa the citadel, to the harem under the authority of Hegai, the king’s eunuch who oversees the women, and let him provide whatever cosmetics they desire. 2:4 Let the young woman whom the king finds most attractive become queen in place of Vashti.” This seemed like a good idea to the king, so he acted accordingly. 2:5 Now there happened to be a Jewish man in Susa the citadel whose name was Mordecai. He was the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjaminite, 2:6 who had been taken into exile from Jerusalem with the captives who had been carried into exile with Jeconiah king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had taken into exile. 2:7 Now he was acting as the guardian of Hadassah (that is, Esther), the daughter of his uncle, for neither her father nor her mother was alive. This young woman was very attractive and had a beautiful figure. When her father and mother died, Mordecai had raised her as if she were his own daughter. 2:8 It so happened that when the king’s edict and his law became known many young women were taken to Susa the citadel to be placed under the authority of Hegai. Esther also was taken to the royal palace to be under the authority of Hegai, who was overseeing the women. 2:9 This young woman pleased him, and she found favor with him. He quickly provided her with her cosmetics and her rations; he also provided her with the seven specially chosen young women who were from the palace. He then transferred her and her young women to the best quarters in the harem. 2:10 Now Esther had not disclosed her people or her lineage, for Mordecai had instructed her not to do so. 2:11 And day after day Mordecai used to walk back and forth in front of the court of the harem in order to learn how Esther was doing and what might happen to her. 2:12 At the end of the twelve months that were required for the women, when the turn of each young woman arrived to go to King Ahasuerus– for in this way they had to fulfill their time of cosmetic treatment: six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with perfume and various ointments used by women2:13 the woman would go to the king in the following way: Whatever she asked for would be provided for her to take with her from the harem to the royal palace. 2:14 In the evening she went, and in the morning she returned to a separate part of the harem, to the authority of Shaashgaz the king’s eunuch who was overseeing the concubines. She would not go back to the king unless the king was pleased with her and she was requested by name. 2:15 When it became the turn of Esther daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai (who had raised her as if she were his own daughter) to go to the king, she did not request anything except what Hegai the king’s eunuch, who was overseer of the women, had recommended. Yet Esther met with the approval of all who saw her. 2:16 Then Esther was taken to King Ahasuerus at his royal residence in the tenth month (that is, the month of Tebeth) in the seventh year of his reign. 2:17 And the king loved Esther more than all the other women, and she met with his loving approval more than all the other young women. So he placed the royal high turban on her head and appointed her queen in place of Vashti. 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.
Mordecai Learns of a Plot against the King
2:19 Now when the young women were being gathered again, Mordecai was sitting at the king’s gate. 2:20 Esther was still not divulging her lineage or her people, just as Mordecai had instructed her. Esther continued to do whatever Mordecai said, just as she had done when he was raising her. 2:21 In those days while Mordecai was sitting at the king’s gate, Bigthan and Teresh, two of the king’s eunuchs who protected the entrance, became angry and plotted to assassinate King Ahasuerus. 2:22 When Mordecai learned of the conspiracy, he informed Queen Esther, and Esther told the king in Mordecai’s behalf. 2:23 The king then had the matter investigated and, finding it to be so, had the two conspirators hanged on a gallows. It was then recorded in the daily chronicles in the king’s presence.
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Names, People and Places, Dictionary Themes and Topics

Names, People and Places:
 · Abihail a Levite in Moses' time,wife of Abishur of the tribe of Judah;,the son of Huri of the tribe of Gad,a woman; King David's niece and Rehoboam's wife,the father of Queen Esther and Uncle of Mordecai, a Benjamite
 · Ahasuerus king of Persia after Darius
 · Babylon a country of Babylon in lower Mesopotamia
 · Benjaminite the tribe of Benjamin of Israel
 · Bigthan a man who was palace guard for King Ahasuerus
 · Esther second queen of Ahasuerus
 · Hadassah adopted daughter of her cousin Mordecai of Benjamin
 · Hegai a eunuch official in charge of the harem of King Ahasuerus
 · Jair son of Segub son of Hezron of Judah,a man of Gilead who judged Israel twenty-two years,son of Shime-i son of Kish of Benjamin; father of Mordecai,the father of Elhanan, who slew Lahmi the brother of Goliath
 · Jeconiah son and successor of King Jehoiakim of Judah
 · Jerusalem the capital city of Israel,a town; the capital of Israel near the southern border of Benjamin
 · Jew the people descended from Israel
 · Judah the son of Jacob and Leah; founder of the tribe of Judah,a tribe, the land/country,a son of Joseph; the father of Simeon; an ancestor of Jesus,son of Jacob/Israel and Leah; founder of the tribe of Judah,the tribe of Judah,citizens of the southern kingdom of Judah,citizens of the Persian Province of Judah; the Jews who had returned from Babylonian exile,"house of Judah", a phrase which highlights the political leadership of the tribe of Judah,"king of Judah", a phrase which relates to the southern kingdom of Judah,"kings of Judah", a phrase relating to the southern kingdom of Judah,"princes of Judah", a phrase relating to the kingdom of Judah,the territory allocated to the tribe of Judah, and also the extended territory of the southern kingdom of Judah,the Province of Judah under Persian rule,"hill country of Judah", the relatively cool and green central highlands of the territory of Judah,"the cities of Judah",the language of the Jews; Hebrew,head of a family of Levites who returned from Exile,a Levite who put away his heathen wife,a man who was second in command of Jerusalem; son of Hassenuah of Benjamin,a Levite in charge of the songs of thanksgiving in Nehemiah's time,a leader who helped dedicate Nehemiah's wall,a Levite musician who helped Zechariah of Asaph dedicate Nehemiah's wall
 · Kish the father of King Saul,son of Abiel of Benjamin; father of Saul,son of Jeiel of Benjamin; uncle of Kish the father of Saul,second son of Mahli (Merari Levi); recognized by King David as the only son through whom Mahli's clan was built,son of Abdi; one of the Levites of Merari that King Hezekiah assigned to supervise the cleansing of the temple,a man who was an ancestor of Mordecai; the father of Shimei
 · Mordecai a leader among those who returned from exile with Zerubbabel,son of Jair of Benjamin; cousin and guardian of Queen Esther
 · Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon who took Judah into exile
 · Sha-Ashgaz the eunuch official in charge of king Ahasuerus' concubines
 · Shime-i son of Gershon/Gershom son of Levi,the son of Gera of Benjamin,son of Jesse (Judah); father of Jonathan who killed a giant,a man who was a friend of kings David and Solomon,son of Ela, Moses' land distribution deputy for Benjamin,son of Pedaiah son of King Jehoiachin,son of Zaccur of Simeon,son of Gog of Reuben,son of Libni of Merari of Levi,the head of a clan of Benjamin; son of Elpaal?,a man who was a descendant of Ladan/Libni son of Levi (WZ),son of Jeduthun (Levi); worship leader under Jeduthun and David,a man of Ramoth; David's supervisor of vineyards,son of Heman (David's seer) of Samuel of Kohath of Levi,an officer of the temple store house under King Hezekiah,a Levite who put away his heathen wife,a layman of the Hashum Clan who put away his heathen wife,a layman of the Binnui Clan who put away his heathen wife,son of Kish; founding father of the clan of Shime-i of Benjamin
 · Susa capital city of Elam and winter home of the Persian kings (OS)
 · Tebeth 10th month of the Hebrew calendar
 · Teresh a gate keeper of the palace of King Ahasuerus
 · Vashti queen of Ahasuerus


Dictionary Themes and Topics: Servant | RELATIONSHIPS, FAMILY | Mordecai | Marriage | MAID; MAIDEN | Lasciviousness | KINDRED | Hegai | HEGAI; HEGE | Government | Eunuch | Esther | ESTHER, BOOK OF | Colour | Citizenship | Chamberlain | CUSTODY | Bigthan | Adoni-zedec | Abagtha | more
Table of Contents

Word/Phrase Notes
Wesley , JFB , Clarke , Defender , TSK

Word/Phrase Notes
Barnes , Poole , Haydock , Gill

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TSK Synopsis , MHCC , Matthew Henry , Keil-Delitzsch , Constable , Guzik

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Commentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per phrase)

Wesley: Est 2:3 - -- Of all the women, both virgins and concubines: only the virgins he himself took care of, as requiring more care and caution, and the concubines be com...

Of all the women, both virgins and concubines: only the virgins he himself took care of, as requiring more care and caution, and the concubines be committed to Shaashgaz, Est 2:14, his deputy.

Wesley: Est 2:3 - -- That is, to cleanse them from all impurities, to perfume, and adorn, and every way prepare them for the king: for the legal purification of the Jews h...

That is, to cleanse them from all impurities, to perfume, and adorn, and every way prepare them for the king: for the legal purification of the Jews he never regarded.

Wesley: Est 2:7 - -- Hadassah was her Hebrew name before her marriage; and she was called Esther by the king after it.

Hadassah was her Hebrew name before her marriage; and she was called Esther by the king after it.

Wesley: Est 2:9 - -- Because she was very beautiful, therefore he supposed she would be acceptable to the king; and by the Divine power, which moveth the hearts of men whi...

Because she was very beautiful, therefore he supposed she would be acceptable to the king; and by the Divine power, which moveth the hearts of men which way he pleaseth.

Wesley: Est 2:10 - -- Lest the knowledge hereof should either make her contemptible, or bring some inconvenience to the whole nation; but there was also an hand of God in c...

Lest the knowledge hereof should either make her contemptible, or bring some inconvenience to the whole nation; but there was also an hand of God in causing this to be concealed, for the better accomplishment of that which he designed, though Mordecai was ignorant of it.

Wesley: Est 2:13 - -- For ornament, or by way of attendance. And it should be observed, that every one whom the king took to his bed, was his wife of a lower rank, as Hagar...

For ornament, or by way of attendance. And it should be observed, that every one whom the king took to his bed, was his wife of a lower rank, as Hagar was Abraham's, so that it would have been no sin or dishonour to Esther, though she had not been made queen.

Wesley: Est 2:19 - -- By office, as one of the king's guards or ministers; being advanced to this place by Esther's favour.

By office, as one of the king's guards or ministers; being advanced to this place by Esther's favour.

JFB: Est 2:1-3 - -- On recovering from the violent excitement of his revelry and rage, the king was pierced with poignant regret for the unmerited treatment he had given ...

On recovering from the violent excitement of his revelry and rage, the king was pierced with poignant regret for the unmerited treatment he had given to his beautiful and dignified queen. But, according to the law, which made the word of a Persian king irrevocable, she could not be restored. His counsellors, for their own sake, were solicitous to remove his disquietude, and hastened to recommend the adoption of all suitable means for gratifying their royal master with another consort of equal or superior attractions to those of his divorced queen. In the despotic countries of the East the custom obtains that when an order is sent to a family for a young damsel to repair to the royal palace, the parents, however unwilling, dare not refuse the honor for their daughter; and although they know that when she is once in the royal harem, they will never see her again, they are obliged to yield a silent and passive compliance. On the occasion referred to, a general search was commanded to be made for the greatest beauties throughout the empire, in the hope that, from their ranks, the disconsolate monarch might select one for the honor of succeeding to the royal honors of Vashti. The damsels, on arrival at the palace, were placed under the custody of "Hege, the king's chamberlain, keeper of the women," that is, the chief eunuch, usually a repulsive old man, on whom the court ladies are very dependent, and whose favor they are always desirous to secure.

JFB: Est 2:5 - -- Mordecai held some office about the court. But his "sitting at the king's gate" (Est 2:21) does not necessarily imply that he was in the humble condit...

Mordecai held some office about the court. But his "sitting at the king's gate" (Est 2:21) does not necessarily imply that he was in the humble condition of a porter; for, according to an institute of Cyrus, all state officers were required to wait in the outer courts till they were summoned into the presence chamber. He might, therefore, have been a person of some official dignity. This man had an orphan cousin, born during the exile, under his care, who being distinguished by great personal beauty, was one of the young damsels taken into the royal harem on this occasion. She had the good fortune at once to gain the good will of the chief eunuch [Est 2:9]. Her sweet and amiable appearance made her a favorite with all who looked upon her (Est 2:15, last clause). Her Hebrew name (Est 2:7) was Hadassah, that is, "myrtle," which, on her introduction into the royal harem, was changed to Esther, that is, the star Venus, indicating beauty and good fortune [GESENIUS].

JFB: Est 2:11 - -- The harem is an inviolable sanctuary, and what is transacted within its walls is as much a secret to those without as if they were thousands of miles ...

The harem is an inviolable sanctuary, and what is transacted within its walls is as much a secret to those without as if they were thousands of miles away. But hints were given him through the eunuchs.

JFB: Est 2:12 - -- A whole year was spent in preparation for the intended honor. Considering that this took place in a palace, the long period prescribed, together with ...

A whole year was spent in preparation for the intended honor. Considering that this took place in a palace, the long period prescribed, together with the profusion of costly and fragrant cosmetics employed, was probably required by state etiquette.

JFB: Est 2:17 - -- The choice fell on Esther, who found favor in the eyes of Ahasuerus. He elevated her to the dignity of chief wife, or queen. The other competitors had...

The choice fell on Esther, who found favor in the eyes of Ahasuerus. He elevated her to the dignity of chief wife, or queen. The other competitors had apartments assigned them in the royal harem, and were retained in the rank of secondary wives, of whom Oriental princes have a great number.

JFB: Est 2:17 - -- This consisted only of a purple ribbon, streaked with white, bound round the forehead. The nuptials were celebrated by a magnificent entertainment, an...

This consisted only of a purple ribbon, streaked with white, bound round the forehead. The nuptials were celebrated by a magnificent entertainment, and, in honor of the auspicious occasion, "he made a release to the provinces, and gave gifts, according to the state of the king." The dotation of Persian queens consisted in consigning to them the revenue of certain cities, in various parts of the kingdom, for defraying their personal and domestic expenditure. Some of these imposts the king remitted or lessened at this time.

JFB: Est 2:21 - -- This secret conspiracy against the king's life probably arose out of revenge for the divorce of Vashti, in whose interest, and at whose instigation, t...

This secret conspiracy against the king's life probably arose out of revenge for the divorce of Vashti, in whose interest, and at whose instigation, these eunuchs may have acted. Through the vigilance of Mordecai, whose fidelity, however, passed unnoticed, the design was frustrated, while the conspirators were condemned to be executed and as the matter was recorded in the court annals, it became the occasion afterwards of Mordecai's preferment to the place of power and influence for which, in furtherance of the national interests of the Jews, divine providence intended him.

Clarke: Est 2:2 - -- Let there be fair young virgins sought for the king - This was the usual way in which the harem or seraglio was furnished: the finest women in the l...

Let there be fair young virgins sought for the king - This was the usual way in which the harem or seraglio was furnished: the finest women in the land, whether of high or low birth, were sought out, and brought to the harem. They all became the king’ s concubines: but one was raised, as chief wife or sultana, to the throne; and her issue was specially entitled to inherit.

Clarke: Est 2:3 - -- Hege the king’ s chamberlain - הגא סריס המלך Hege seris hammelech , "Hege, the king’ s eunuch;"so the Septuagint, Vulgate, Tar...

Hege the king’ s chamberlain - הגא סריס המלך Hege seris hammelech , "Hege, the king’ s eunuch;"so the Septuagint, Vulgate, Targum, and Syriac. In the Eastern countries the women are intrusted to the care of the eunuchs only

Clarke: Est 2:3 - -- Let their things for purification be given them - תמרקיהן tamrukeyhen , their cosmetics. What these were we are told in Est 2:12; oil of myr...

Let their things for purification be given them - תמרקיהן tamrukeyhen , their cosmetics. What these were we are told in Est 2:12; oil of myrrh, and sweet odours. The myrrh was employed for six months, and the odours for six months more, after which the person was brought to the king. This space was sufficient to show whether the young woman had been chaste; whether she were with child or not, that the king might not be imposed on, and be obliged to father a spurious offspring, which might have been the case had not this precaution been used

Instead of the oil or myrrh, the Targum says it was the oil of unripe olives which caused the hair to fall off, and rendered the skin delicate.

Clarke: Est 2:5 - -- Whose name was Mordecai - The Targum says, "He was the son of Jair, the son of Shimea, the son of Gera, the son of Kish."And "this was the same Shim...

Whose name was Mordecai - The Targum says, "He was the son of Jair, the son of Shimea, the son of Gera, the son of Kish."And "this was the same Shimea that cursed David; and whom David forbade Joab to slay because he saw, in the spirit of prophecy, that he was to be the predecessor of Esther and Mordecai; but when he became old, and incapable of having children, David ordered Solomon to put him to death.

Clarke: Est 2:7 - -- He brought up Hadassah - הדשה hadassah signifies a myrtle in Chaldee: this was probably her first or Babylonish name. When she came to the Pe...

He brought up Hadassah - הדשה hadassah signifies a myrtle in Chaldee: this was probably her first or Babylonish name. When she came to the Persian court, she was called Esther, aster , or sitara , which signifies a star in Persian: the name is undoubtedly Persian. Esther was the daughter of Abihail, the uncle of Mordecai, and therefore must have been Mordecai’ s cousin, though the Vulgate and Josephus make her Mordecai’ s niece: but it is safest here to follow the Hebrew.

Clarke: Est 2:9 - -- The maiden pleased him - He conceived a partiality for her above the rest, probably because of the propriety of her deportment, and her engaging tho...

The maiden pleased him - He conceived a partiality for her above the rest, probably because of the propriety of her deportment, and her engaging though unassuming manners

Clarke: Est 2:9 - -- Seven maidens - These were to attend her to the bath, to anoint and adorn her, and be her servants in general.

Seven maidens - These were to attend her to the bath, to anoint and adorn her, and be her servants in general.

Clarke: Est 2:10 - -- Esther had not showed her people - This might have prejudiced her with the king; for it was certainly no credit at the Persian court to be a Jew; an...

Esther had not showed her people - This might have prejudiced her with the king; for it was certainly no credit at the Persian court to be a Jew; and we shall find from the sequel that those who were in the Persian dominions were far from being reputable, or in a safe state. Besides, had her lineage been known, envy might have prevented her from ever having access to the king.

Clarke: Est 2:12 - -- Six months with oil of myrrh - See on Est 2:3 (note). The reason of this purification seems not to be apprehended by any writer I have seen. The mos...

Six months with oil of myrrh - See on Est 2:3 (note). The reason of this purification seems not to be apprehended by any writer I have seen. The most beautiful of all the young virgins of all the provinces of Babylon were to be selected; and these were taken out of all classes of the people, indiscriminately; consequently there must have been many who were brought up in low life. Now we know that those who feed on coarse strong food, which is not easily digested, have generally a copious perspiration, which is strongly odorous; and in many, though in every respect amiable, and even beautiful, this odour is far from being pleasant. Pure, wholesome, easily digested, and nourishing aliment, with the frequent use of the hot bath, continued for twelve months, the body frequently rubbed with olive oil, will in almost every case remove all that is disagreeable of this kind. This treatment will give a healthy action to all the subcutaneous vessels, and in every respect promote health and comfort.

Clarke: Est 2:13 - -- Whatsoever she desired - When any of the young women were called to go to the king, it appears that it was an ordinance that whatever kind of dress ...

Whatsoever she desired - When any of the young women were called to go to the king, it appears that it was an ordinance that whatever kind of dress stuff, color, jewels, etc., they thought best to set off their persons, and render them more engaging, should be given them.

Clarke: Est 2:14 - -- She returned into the second house - This was the place where the king’ s concubines were kept. They went out no more, and were never given in ...

She returned into the second house - This was the place where the king’ s concubines were kept. They went out no more, and were never given in marriage to any man, and saw the king’ s face no more unless specially called

Clarke: Est 2:14 - -- Custody of Shaashgaz - This is probably another Persian name; sheshkhunj , beardless, a proper epithet of a eunuch; or sestgunj , weak loins, for th...

Custody of Shaashgaz - This is probably another Persian name; sheshkhunj , beardless, a proper epithet of a eunuch; or sestgunj , weak loins, for the same reason. Names of this kind at once show the reason of their imposition, by describing the state of the person.

Clarke: Est 2:15 - -- She required nothing - She left this entirely to her friend Hege, who seems to have been intent on her success. She therefore left her decorations t...

She required nothing - She left this entirely to her friend Hege, who seems to have been intent on her success. She therefore left her decorations to his judgment alone, and went in that dress and in those ornaments which he deemed most suitable.

Clarke: Est 2:16 - -- The tenth month - Tebeth - Answering to part of our December and January.

The tenth month - Tebeth - Answering to part of our December and January.

Clarke: Est 2:17 - -- Set the royal crown upon her head - Made her what is now called in the East the Sultana, the queen. She was the mistress of all the rest of the wive...

Set the royal crown upon her head - Made her what is now called in the East the Sultana, the queen. She was the mistress of all the rest of the wives, all of whom were obliged to pay her the most profound respect.

Clarke: Est 2:18 - -- Made a release to the provinces - Remitted some kind of tribute or impost, in honor of Esther, at her coronation, as our kings generally do when the...

Made a release to the provinces - Remitted some kind of tribute or impost, in honor of Esther, at her coronation, as our kings generally do when they are crowned, ordering a discharge from prison of many who are confined for minor offenses. As it was the custom of the Persian kings to give their queens something like what is called with us the aurum reginae , "queen gold,"which was a tenth of all fines, etc., above what was given to the king; (for they gave them such a city to buy them clothes, another for their hair, a third for their necklaces, a fourth for their pearls, etc.); it is probable that, on this occasion, Esther so wishing, he relieved those cities and provinces which had before paid this queen gold from all these expenses; and this would tend greatly to make the queen popular.

Clarke: Est 2:21 - -- Mordecai sat in the kings gate - Mordecai might have been one of the officers of the king, as the gate was the place where such usually attended to ...

Mordecai sat in the kings gate - Mordecai might have been one of the officers of the king, as the gate was the place where such usually attended to await the king’ s call. It is not likely that he was the porter; had he been only such, Haman could have removed him at once

Clarke: Est 2:21 - -- Two of the king’ s chamberlains - Eunuchs. Why they conspired against the life of the king, we are not informed. The Targum says that they foun...

Two of the king’ s chamberlains - Eunuchs. Why they conspired against the life of the king, we are not informed. The Targum says that they found out that Esther had intended to use her influence with the king to get them removed from their office, and Mordecai put in their place; therefore they determined to poison Esther, and slay the king in his bedchamber. It is very likely that they were creatures of Haman, who probably affected the kingdom, and perhaps were employed by him to remove the king, and so make his way open to the throne.

Clarke: Est 2:22 - -- Was known to Mordecai - Josephus says that a Jew, named Barnabasus, overheard the plot, told it to Mordecai, Mordecai to Esther, and Esther to the k...

Was known to Mordecai - Josephus says that a Jew, named Barnabasus, overheard the plot, told it to Mordecai, Mordecai to Esther, and Esther to the king, in Mordecai’ s name; and he was registered as the discoverer.

Clarke: Est 2:23 - -- It was found out - It was proved against them, in consequence of which they were hanged. Perhaps the words ויתלו על עץ vaiyittalu al ets ,...

It was found out - It was proved against them, in consequence of which they were hanged. Perhaps the words ויתלו על עץ vaiyittalu al ets , they were hung upon wood or a tree, may refer to their being impaled. A pointed stake is set upright in the ground, and the culprit is taken, placed on the sharp point, and then pulled down by his legs till the stake that went in at the fundament passes up through the body and comes out by the side of the neck. A most dreadful species of punishment, in which revenge and cruelty may glut the utmost of their malice. The culprit lives a considerable time in excruciating agonies

It has been observed that the name of God does not once occur in this book. This is true of the Hebrew text, and all translations from it; but in the Septuagint we find the following words, in Est 2:20, after, Esther had not showed her kindred: Οὑτως γαρ ενετειλατο αυτῃ Μαρδοχαιος, φοβεισθαι τον Θεον, και ποιειν τα προσταγματα αυτου, καθως ην μετ αυτου ; "For so Mordecai had charged her to fear God, and to keep his commandments, as she did when with him."This, as far as the Septuagint is concerned, takes away the strange reproach from this book. It must be owned that it was not because there were not many fair opportunities that the sacred name has not been introduced.

Defender: Est 2:1 - -- The succeeding account was probably at least two years "after these things," for the king and all his officers embarked on their projected invasion of...

The succeeding account was probably at least two years "after these things," for the king and all his officers embarked on their projected invasion of Greece immediately following the great assemblage. As history shows, however, the great fleet of King Xerxes (Ahasuerus) suffered bitter defeats at the naval battles of Thermophylae and Salamis, and returned home sadder and wiser. According to the Greek historian Herodotus, the king went back to comfort himself with his harem. At this time, he "remembered Vashti" and proceeded with his comforting mission of examining many "young virgins" (Est 2:2) from all parts of his kingdom to find a new queen."

Defender: Est 2:5 - -- Mordecai, Esther's uncle, or possibly older cousin, who raised her as his own daughter after her parents died, may have been a descendant of the fathe...

Mordecai, Esther's uncle, or possibly older cousin, who raised her as his own daughter after her parents died, may have been a descendant of the father of Saul, Israel's first king (compare 1Sa 9:1). However, if so, the genealogy in this verse is quite abbreviated. Alternatively, the Kish and Shimei mentioned in this verse may have been different men than those who lived in David's day, though of the same tribe."

Defender: Est 2:10 - -- This was evidently during one of those intermittent periods in history when the Jewish people were looked upon with disfavor (even though Cyrus and Da...

This was evidently during one of those intermittent periods in history when the Jewish people were looked upon with disfavor (even though Cyrus and Darius had aided them earlier in their desire to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their temple). It was unwise for Esther to risk her chance of becoming queen by revealing her background. Jews have often been made scapegoats when trouble befalls a nation, and it is possible that they had been accused of complicity in Xerxes' recent naval defeats. This probably also accounts for the fact that the book of Esther, alone among all the books of the Bible, contains no direct mention of God or of religion. The author (possibly Mordecai, although the actual author of the book is not known) may have feared reprisals if he had connected the remarkable deliverance of Israel with their religious faith."

Defender: Est 2:17 - -- Although the book of Esther contains no mention of God, it abounds with implicit testimonies to providential leading and provision for His people. Und...

Although the book of Esther contains no mention of God, it abounds with implicit testimonies to providential leading and provision for His people. Under Persian law, Esther had no choice but to obey the king's decree. She herself retained her own virginity until she became the king's chosen wife. She was in a polygamous household, but this was common and accepted in the culture of the times (note the many wives of such Godly men as Gideon and David). God actually used Esther in this unhappy position to preserve the Jewish people from probable annihilation. It is likely Haman's proposed pogrom would have extended even to the land of Israel and every place inhabited by Jewish people."

TSK: Est 2:1 - -- am 3543, bc 461 he remembered : Dan 6:14-18 what was decreed : Est 1:12-21

am 3543, bc 461

he remembered : Dan 6:14-18

what was decreed : Est 1:12-21

TSK: Est 2:2 - -- king’ s servants : Est 1:10, Est 1:14, Est 6:14 Let there be : Gen 12:14; 1Ki 1:2

king’ s servants : Est 1:10, Est 1:14, Est 6:14

Let there be : Gen 12:14; 1Ki 1:2

TSK: Est 2:3 - -- in all the provinces : Est 1:1, Est 1:2 that they may gather : This was the usual way in which the harem, or seraglio , was furnished; the finest wo...

in all the provinces : Est 1:1, Est 1:2

that they may gather : This was the usual way in which the harem, or seraglio , was furnished; the finest women in the land, whether of high or low birth, were sought out and brought to the harem. They all became the king’ s concubines; but one was raised as chief wife, or sultana, to the throne; and her issue was especially entitled to inherit.

the custody : Heb. the hand

Hege : Est 2:8, Hegai

the king’ s chamberlain : Saris hammelech , ""the king’ s eunuch:""so the LXX, Vulgate, Targum, and Syriac.

their things : Est 2:12-14; Isa 3:18-23

TSK: Est 2:4 - -- let the maiden : Mat 20:16, Mat 22:14 the thing : Est 1:21, Est 3:9, Est 3:10; 2Sa 13:4-6, 2Sa 16:21-23, 2Sa 17:4; Mat 14:6

TSK: Est 2:5 - -- Shushan : Est 2:3, Est 1:2, Est 5:1 a certain Jew : Est 3:2-6, Est 10:3 the son of Shimei : 1Sa 9:1; 2Sa 16:5

Shushan : Est 2:3, Est 1:2, Est 5:1

a certain Jew : Est 3:2-6, Est 10:3

the son of Shimei : 1Sa 9:1; 2Sa 16:5

TSK: Est 2:6 - -- Jeconiah : 2Ki 24:6, 2Ki 24:14, 2Ki 24:15; 2Ch 36:9, 2Ch 36:10, 2Ch 36:20, Jeboiachin, Jer 22:24, Jer 22:28, Coniah, Jer 24:1

TSK: Est 2:7 - -- brought up : Heb. nourished, Eph 6:4 Hadassah : Dan 1:6, Dan 1:7 his uncle’ s : Est 2:15; Jer 32:7-12 fair and beautiful : Heb. fair of form and ...

brought up : Heb. nourished, Eph 6:4

Hadassah : Dan 1:6, Dan 1:7

his uncle’ s : Est 2:15; Jer 32:7-12

fair and beautiful : Heb. fair of form and good of countenance, Est 1:11

took : Gen 48:5; 2Co 6:18; 1Jo 3:1

TSK: Est 2:8 - -- Hegai : One of Dr. Kennicott’ s manuscripts, instead of Hegai has Hege, as in Est 2:3.

Hegai : One of Dr. Kennicott’ s manuscripts, instead of Hegai has Hege, as in Est 2:3.

TSK: Est 2:9 - -- she obtained : Gen 39:21; 1Ki 8:50; Ezr 7:6; Neh 2:8; Psa 106:46; Pro 16:7; Dan 1:9; Act 7:10 her her things : Est 2:3, Est 2:12 such things : Heb. he...

she obtained : Gen 39:21; 1Ki 8:50; Ezr 7:6; Neh 2:8; Psa 106:46; Pro 16:7; Dan 1:9; Act 7:10

her her things : Est 2:3, Est 2:12

such things : Heb. her portions

preferred her : Heb. changed her.

TSK: Est 2:10 - -- had not showed : Est 3:8, Est 4:13, Est 4:14, Est 7:4; Mat 10:16 for Mordecai : Est 2:7, Est 2:20; Eph 6:1

had not showed : Est 3:8, Est 4:13, Est 4:14, Est 7:4; Mat 10:16

for Mordecai : Est 2:7, Est 2:20; Eph 6:1

TSK: Est 2:11 - -- Mordecai : The apartments of the women are accounted so inviolable, that it is even a crime to enquire what passes within their walls. A man, says Cha...

Mordecai : The apartments of the women are accounted so inviolable, that it is even a crime to enquire what passes within their walls. A man, says Chardin, may walk a hundred days, one after the other, by the house where the women are, and yet know no more what is done there than at the farther end of Tartary. This sufficiently explains the conduct of Mordecai.

walked : Est 2:13, Est 2:14

how Esther did : Heb. the peace of Esther, Gen 37:14; 1Sa 17:18; Act 15:36

TSK: Est 2:12 - -- am 3546, bc 458 to go in : 1Th 4:4, 1Th 4:5 six months : Pro 7:17; Son 3:6; Isa 57:9; Luk 7:37, Luk 7:38

am 3546, bc 458

to go in : 1Th 4:4, 1Th 4:5

six months : Pro 7:17; Son 3:6; Isa 57:9; Luk 7:37, Luk 7:38

TSK: Est 2:14 - -- delighted : Est 4:11; Gen 34:19; Deu 21:14; Isa 62:4, Isa 62:5 she were called : Isa 43:1, Isa 45:4

delighted : Est 4:11; Gen 34:19; Deu 21:14; Isa 62:4, Isa 62:5

she were called : Isa 43:1, Isa 45:4

TSK: Est 2:15 - -- who had taken : Est 2:7 Esther : Son 6:9, Son 8:10; Act 7:10

who had taken : Est 2:7

Esther : Son 6:9, Son 8:10; Act 7:10

TSK: Est 2:16 - -- the tenth month : Est 8:9 the seventh : Est 2:1, Est 2:3; Ezr 7:8

the tenth month : Est 8:9

the seventh : Est 2:1, Est 2:3; Ezr 7:8

TSK: Est 2:17 - -- favour : or, kindness in his sight : Heb. before him so that he set : Est 4:14; 1Sa 2:8; Psa 75:6, Psa 75:7, Psa 113:7, Psa 113:8; Eze 17:24; Luk 1:48...

favour : or, kindness

in his sight : Heb. before him

so that he set : Est 4:14; 1Sa 2:8; Psa 75:6, Psa 75:7, Psa 113:7, Psa 113:8; Eze 17:24; Luk 1:48-52; Bishop Patrick observes, that those who suggest that Esther committed a great sin to come at the dignity of queen of Persia, do not consider the custom of those times and countries. Every one that the king took to his bed was married to him, and was his wife of a lower rank, as Hagar was to Abraham.

TSK: Est 2:18 - -- am 3547, bc 457 made a great : Est 1:3-5; Gen 29:22; Jdg 14:10-17; Son 3:11, Son 5:1; Mat 22:2; Luk 14:8; Rev 19:9 he made : We learn from Herodotus a...

am 3547, bc 457

made a great : Est 1:3-5; Gen 29:22; Jdg 14:10-17; Son 3:11, Son 5:1; Mat 22:2; Luk 14:8; Rev 19:9

he made : We learn from Herodotus and Atheneus, that the Persian monarchs were accustomed to give their wives distinct cities and provinces for the purpose of supplying them with different articles of dresscaps1 . ocaps0 ne was assigned for ornamenting the head and neck; another provided robes, zones, etc.; and the city of Anthilla was given to a Persian queen, we read, to supply her with shoes and sandals. It is probable, therefore, that, at the desire of Esther, Ahasuerus relieved those cities and provinces that had before paid it, from this expense.

release : Heb. rest

gave gifts : Est 9:22; 1Sa 25:8; Neh 8:11; Rev 11:10

TSK: Est 2:19 - -- the virgins : Est 2:3, Est 2:4 sat in the king’ s gate : Est 2:21, Est 3:2, Est 3:3, Est 5:13

the virgins : Est 2:3, Est 2:4

sat in the king’ s gate : Est 2:21, Est 3:2, Est 3:3, Est 5:13

TSK: Est 2:20 - -- had not yet showed : Est 2:10 for Esther : Eph 6:1-3

had not yet showed : Est 2:10

for Esther : Eph 6:1-3

TSK: Est 2:21 - -- Bigthan : Est 6:2, Bigthana door : Heb. threshold and sought : 2Sa 4:5, 2Sa 4:6, 2Sa 16:11; 1Ki 15:25-27, 1Ki 16:9; 2Ki 9:22-24, 2Ki 12:20, 2Ki 21:23;...

Bigthan : Est 6:2, Bigthana

door : Heb. threshold

and sought : 2Sa 4:5, 2Sa 4:6, 2Sa 16:11; 1Ki 15:25-27, 1Ki 16:9; 2Ki 9:22-24, 2Ki 12:20, 2Ki 21:23; Psa 144:10

TSK: Est 2:22 - -- the thing : Ecc 10:20; Act 23:12-22 and Esther certified : Est 6:1, Est 6:2; Rom 11:33 Mordecai’ s name : Phi 2:4

the thing : Ecc 10:20; Act 23:12-22

and Esther certified : Est 6:1, Est 6:2; Rom 11:33

Mordecai’ s name : Phi 2:4

TSK: Est 2:23 - -- hanged : Est 5:14, Est 7:10; Gen 40:19, Gen 40:22; Deu 21:22, Deu 21:23; Jos 8:29 the book : Est 6:1, Est 6:2; Mal 3:16

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Commentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per Verse)

Barnes: Est 2:1 - -- These events must belong to the time between the great assembly held at Susa in Xerxes’ third year (483 B.C.), and the departure of the monarc...

These events must belong to the time between the great assembly held at Susa in Xerxes’ third year (483 B.C.), and the departure of the monarch on his expedition against Greece in his fifth year, 481 B.C.

Barnes: Est 2:3 - -- The house of the women - i. e. the "gynaeceon,"or "haram"- always an essential part of an Oriental palace (Compare 1Ki 7:8). In the Persian pal...

The house of the women - i. e. the "gynaeceon,"or "haram"- always an essential part of an Oriental palace (Compare 1Ki 7:8). In the Persian palaces it was very extensive, since the monarchs maintained, besides their legitimate wives, as many as 300 or 400 concubines (compare Est 2:14).

Barnes: Est 2:5 - -- Mordecai, the eunuch Est 2:7, Est 2:11, has been conjectured to be the same as Matacas, who, according to Ctesias, was the most powerful of the eunu...

Mordecai, the eunuch Est 2:7, Est 2:11, has been conjectured to be the same as Matacas, who, according to Ctesias, was the most powerful of the eunuchs during the latter portion of the reign of Xerxes. Mordecai’ s line of descent is traced from a certain Kish, carried off by Nebuchadnezzar in 598 B.C. - the year of Jeconiah’ s captivity - who was his great-grandfather. The four generations, Kish, Shimei, Jair, Mordecai, correspond to the known generations in other cases, for example:

High priests

kings of PersiaRoyal stock of Judah
SeraiahCambysesJeconiah
JozadakCyrusSalathiel
JeshuaDariusZerubbabel
JoiakimXerxesHananiah

The age of Mordecai at the accession of Xerxes may probably have been about 30 or 40; that of Esther, his first cousin, about 20.

Barnes: Est 2:7 - -- Hadassah, הדסה hădassâh from הדס hădas ("myrtle") would seem to have been the Hebrew, and Esther the Persian, name of the...

Hadassah, הדסה hădassâh from הדס hădas ("myrtle") would seem to have been the Hebrew, and Esther the Persian, name of the damsel. Esther is thought to be connected through the Zend with ἀστήρ astēr , "star."But there is not at present any positive evidence of the existence in Old Persian of a kindred word.

Barnes: Est 2:10 - -- The Persians had no special contempt for the Jews; but, of course, they despised more or less all the subject races. Esther, with her Aryan name, ma...

The Persians had no special contempt for the Jews; but, of course, they despised more or less all the subject races. Esther, with her Aryan name, may have passed for a native Persian.

Barnes: Est 2:11 - -- Mordecai occupied, apparently, a humble place in the royal household. He was probably one of the porters or doorkeepers at the main entrance to the ...

Mordecai occupied, apparently, a humble place in the royal household. He was probably one of the porters or doorkeepers at the main entrance to the palace Est 2:21.

Barnes: Est 2:14 - -- The second house of the women - i. e. Esther returned to the "house of the women,"but not to the same part of it. She became an inmate of the "...

The second house of the women - i. e. Esther returned to the "house of the women,"but not to the same part of it. She became an inmate of the "second house,"or "house of the concubines,"under the superintendence of a distinct officer, Shaashgaz.

Barnes: Est 2:15 - -- She required nothing - The other virgins perhaps loaded themselves with precious ornaments of various kinds, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, an...

She required nothing - The other virgins perhaps loaded themselves with precious ornaments of various kinds, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, anklets, and the like. Esther let Hegai dress her as he would.

Barnes: Est 2:16 - -- Tebeth (compare the corresponding Egyptian month, "Tobi"or "Tubi"), corresponded nearly to our January. In the seventh year of his reign - In ...

Tebeth (compare the corresponding Egyptian month, "Tobi"or "Tubi"), corresponded nearly to our January.

In the seventh year of his reign - In December, 479 B.C., or January, 478 B.C. Xerxes quitted Sardis for Susa in, or soon after, September, 479 B.C. It has been regarded as a "difficulty"that Vashti’ s place, declared vacant in 483 B.C., was not supplied until the end of 479 B.C., four years afterward. But since two years out of the four had been occupied by the Grecian expedition, the objection cannot be considered very weighty.

Barnes: Est 2:18 - -- A release - Either remission of taxation, or of military service, or of both.

A release - Either remission of taxation, or of military service, or of both.

Barnes: Est 2:19 - -- When the virgins ... - Rather, "when virgins"etc. The words begin a new paragraph. There was a second collection of virgins (after that of Est ...

When the virgins ... - Rather, "when virgins"etc. The words begin a new paragraph. There was a second collection of virgins (after that of Est 2:8), and it was at the time of this second collection that Mordecai had the good fortune to save the king’ s life.

Barnes: Est 2:21 - -- Conspiracies inside the palace were ordinary occurrences in Persia. Xerxes was ultimately murdered by Artabanus, the captain of the guard, and Aspam...

Conspiracies inside the palace were ordinary occurrences in Persia. Xerxes was ultimately murdered by Artabanus, the captain of the guard, and Aspamitras, a chamberlain and eunuch.

Barnes: Est 2:23 - -- Both hanged on a tree - i. e. "crucified"or "impaled"the ordinary punishment of rebels and traitors in Persia. The book of the chronicles ...

Both hanged on a tree - i. e. "crucified"or "impaled"the ordinary punishment of rebels and traitors in Persia.

The book of the chronicles - Ctesias drew his Persian history from them, and they are often glanced at by Herodotus.

Poole: Est 2:1 - -- He remembered Vashti with grief and shame that in his wine and rage he had so severely punished, and so irrevocably rejected, so beautiful and desir...

He remembered Vashti with grief and shame that in his wine and rage he had so severely punished, and so irrevocably rejected, so beautiful and desirable a person, and that for so small a provocation, to which she was easily led by the modesty of her sex, and by the laws and customs of Persia.

Poole: Est 2:2 - -- The king’ s servants for their own interests, were obliged to quiet the king’ s mind, and procure him another amiable consort.

The king’ s servants for their own interests, were obliged to quiet the king’ s mind, and procure him another amiable consort.

Poole: Est 2:3 - -- Keeper of the women either, 1. Of the virgins, who are oft called women , as here, Est 2:11,12 , and elsewhere. So it is a synecdoche. Or, 2. Of a...

Keeper of the women either,

1. Of the virgins, who are oft called women , as here, Est 2:11,12 , and elsewhere. So it is a synecdoche. Or,

2. Of all the women, both virgins and concubines; only the virgins he himself took care of, as requiring more care and caution, and the concubines he committed to Shaashgaz, Est 2:14 , his deputy.

For purification i.e. to cleanse them from all impurities and indecencies, to anoint, and perfume, and adorn, and every way prepare them for the king’ s presence and service; for the legal purifications of the Jews he never regarded.

Poole: Est 2:6 - -- Who had been carried away: this may be referred either, 1. To Kish, Mordecai’ s grandfather last mentioned; or, 2. To Mordecai, who was then c...

Who had been carried away: this may be referred either,

1. To Kish, Mordecai’ s grandfather last mentioned; or,

2. To Mordecai, who was then carried away, either,

1. In the loins of his parents, in which sense Levi is said to be tithed in Abraham , Heb 7 ; and as those persons named Ezr 2 are said to have been carried away by Nebuchadnezzar, Ezr 2:1 , which is not true of the most of them in their own persons, but only as in their fathers’ loins. Or,

2. In his own person; and then indeed he was a man of more than ordinary years. But of that See Poole "Est 1:1" .

Poole: Est 2:7 - -- That is, Esther; Hadassah was her Hebrew name before her marriage, and she was called Esther by the king after it.

That is, Esther; Hadassah was her Hebrew name before her marriage, and she was called Esther by the king after it.

Poole: Est 2:8 - -- Esther was brought or taken , and that by force, as that word oft signifies. So great was the power and tyranny of the Persian kings, that they coul...

Esther was brought or taken , and that by force, as that word oft signifies. So great was the power and tyranny of the Persian kings, that they could and did take what persons they liked to their own use.

Poole: Est 2:9 - -- The maiden pleased him partly because she was very beautiful, and therefore he supposed she would be very acceptable to the king, which would be his ...

The maiden pleased him partly because she was very beautiful, and therefore he supposed she would be very acceptable to the king, which would be his advantage; and partly by the Divine Power, which moveth the hearts of men which way he pleaseth.

Poole: Est 2:10 - -- Lest the knowledge hereof should either make her contemptible or odious, or bring some inconvenience to the whole nation, as things might happen. Bu...

Lest the knowledge hereof should either make her contemptible or odious, or bring some inconvenience to the whole nation, as things might happen. But there was also a hand of God in causing this to be concealed, for the better accomplishment of that which he designed, though Mordecai was ignorant of it.

Poole: Est 2:12 - -- According to the manner of the women who were kept so long, partly, for their better purification, as it here follows; partly, out of state, as that ...

According to the manner of the women who were kept so long, partly, for their better purification, as it here follows; partly, out of state, as that which became so great a king; and partly, that being so long in safe custody, the king might be sure that the child begotten upon any of them was his own.

With oil of myrrh which is useful both for making the skin exactly clean, and smooth, and solid, and for giving strength and rigour to the body.

With sweet odours which was the more necessary, because the bodies of men and women in those hot countries did of themselves yield very ill scents, if not corrected and qualified by art.

Poole: Est 2:13 - -- Then thus thus purified and prepared; and thus as it follows. Whatsoever she desired for ornament, or by way of attendance.

Then thus thus purified and prepared; and thus as it follows.

Whatsoever she desired for ornament, or by way of attendance.

Poole: Est 2:14 - -- Darius Nothus is reckoned to have had three hundred and sixty concubines

Darius Nothus is reckoned to have had three hundred and sixty concubines

Poole: Est 2:15 - -- She required nothing to show that she was not desirous to please the king, and that she was brought to the king without and against her own inclinati...

She required nothing to show that she was not desirous to please the king, and that she was brought to the king without and against her own inclination and choice.

Esther obtained favour in the sight of all them that looked upon her i.e. was admired by them for her beauty.

Poole: Est 2:16 - -- Into his house royal and into his bed, as is implied; to which it is not strange if she, though a virtuous person, did in those circumstances yield, ...

Into his house royal and into his bed, as is implied; to which it is not strange if she, though a virtuous person, did in those circumstances yield, considering the infirmity of human nature, and of that sex, and the state of those times, when plurality of wives was permitted, and concubines were owned as wives; and these virgins were by this action made his wives or concubines. Besides, it is not known to us whether Mordecai and Esther had not direction or a dispensation from God in this matter; it being certain that God can dispense with his own positive laws.

Poole: Est 2:18 - -- He made a release to the provinces i.e. he took off a good part of those heavy taxes which the Persian kings laid upon their people.

He made a release to the provinces i.e. he took off a good part of those heavy taxes which the Persian kings laid upon their people.

Poole: Est 2:19 - -- The second time either, 1. When Esther, with others, were brought to the king’ s house, as it was decreed above, Est 2:2,3 , which is called t...

The second time either,

1. When Esther, with others, were brought to the king’ s house, as it was decreed above, Est 2:2,3 , which is called the second time , because they had taken this course once before, when Vashti was chosen queen. But there is no mention of any such former use; and by the manner of proposing it seems to have been a new project. Or,

2. Since Esther was declared queen; for though that point was determined, the king’ s lust was not yet satisfied; and therefore being pleased with the former experiment, he desired another collection of virgins, whom he might make his concubines. And this seems best to agree with the following words. For it is not probable that Mordecai sat at the king’ s gate till Esther was queen; for till then he only walked before the court of the women’ s house, as is expressed, Est 2:11 .

Mordecai sat in the king’ s gate either,

1. Voluntarily, to learn the progress of affairs. Or rather,

2. By office, as one of the king’ s guard or ministers; being advanced to this place by Esther’ s favour, though without any discovery of her relation to him.

Poole: Est 2:21 - -- Which kept the door either, 1. Of the king’ s chamber. Or, 2. Of his court; and so they sat in the gate, as Mordecai did, who by that means co...

Which kept the door either,

1. Of the king’ s chamber. Or,

2. Of his court; and so they sat in the gate, as Mordecai did, who by that means contracting some familiar acquaintance with them, might make some discovery of their minds and design.

Sought to lay hand i.e. violent hand; to kill him, as this phrase is used, Est 3:6 , and elsewhere.

Poole: Est 2:23 - -- This may be referred, either, 1. To the writing, to note that this was written in the king’ s presence by scribes, who were continually presen...

This may be referred, either,

1. To the writing, to note that this was written in the king’ s presence by scribes, who were continually present with the king to write all remarkable passages happening in the court from time to time. Or,

2. To the book, which was laid up before the king, that he might more easily and frequently peruse it for his own delight or direction.

Haydock: Est 2:1 - -- Bagathan, or Bagatha and Thara, chap. xii. 1. One of the chief counsellors was called Bagatha. (Haydock) --- But these two were porters, (Calmet) ...

Bagathan, or Bagatha and Thara, chap. xii. 1. One of the chief counsellors was called Bagatha. (Haydock) ---

But these two were porters, (Calmet) or guards, of the king, (Septuagint; Grotius) or of the treasury. (Vatable) ---

Some Greek copies and the Chaldean insinuate that they were displeased at the advancement of Mardochai. The latter supposes that they meant also to poison Esther. (Calmet) ---

It appears that they wished to make Aman king, (Menochius) and the detection was always resented by him, chap. xii. 6. (Calmet)

Haydock: Est 2:1 - -- Suffered. He began to repent. The Persians used to deliberate when warm with wine: but their decrees were not ratified till they had examined them ...

Suffered. He began to repent. The Persians used to deliberate when warm with wine: but their decrees were not ratified till they had examined them again the next day. (Herodotus i. 133.) ---

This was not the case here; the king divorced his wife without any delay. (Calmet) ---

Septuagint intimate that he presently lost thoughts of her. "He no longer remembered Vasthi with any affection, reflecting what she had said, and how he had condemned her." (Haydock) ---

But the Alexandrian copy agrees with the Hebrew. (Calmet)

Haydock: Est 2:2 - -- Beautiful. Thus Abisag was brought to David, 3 Kings i. 2. The Turkish emperors select women from all their dominion, without distinction of noble ...

Beautiful. Thus Abisag was brought to David, 3 Kings i. 2. The Turkish emperors select women from all their dominion, without distinction of noble or ignoble; as all are their slaves.

Haydock: Est 2:3 - -- House. Distinct from the palace, ver. 14. --- Women's. Hebrew, "things for rubbing, (Calmet) or purification;" (Haydock) such as perfumes, but ...

House. Distinct from the palace, ver. 14. ---

Women's. Hebrew, "things for rubbing, (Calmet) or purification;" (Haydock) such as perfumes, but not clothes.

Haydock: Est 2:4 - -- Commanded. Hebrew, "did so."

Commanded. Hebrew, "did so."

Haydock: Est 2:5 - -- Jew. He was of the tribe of Benjamin. But all went by this name, after the captivity. Mardochai had probably returned from Jerusalem, seeing thing...

Jew. He was of the tribe of Benjamin. But all went by this name, after the captivity. Mardochai had probably returned from Jerusalem, seeing things were unfinished there, 1 Esdras ii. 2. (Calmet) ---

Semei, who cursed David. (Chaldean) ---

Cis. The head of the royal family of Saul; whence authors have concluded that he and Esther were of royal blood, (Calmet) and descendants of Miphiboseth. (Tirinus)

Haydock: Est 2:6 - -- Who. This may refer to Cis, the great-grandfather of Mardochai, if we postpone this history till the latter end of the Persian monarchy. (Du Hamel)...

Who. This may refer to Cis, the great-grandfather of Mardochai, if we postpone this history till the latter end of the Persian monarchy. (Du Hamel) ---

But it more naturally applies to Mardochai himself, who (chap. xi. 4.; Tirinus) was led captive 80 years before, being then perhaps 10 years old, so that he would now be only 90; an age when many are fit for great things. (Calmet) (Cicero, de Senect.) ---

He might even have been an infant when taken, and of course would not be much above 80 when he came into such favour. (Haydock)

Haydock: Est 2:7 - -- Brothers. Josephus, ([Antiquities?] xi. 6.) the old Latin version of the Syriac, Abenezra, &c., suppose that Mardochai was uncle to Esther. But the...

Brothers. Josephus, ([Antiquities?] xi. 6.) the old Latin version of the Syriac, Abenezra, &c., suppose that Mardochai was uncle to Esther. But the Hebrew, Syriac, Greek, and Chaldean assert that he was only her cousin. Septuagint, "daughter of Aminadab, (or rather Abihail, ver. 15.) his father's brother, and her name was Esther; and after her parents were dead, he educated her for a wife;" Greek: eis gunaika, as some Rabbins also maintain, believing she was an heiress. Yet other Greek copies, Hebrew, &c., read, "he educated her as a daughter, Greek: thugatera: for the damsel was very beautiful." He had probably adopted her. (Calmet) ---

Edissa. Hebrew hadassa, (Haydock) or hadassah, signified "of myrtle." (Menochius) ---

Esther, "a sheep." (Calmet)

Haydock: Est 2:9 - -- And he, Egeus, commanded the under eunuch. (Tirinus) --- Hebrew, "he quickly gave her her things for purifications, (ver. 3.) and her portions,...

And he, Egeus, commanded the under eunuch. (Tirinus) ---

Hebrew, "he quickly gave her her things for purifications, (ver. 3.) and her portions, with seven maids, suitable for her, out of the king's house; and he charged her and her maids to dwell in the best of the women's house," (Haydock) where things were the most commodious. (Calmet)

Haydock: Est 2:10 - -- Would. Hebrew, "had not declared." He was not influenced to treat her thus on account of her royal extraction. (Haydock) --- In effect, the Jews ...

Would. Hebrew, "had not declared." He was not influenced to treat her thus on account of her royal extraction. (Haydock) ---

In effect, the Jews were despised. (Calmet)

Haydock: Est 2:11 - -- Court. He was one of the life-guards, chap. xi. 3. (Tirinus) --- This situation enabled him to disclose a conspiracy, (ver. 23., and chap. xii. 5....

Court. He was one of the life-guards, chap. xi. 3. (Tirinus) ---

This situation enabled him to disclose a conspiracy, (ver. 23., and chap. xii. 5.) as he often went to enquire after the health of Esther. (Calmet)

Haydock: Est 2:12 - -- Turn. This was rigidly observed, in that country, where polygamy prevailed, Genesis xxx. 16. (Herodotus iii. 69.) --- The wives were "shut up in s...

Turn. This was rigidly observed, in that country, where polygamy prevailed, Genesis xxx. 16. (Herodotus iii. 69.) ---

The wives were "shut up in separate apartments," (Just. i. 9.) in the remotest parts of the palace. (Calmet) ---

Twelfth. A full year elapsed before they could be admitted. ---

A sweet. Protestants, " other things for the purifying of the women." (Haydock) ---

It would be difficult to form an adequate idea of the luxury of the Persians, if the Scripture had not informed us. The kings were not satisfied with one wife. Assuerus had 400; (Josephus) and Darius Codomannus carried 360 with him, in his expeditions. (Curtius iii.) ---

Parmenio took an incredible number of his concubines, at Damascus. (Atheneus xiii. 9.) ---

They were not all treated alike, but all were very sumptuously adorned. Cities were allotted to furnish one with sandals, another with girdles, &c. (Cicero in Verrem. v.) (Calmet)

Haydock: Est 2:15 - -- Abihail. Septuagint, "Aminadab, brother of Mardochai's father." (Haydock) (Ver. 7.)

Abihail. Septuagint, "Aminadab, brother of Mardochai's father." (Haydock) (Ver. 7.)

Haydock: Est 2:16 - -- Tenth. Septuagint and old Vulgate, "twelfth month, which is Adar." Tebeth corresponds with December and January. (Calmet) --- Notwithstanding a...

Tenth. Septuagint and old Vulgate, "twelfth month, which is Adar." Tebeth corresponds with December and January. (Calmet) ---

Notwithstanding all exertions, Esther had been near four years in preparing; (Tirinus; chap. i. 3.; Calmet) unless some years had elapsed before she was brought, ver. 12. (Haydock) ---

She was guilty of no sin in becoming an inferior wife of the king. (Menochius) (Tirinus)

Haydock: Est 2:17 - -- Crown. Literally, "diadem," (Haydock) which was a bandage "of purple, striped with white," by which the queen was distinguished from the other wives...

Crown. Literally, "diadem," (Haydock) which was a bandage "of purple, striped with white," by which the queen was distinguished from the other wives. (Calmet) ---

The king wore "a four-square cidaris," with a similar ornament. (Alex. Genial. i. 27.) ---

Only one queen was chosen from all the wives, and she was "adored" by the rest. (Dion. Athen. iii. l.) ---

Though God had forbidden marriages with infidels, (Calmet) at least with those of Chanaan, (Haydock) a dispensation might be granted, (Exodus xxxiv.; Tirinus; 2 Kings iii.; Worthington) for a greater good. Esther was not puffed up with her exaltation, and refrained from all forbidden meats, chap. xiv. 15. (Calmet) ---

If she be the Artystona of Herotous, (vii. 69.; Haydock) as it is most probable, (Tirinus) her two sons, Arsames and Gobryas, had a command in the famous expedition of Xerxes. (Usher, the year of the world 3524.) (Calmet)

Haydock: Est 2:18 - -- Servants. Septuagint add, "seven days, and he magnified the nuptials of Esther." (Haydock) --- Rest, from labour. (Calmet) --- Septuagint, "rem...

Servants. Septuagint add, "seven days, and he magnified the nuptials of Esther." (Haydock) ---

Rest, from labour. (Calmet) ---

Septuagint, "remission to all his subjects," of tribute, as was sometimes done. (Herodotus iii. 66.) (Tirinus) (Calmet) ---

Gifts, on Esther. (Chaldean) (Malvenda)

Haydock: Est 2:19 - -- And. Septuagint, "But Mardochai," &c. (Haydock) --- They say nothing of the gifts, ver. 18. --- Second. The same process had been observed befo...

And. Septuagint, "But Mardochai," &c. (Haydock) ---

They say nothing of the gifts, ver. 18. ---

Second. The same process had been observed before, when Vasthi was chosen. (Calmet) ---

Mardochai was perhaps then one of the king's guards. (Haydock) (Ver. 11.) (Tirinus) ---

This second inquiry is here specified, to introduce the following account. (Menochius)

Haydock: Est 2:20 - -- Commandment. No one interrogated her, as she had been educated as Susa, and was taken for a Persian lady, ver. 10. (Menochius)

Commandment. No one interrogated her, as she had been educated as Susa, and was taken for a Persian lady, ver. 10. (Menochius)

Haydock: Est 2:22 - -- Notice of it, from Barnabaz, a Jew in the service of one of them. (Josephus, [Antiquities?] xi. 6.) --- He might also hear some suspicious words. ...

Notice of it, from Barnabaz, a Jew in the service of one of them. (Josephus, [Antiquities?] xi. 6.) ---

He might also hear some suspicious words. (R. Calom.) (Worthington)

Haydock: Est 2:23 - -- King. Such histories were preserved with great care, 1 Esdras vi. 1. (Calmet) --- Septuagint, "the king ordered a memorial to it to be kept in the...

King. Such histories were preserved with great care, 1 Esdras vi. 1. (Calmet) ---

Septuagint, "the king ordered a memorial to it to be kept in the royal library, for the praise of Mardochai's good will." (Haydock) ---

The latter also wrote an account, chap. xii. 4.

Gill: Est 2:1 - -- After these things, when the wrath of King Ahasuerus was appeased,.... Which went off with his wine, and so was quickly after, a few days at most, unl...

After these things, when the wrath of King Ahasuerus was appeased,.... Which went off with his wine, and so was quickly after, a few days at most, unless this can be understood as after the expedition of Xerxes into Greece, from whence he returned to Shushan, in the seventh year of his reign; and if he is the Ahasuerus here meant, he married Esther that year, Est 2:16 and it seems certain, that after his expedition he gave himself up to his amours, and in his way to Sardis he fell in love with his brother's wife, and then with his daughter b:

he remembered Vashti; her beauty, and was grieved, as Jarchi observes, that she was removed from him; and so Josephus says c, that he passionately loved her, and could not bear parting with her, and therefore was grieved that he had brought himself into such difficulties: the Targumists carry it further, and say that he was wroth with those that advised him to it, and ordered them to be put to death, and that they were:

and what she had done; that it was a trivial thing, and not deserving of such a sentence as he had passed upon her; that it was not done from contempt of him, but from modesty, and a strict regard to the laws of the Persians:

and what was decreed against her; that she should come no more before him, but be divorced from him; the thought of which gave him great pain and uneasiness.

Gill: Est 2:2 - -- Then said the king's servants that ministered unto him,.... Fearing that, if Vashti should be restored, vengeance would be taken on them; or however t...

Then said the king's servants that ministered unto him,.... Fearing that, if Vashti should be restored, vengeance would be taken on them; or however to remove the grief and melancholy of the king, they gave the following advice:

let there be fair young virgins sought for the king; that he might enjoy them, and choose one of them, the most agreeable to him, and put her in the room of Vashti.

Gill: Est 2:3 - -- And let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom,.... Who best knew where beautiful virgins might be found in their respective pr...

And let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom,.... Who best knew where beautiful virgins might be found in their respective provinces, in which they dwelt:

that they may gather together all the fair young virgins unto Shushan the palace; the metropolis of the kingdom, where was the royal palace:

to the house of the women, unto the custody of Hege the king's chamberlain, the keeper of the women; in which house it seems were two apartments, one for the virgins before they were introduced to the king, the other for them when they were become his concubines, which had a keeper also; but this Hege seems to have been over the whole house, Est 2:14. It was not only usual with the eastern people, as with the Turks now, for great personages to have keepers of their wives and concubines, but with the Romans also d:

and let their things for purification be given them; such as oil of myrrh, spices, &c. to remove all impurity and ill scent from them, and make them look smooth and beautiful.

Gill: Est 2:4 - -- And let the maiden which pleaseth the king be queen instead of Vashti,.... Have the royal estate, that was taken from Vashti, given to her, the crown ...

And let the maiden which pleaseth the king be queen instead of Vashti,.... Have the royal estate, that was taken from Vashti, given to her, the crown royal set on her head, &c.

and the thing pleased the king, and he did so; appointed officers in all his provinces to seek out the most beautiful virgins, and bring them to his palace; so with the Chinese now, the king never marries with any of his kindred, though ever so remote; but there is sought throughout his kingdom a damsel of twelve or fourteen years, of perfect beauty, good natural parts, and well inclined to virtue; whence, for the most part, the queen is the daughter of some artisan; and in their history e, mention is made of one that was the daughter of a mason.

Gill: Est 2:5 - -- Now in Shushan the palace was a certain Jew,.... Not one of the tribe of Judah, for he was afterwards called a Benjaminite; but was so called, because...

Now in Shushan the palace was a certain Jew,.... Not one of the tribe of Judah, for he was afterwards called a Benjaminite; but was so called, because he was of the kingdom of Judah, which consisted of both tribes. Jarchi says, all that were carried captive with the kings of Judah were called Jews among the nations, though of another tribe:

whose name was Mordecai, the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite; who was among those that came with Zerubbabel from Babylon to Jerusalem, and returned to Persia again, Ezr 2:2, though some think this was another Mordecai; See Gill on Ezr 2:2, who descended not from Kish, the father of Saul, but a later and more obscure person.

Gill: Est 2:6 - -- Who had been carried away from Jerusalem,.... Which, according to some f, is to be connected, not with Mordecai, but with Kish, his great-grandfather;...

Who had been carried away from Jerusalem,.... Which, according to some f, is to be connected, not with Mordecai, but with Kish, his great-grandfather; and indeed otherwise Mordecai must be now a very old man, and Esther his first cousin, they being brothers' children, must be at an age, one would think, not to be reckoned among young virgins, and not be so amiable as she is represented; and indeed, according to the former Targum, she was seventy five years of age, which is not credible; and yet this, and more she must be, to be equal to Mordecai, if he was carried captive, as follows:

with the captivity which had been carried away with Jeconiah king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away; which was eleven years before the destruction of Jerusalem, for so long Zedekiah reigned after that captivity of Jeconiah: hence Sir John Marsham g makes this affair of Esther to be within the time of the Babylonish captivity, and places Ahasuerus her husband between Darius the Mede and Cyrus, contrary to history and Scripture, see Dan 6:28.

Gill: Est 2:7 - -- And he brought up Hadassah (that is Esther) his uncle's daughter,.... Her Hebrew name was Hadassah, which signifies a myrtle, to which the Israelites,...

And he brought up Hadassah (that is Esther) his uncle's daughter,.... Her Hebrew name was Hadassah, which signifies a myrtle, to which the Israelites, and good men among them, are sometimes compared, Zec 1:8. Her Persian name was Esther, which some derive from "satar", to hide, because hidden in the house of Mordecai, so the former Targum, and by his advice concealed her kindred: or rather she was so called by Ahasuerus, when married to him, this word signifying in the Persian language a "star" h and so the latter Targum says she was called by the name of the star of Venus, which in Greek is αστηρ; though it is said i, that the myrtle, which is called "hadassah" in Hebrew, is in the Syriac language "esta"; so "asa" in the Talmud k signifies a myrtle; and, according to Hillerus l, "esther" signifies the black myrtle, which is reckoned the most excellent; and so "amestris", according to him, signifies the sole myrtle, the incomparable one. Xerxes had a wife, whose name was Amestris, which Scaliger thinks is as if it was הם אסתר, and the same with Esther; but to this are objected, that her father's name was Otanes, and her cruelty in the mutilation of the wife of Masistis, her husband's brother, and burning alive fourteen children of the best families of the Persians, as a sacrifice to the infernal gods; and besides, Xerxes had a son by her marriageable, in the seventh year of this reign m, the year of Ahasuerus, in which he married Esther: but it is observed by some, that these things are confounded with the destruction of Haman's family, or told by the Persians to obliterate the memory of Esther, from whom they passed to the Greek historians:

for she had neither father nor mother; according to the former Targum, her father died and left her mother with child of her, and her mother died as soon as she was delivered of her:

and the maid was fair and beautiful; which was both the reason why she was taken and brought into the king's house, and why Mordecai took so much care of her:

whom Mordecai, when her father and mother were dead, took for his own daughter; loved her, and brought her up as if she had been his daughter, and called her so, as the Targum. The Rabbins, as Jarchi and Aben Ezra observe, say, he took her in order to make her his wife; and so the Septuagint render it; though perhaps no more may be intended by that version than that he brought her up to woman's estate. Josephus n calls him her uncle; and so the Vulgate Latin version, his brother's daughter; but both are mistaken.

Gill: Est 2:8 - -- So it came to pass, when the king's commandment and decree was heard,.... In the several provinces of his kingdom: and when many maidens were gathe...

So it came to pass, when the king's commandment and decree was heard,.... In the several provinces of his kingdom:

and when many maidens were gathered unto Shushan the palace, to the custody of Hegai; Josephus o says, there were gathered to the number of four hundred:

that Esther was brought also unto the king's house, to the custody of Hegai, the keeper of the women: by force, as Aben Ezra and the former Targum, and so the word is sometimes used.

Gill: Est 2:9 - -- And the maiden pleased him,.... Not the king, into whose presence she was not yet introduced, but the chamberlain; her beauty and her behaviour recomm...

And the maiden pleased him,.... Not the king, into whose presence she was not yet introduced, but the chamberlain; her beauty and her behaviour recommended her to him, and he concluded within himself that she was the person that of all would be acceptable to the king:

and she obtained kindness of him: had favours shown others had not:

and he speedily gave her things for purification; as oil, spices, &c. that she might be the sooner fitted to be had into the king's presence:

with such things as belonged to her; food and drink from the king's table; the Targum interprets it gifts, as chains and royal apparel:

and seven maidens, which were given her, out of the king's house; to wait upon her the seven days of the week, as the same Targum:

and he preferred her and her maids unto the best place of the house of the women; removed her and them to it, which was the most splendid, had large, airy, and pleasant rooms.

Gill: Est 2:10 - -- Esther had not showed her people nor her kindred,.... What nation or family she was of; it not being asked, she was under no obligation to declare it;...

Esther had not showed her people nor her kindred,.... What nation or family she was of; it not being asked, she was under no obligation to declare it; and being born in Shushan, as very probable, she was taken to be a Persian:

for Mordecai had charged her that she should not show it; lest she should be despised and ill treated on that account; fearing, if the king knew it, he would not marry her, as Aben Ezra; or rather, as the same writer thinks, that she might keep the law of God privately, observe the sabbath, &c.

Gill: Est 2:11 - -- And Mordecai walked every day before the court of the women's house,.... Being one of the court, and in an high post, as Aben Ezra thinks, he might wa...

And Mordecai walked every day before the court of the women's house,.... Being one of the court, and in an high post, as Aben Ezra thinks, he might walk there without being examined, and called to an account for it:

to know how Esther did; to inquire of her health and prosperity, or peace, the word here used signifies, even all sorts of it:

and what should become of her; or was done to her, whether she was well used, or as yet introduced to the king, how it fared with her, and what befell her.

Gill: Est 2:12 - -- Now when every maid's turn was come to go in to King Ahasuerus, after that she had been twelve months, according to the manner of women,.... That were...

Now when every maid's turn was come to go in to King Ahasuerus, after that she had been twelve months, according to the manner of women,.... That were prepared in the house of the women to be presented to the king for his liking; for it seems that these virgins came in turns to him, according to the time they had been in the house; as did the wives of the kings of Persia, as Herodotus relates p:

for so were the days of their purifications accomplished; that is, in the space of twelve months, which were thus divided: to wit:

six months with oil of myrrh; which Ben Melech interprets of musk:

and six month's with sweet odours; the former was used to make the skin smooth and soft, and these to remove all ill scents through sweat, or any other cause:

and with other things for the purifying of women: by bathing, rubbing, &c. and such a space of time was observed not only for the thorough purification of them, but partly was of state and grandeur, and partly that it might be a clear case they were not with child by another, before they came to the king.

Gill: Est 2:13 - -- Then thus came every virgin unto the king,.... When her twelve months were up, and she was purified in the manner before observed: whatsoever she d...

Then thus came every virgin unto the king,.... When her twelve months were up, and she was purified in the manner before observed:

whatsoever she desired was given her to go with her out of the house of the women unto the king's house; whatever she commanded the chamberlain was obliged to furnish her with, or grant it to her, whether for ornament, as jewels, rich apparel, &c. or for attendance; whatever prince or peer she required to accompany her to the king, was to be obtained for her, as the Targum: and everything for mirth, all kinds of songs, or instruments of music, as Jarchi.

Gill: Est 2:14 - -- In the evening she went, and on the morrow she returned into the second house of the women,.... Or the other apartment of the house of the women, wher...

In the evening she went, and on the morrow she returned into the second house of the women,.... Or the other apartment of the house of the women, where were kept those the king had made his concubines or secondary wives. Aben Ezra interprets it the second time, and so the Targum by "again":

to the custody of Shaashgaz the king's chamberlain, which kept the concubines; of which the kings of Persia had a great number; Darius, whom Alexander conquered, had three hundred and sixty q:

she came in unto the king no more, except the king delighted in her, and that she was called by name; but remained shut up in the house, and might not lie with, nor be married to, another man.

Gill: Est 2:15 - -- Now when the turn of Esther the daughter of Abihail,.... For this was her father's name, and not Aminadab, as the Septuagint version: the uncle of ...

Now when the turn of Esther the daughter of Abihail,.... For this was her father's name, and not Aminadab, as the Septuagint version:

the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter; which makes it quite clear that Mordecai was not Esther's uncle, as Josephus, but her own cousin: now when her turn

was come to go in unto the king; which the virgins under purification took by turns, Est 2:14,

she required nothing but what Hegai the king's chamberlain, the keeper of the women, appointed; what he ordered her to have, or to do, she submitted to, being in his hands, and so obeyed his orders; but more she asked not, either for ornament or attendance, being not at all solicitous whether the king liked her or not; for it was not of choice, but by constraint, she went unto him; nor needed she anything to recommend her, her virtue, modesty, and beauty, were sufficient:

and Esther obtained favour of all them that looked upon her: when she came to court, the eyes of all were attracted to her; all admired her beauty, her innocent and modest look, and her graceful mien and deportment.

Gill: Est 2:16 - -- So Esther was taken unto King Ahasuerus, into his house royal,.... Did not return on the morrow to the house of the women, as those who only became th...

So Esther was taken unto King Ahasuerus, into his house royal,.... Did not return on the morrow to the house of the women, as those who only became the king's concubines did, Est 2:14, but she was taken to be his wife, and designed for his queen, and so was retained in his palace, and placed in an apartment suitable to the dignity she was about to be advanced unto:

and this was done in the tenth month, which is the month Tebeth; and answers to part of December and part of January; not the twelfth month Adar, as the Septuagint version, and so Josephus q, contrary to the original text: either that law had not obtained among the Persians, or the king thought himself not bound by it, which forbid marriage at any other time than the beginning of the vernal equinox r:

in the seventh year of his reign; and the divorce of Vashti being in the third year of his reign, it was four years before Esther was taken by him; who, if Xerxes, it may be accounted for by his preparation for, and engagement in, a war with Greece, which took him up all this time; and from whence he returned in the seventh year of his reign, at the beginning of it, and married Esther at the close of it, see Est 2:1 as may be suggested.

Gill: Est 2:17 - -- And the king loved Esther above all the women,.... The virgins he made his concubines, as next explained; though Jarchi interprets it of married women...

And the king loved Esther above all the women,.... The virgins he made his concubines, as next explained; though Jarchi interprets it of married women, for such he supposes were gathered and brought to him, as well as virgins:

and she obtained grace and favour in his sight more than all the virgins; who had been purified, and in their turns brought to him:

so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti; declared her queen, and gave her all the ensigns of royalty: so it was usual with the eastern kings to put a crown or diadem on the heads of their wives at the time of marriage, and declare them queens s.

Gill: Est 2:18 - -- Then the king made a great feast unto all his princes and servants, even Esther's feast,.... A feast to all his nobles, courtiers, and ministers of st...

Then the king made a great feast unto all his princes and servants, even Esther's feast,.... A feast to all his nobles, courtiers, and ministers of state, on account of his marriage with Esther; which, according to the Greek version, was held seven days; but, according to Josephus, it lasted a whole month t:

and he made a release to the provinces; of taxes and tribute due to him, as was the custom of the kings of Persia when they came to the throne, as Herodotus u relates; so Smerdis the magus, that mounted the throne after Cambyses, pretending to be his brother, released them for three years to come w; and Grotius says kings used to do it at their marriage, but gives no instance of it:

and gave gifts: according to the latter Targum, to the provinces, all of them, that he might be sure that the people of Esther shared his favours, who were as yet unknown; but rather these gifts were given to his nobles, or it may be to Esther; so the former Targum,"he gave to her a gift and portion:"

according to the state of the king; his royal ability and munificence, and suitable to his grandeur; and it was usual with the Persian kings to give to their wives whole cities for one thing or another, as for necklaces, hair laces, shoes, &c. x; Socrates y speaks of a whole country in Persia called the "Queen's girdle", and another her "Headdress".

Gill: Est 2:19 - -- And when the virgins were gathered together the second time,.... Some think this second collection is that which was made when Esther was taken and br...

And when the virgins were gathered together the second time,.... Some think this second collection is that which was made when Esther was taken and brought to the keeper of the women, called the second, in reference to a former collection of them, made when Vashti was taken and made queen; but as there is no proof of any such collection then made, rather the case was this, such was the lust of the king, though he had a queen he loved, and a multitude of concubine's, yet a second collection of virgins was made for his gratification:

then Mordecai sat in the king's gate; or court, being an officer in it, promoted by the interest of Esther, though not as yet known to be a relation of her's: so θυρα in Xenophon z is used of the court of the king of Persia, as the Ottoman or Turkish court is now called the "Porte".

Gill: Est 2:20 - -- Esther had not showed her kindred nor her people, as Mordecai had charged her,.... As not before, so neither since she was made queen, see Est 2:10, t...

Esther had not showed her kindred nor her people, as Mordecai had charged her,.... As not before, so neither since she was made queen, see Est 2:10, though, according to the Targums, she was urged to it by the king himself:

for Esther did the commandment of Mordecai, like as when she was brought up with him: which showed great humility in her, notwithstanding her advancement, great respect to him, and a sense of gratitude for the kindness he had shown; and this charge to her was still continued by Mordecai, partly that she might not fall into contempt, and partly to prevent hatred and envy to the Jewish nation, through her promotion; but chiefly so it was ordered in Providence, the proper time being not yet come.

Gill: Est 2:21 - -- In those days, while Mordecai sat in the king's gate,.... Being, as before observed, an officer at court: two of the king's chamberlains, Bigthan a...

In those days, while Mordecai sat in the king's gate,.... Being, as before observed, an officer at court:

two of the king's chamberlains, Bigthan and Teresh, of those that kept the door; of the inner court, as Aben Ezra, of the doors of his bedchamber; perhaps they were the chief of his bodyguards, as the Septuagint version; in later times, such officers were about the chambers of great personages as their guards a:

these were wroth, and sought to lay hand on the King Ahasuerus; to poison him, as Jarchi and both the Targums; however, to take away his life by some means or another. Gorionides b says their design was, while the king was asleep, to cut off his head, and carry it to the king of Greece; there being at that time great wars between the kingdom of Greece and the kingdom of Persia, which exactly agrees with the times of Xerxes, and with this part of his reign, about the seventh year of it, what was the occasion of this wrath is not said, it is thought to be either the divorce of Vashti, whose creatures they were, or the marriage of Esther, and particularly the promotion of Mordecai, fearing they should be turned out of their places; so the former Targum.

Gill: Est 2:22 - -- And the thing was known to Mordecai,.... But by what means does not appear; the Jewish writers say c, these two men were Tarsians, and spoke in the Ta...

And the thing was known to Mordecai,.... But by what means does not appear; the Jewish writers say c, these two men were Tarsians, and spoke in the Tarsian language, which they thought Mordecai did not understand; but he, being skilled in languages, overheard them, and understood what they said; but, according to Josephus d, it was discovered to him by Barnabazus, a servant of one of the chamberlains; the latter Targum says, it was showed unto him by the Holy Ghost:

who told it unto Esther, and Esther certified the king thereof in Mordecai's name; whose name she mentioned, partly as a voucher of the truth of what she reported, and partly to ingratiate Mordecai to the king, that he might be still yet more promoted in due time.

Gill: Est 2:23 - -- And when inquisition was made of the matter, it was found out,.... That these two men had entered into a conspiracy to take away the king's life; full...

And when inquisition was made of the matter, it was found out,.... That these two men had entered into a conspiracy to take away the king's life; full proof and evidence were given of it:

therefore they were both hanged on a tree; Josephus e says they were crucified; but hanging was frequent among the Persians, as Grotius observes, and better agrees with the word here used:

and it was written in the book of the chronicles before the king; in a diary kept by the king's order, in which memorable events were set down, and might be done in the presence of the king, as well as the book lay open before him to read at any time; and this is observed to agree with the manner of Xerxes, who is reported f to sit on a throne of gold to behold a sea fight between the Grecians and Persians, and had several scribes by him to take down whatever was done in the fight.

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Commentary -- Verse Notes / Footnotes

NET Notes: Est 2:1 Or “decreed” (so NAB, NASB, NRSV); TEV “and about his proclamation against her.”

NET Notes: Est 2:2 Heb “young women, virgins, good of form.” The same phrase also occurs in v. 3.

NET Notes: Est 2:3 Heb “their ointments”; cf. NIV, CEV, NLT “beauty treatments.”

NET Notes: Est 2:4 Heb “the matter was good in the eyes of the king.” Cf. TEV “The king thought this was good advice.”

NET Notes: Est 2:5 Mordecai is a pagan name that reflects the name of the Babylonian deity Marduk. Probably many Jews of the period had two names, one for secular use an...

NET Notes: Est 2:6 Jeconiah is an alternative name for Jehoiachin. A number of modern English versions use the latter name to avoid confusion (e.g., NIV, NCV, TEV, NLT).

NET Notes: Est 2:7 Heb “had taken her to him.” The Hebrew verb לָקַח (laqakh, “to take”) describes Mordecai adoptin...

NET Notes: Est 2:8 Heb “the house of the king.” So also in vv. 9, 13. Cf. NLT “the king’s harem.”

NET Notes: Est 2:9 Heb “of the house of the women” (so KJV, ASV). So also in vv. 11, 13, 14.

NET Notes: Est 2:10 Heb “that she not tell” (NRSV similar); NASB “that she should not make them known.”

NET Notes: Est 2:11 Heb “to know the peace of Esther.”

NET Notes: Est 2:12 Heb “to be to her according to the law of the women”; NASB “under the regulations for the women.”

NET Notes: Est 2:14 The LXX does not include the words “was pleased with her.”

NET Notes: Est 2:15 Heb “who had taken her to him as a daughter”; NRSV “who had adopted her as his own daughter.”

NET Notes: Est 2:16 The Syriac Peshitta reads “fourth” here.

NET Notes: Est 2:17 Heb “caused her to rule.”

NET Notes: Est 2:18 The LXX does not include the words “and he provided for offerings at the king’s expense.”

NET Notes: Est 2:19 That Mordecai was sitting at the king’s gate apparently means that he was a high-ranking government official. It was at the city gate where impo...

NET Notes: Est 2:20 The LXX adds the words “to fear God.”

NET Notes: Est 2:21 Heb “sought to send a hand against”; CEV “decided to kill.”

NET Notes: Est 2:22 Heb “in the name of Mordecai” (so NRSV); NIV “giving credit to Mordecai.”

NET Notes: Est 2:23 Or “on a pole”; KJV, ASV “on a tree.”

Geneva Bible: Est 2:1 After these things, when the wrath of king Ahasuerus was appeased, he ( a ) remembered Vashti, and what she had done, and what was decreed ( b ) again...

Geneva Bible: Est 2:3 And let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom, that they may gather together all the fair young virgins unto Shushan the palac...

Geneva Bible: Est 2:11 And Mordecai walked ( e ) every day before the court of the women's house, to know how Esther did, and what should become of her. ( e ) For though sh...

Geneva Bible: Est 2:13 Then thus came [every] maiden unto the king; whatsoever she desired was ( f ) given her to go with her out of the house of the women unto the king's h...

Geneva Bible: Est 2:15 Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, was come to go in unto the king, she r...

Geneva Bible: Est 2:16 So Esther was taken unto king Ahasuerus into his house royal in the tenth month, which [is] the ( h ) month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign. ...

Geneva Bible: Est 2:18 Then the king made a great feast unto all his princes and his servants, [even] Esther's ( i ) feast; and he made a release ( k ) to the provinces, and...

Geneva Bible: Est 2:19 And when the virgins were gathered together the ( m ) second time, then Mordecai sat in the king's gate. ( m ) That is, at the marriage of Esther, wh...

Geneva Bible: Est 2:21 In those days, while Mordecai sat in the king's gate, two of the king's chamberlains, Bigthan and Teresh, of those which kept the door, were wroth, an...

Geneva Bible: Est 2:23 And when inquisition was made of the matter, it was found out; therefore they were both hanged on a tree: and it was written in the book of the ( o ) ...

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Commentary -- Verse Range Notes

TSK Synopsis: Est 2:1-23 - --1 Out of the choice of virgins a queen is to be chosen.5 Mordecai the nursing father of Esther.8 Esther preferred before the rest.12 The manner of pur...

MHCC: Est 2:1-20 - --We see to what absurd practices those came, who were destitute of Divine revelation, and what need there was of the gospel of Christ, to purify men fr...

MHCC: Est 2:21-23 - --Good subjects must not conceal any bad design they know of against the prince, or the public peace. Mordecai was not rewarded at the time, but a remem...

Matthew Henry: Est 2:1-20 - -- How God put down one that was high and mighty from her seat we read in the chapter before, and are now to be told how he exalted one of low degree, ...

Matthew Henry: Est 2:21-23 - -- This good service which Mordecai did to the government, in discovering a plot against the life of the king, is here recorded, because the mention of...

Keil-Delitzsch: Est 2:1-4 - -- When, after these things, the wrath of King Ahashverosh was laid ( שׁך , from שׁכך , to be sunk, spoken of wrath to be laid), he remembered V...

Keil-Delitzsch: Est 2:5-7 - -- Before relating how this matter was carried into execution, the historianintroduces us to the two persons who play the chief parts in the followingn...

Keil-Delitzsch: Est 2:8-9 - -- When, then, the king's commandment and decree was heard, i.e.,proclaimed throughout the kingdom, and many maidens gathered togetherin Susa, Esther a...

Keil-Delitzsch: Est 2:10-11 - -- Est 2:10 contains a supplementary remark. This kind and respectfultreatment was shown to Esther, because, in obedience to Mordochai'scommand, she ha...

Keil-Delitzsch: Est 2:12-18 - -- Before relating the appearance of Esther before the king, the narrator moreparticularly describes in Est 2:12-14 the preparations for this event, an...

Keil-Delitzsch: Est 2:19-20 - -- Est 2:19-23 relate the intervention of an incident of great importance in thesubsequent development of the narrative. When virgins were for thesecon...

Keil-Delitzsch: Est 2:21-23 - -- The definition of time in Est 2:19 is again take up by the words: in thosedays; then the explanatory clause, Est 2:20, is repeated; and after this w...

Constable: Est 2:1-20 - --B. Esther Elevated 2:1-20 The fact that God placed Esther in a position so she could deliver her people ...

Constable: Est 2:1-4 - --1. The plan to replace Vashti 2:1-4 Ahasuerus had second thoughts about having deposed Vashti (v...

Constable: Est 2:5-11 - --2. Esther's selection 2:5-11 Evidently it was Kish, Mordecai's great-grandfather, who went into ...

Constable: Est 2:12-20 - --3. The choice of Esther as queen 2:12-20 The king evidently had sexual relations with a differen...

Constable: Est 2:21--3:7 - --A. Background Considerations 2:21-3:6 At this point in the narrative the writer introduced us to the vil...

Constable: Est 2:21-23 - --1. Mordecai's loyalty 2:21-23 We know no details concerning the identities of the assassins or t...

Guzik: Est 2:1-23 - --Esther 2 - Esther Is Chosen Queen A. The gathering together of a harem for King Ahasuerus. 1. (1-4) A search is made for a replacement for Queen Vas...

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Commentary -- Other

Critics Ask: Est 2:1 ESTHER 2:1-18 —How could Esther participate in a pagan beauty contest? PROBLEM: It is evident that Esther was selected by God as His instrument...

Critics Ask: Est 2:2 ESTHER 2:1-18 —How could Esther participate in a pagan beauty contest? PROBLEM: It is evident that Esther was selected by God as His instrument...

Critics Ask: Est 2:3 ESTHER 2:1-18 —How could Esther participate in a pagan beauty contest? PROBLEM: It is evident that Esther was selected by God as His instrument...

Critics Ask: Est 2:4 ESTHER 2:1-18 —How could Esther participate in a pagan beauty contest? PROBLEM: It is evident that Esther was selected by God as His instrument...

Critics Ask: Est 2:5 ESTHER 2:1-18 —How could Esther participate in a pagan beauty contest? PROBLEM: It is evident that Esther was selected by God as His instrument...

Critics Ask: Est 2:6 ESTHER 2:1-18 —How could Esther participate in a pagan beauty contest? PROBLEM: It is evident that Esther was selected by God as His instrument...

Critics Ask: Est 2:7 ESTHER 2:1-18 —How could Esther participate in a pagan beauty contest? PROBLEM: It is evident that Esther was selected by God as His instrument...

Critics Ask: Est 2:8 ESTHER 2:1-18 —How could Esther participate in a pagan beauty contest? PROBLEM: It is evident that Esther was selected by God as His instrument...

Critics Ask: Est 2:9 ESTHER 2:1-18 —How could Esther participate in a pagan beauty contest? PROBLEM: It is evident that Esther was selected by God as His instrument...

Critics Ask: Est 2:10 ESTHER 2:1-18 —How could Esther participate in a pagan beauty contest? PROBLEM: It is evident that Esther was selected by God as His instrument...

Critics Ask: Est 2:11 ESTHER 2:1-18 —How could Esther participate in a pagan beauty contest? PROBLEM: It is evident that Esther was selected by God as His instrument...

Critics Ask: Est 2:12 ESTHER 2:1-18 —How could Esther participate in a pagan beauty contest? PROBLEM: It is evident that Esther was selected by God as His instrument...

Critics Ask: Est 2:13 ESTHER 2:1-18 —How could Esther participate in a pagan beauty contest? PROBLEM: It is evident that Esther was selected by God as His instrument...

Critics Ask: Est 2:14 ESTHER 2:1-18 —How could Esther participate in a pagan beauty contest? PROBLEM: It is evident that Esther was selected by God as His instrument...

Critics Ask: Est 2:15 ESTHER 2:1-18 —How could Esther participate in a pagan beauty contest? PROBLEM: It is evident that Esther was selected by God as His instrument...

Critics Ask: Est 2:16 ESTHER 2:1-18 —How could Esther participate in a pagan beauty contest? PROBLEM: It is evident that Esther was selected by God as His instrument...

Critics Ask: Est 2:17 ESTHER 2:1-18 —How could Esther participate in a pagan beauty contest? PROBLEM: It is evident that Esther was selected by God as His instrument...

Critics Ask: Est 2:18 ESTHER 2:1-18 —How could Esther participate in a pagan beauty contest? PROBLEM: It is evident that Esther was selected by God as His instrument...

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Introduction / Outline

JFB: Esther (Book Introduction) ESTHER derives its name from the Jewess, who, having become wife of the king of Persia, employed her royal influence to effect a memorable deliverance...

JFB: Esther (Outline) AHASUERUS MAKES ROYAL FEASTS. (Est. 1:1-22) ESTHER CHOSEN TO BE QUEEN. (Est. 2:1-20) MORDECAI, DISCOVERING A TREASON, IS RECORDED IN THE CHRONICLES. ...

TSK: Esther (Book Introduction) This Book, which derives its name from the person whose history it chiefly relates, is termed in Hebrew, מגלה [Strong’s 04039] אסתר [Str...

TSK: Esther 2 (Chapter Introduction) Overview Est 2:1, Out of the choice of virgins a queen is to be chosen; Est 2:5, Mordecai the nursing father of Esther; Est 2:8, Esther preferred ...

Poole: Esther 2 (Chapter Introduction) CHAPTER 2 The virgins of the kingdom being gathered together, a queen is to be chosen, Est 2:1-4 . Esther, nursed by Mordecai, is chosen to be one ...

MHCC: Esther (Book Introduction) We find in this book, that even those Jews who were scattered in the province of the heathen, were taken care of, and were wonderfully preserved, when...

MHCC: Esther 2 (Chapter Introduction) (v. 1-20) Esther chosen queen. (Est 2:21-23) Mordecai discovers a plot against the king.

Matthew Henry: Esther (Book Introduction) An Exposition, with Practical Observations, of The Book of Esther How the providence of God watched over the Jews that had returned out of captivity t...

Matthew Henry: Esther 2 (Chapter Introduction) Two things are recorded in this chapter, which were working towards the deliverance of the Jews from Haman's conspiracy: - 1I. The advancement of E...

Constable: Esther (Book Introduction) Introduction Title The title of this book comes from its principle character, Esther. ...

Constable: Esther (Outline) Outline I. God's preparations 1:1-2:20 A. Vashti deposed ch. 1 1. The ki...

Constable: Esther Esther Bibliography Archer, Gleason L., Jr. A Survey of Old Testament Introduction. 1964; revised ed., Chicago:...

Haydock: Esther (Book Introduction) THE BOOK OF ESTHER. INTRODUCTION. This Book takes its name from queen Esther; whose history is here recorded. The general opinion of almost all...

Gill: Esther (Book Introduction) INTRODUCTION TO ESTHER This book has its name from the person who is the principal subject of it; it is by Clemens of Alexandria a called the Book ...

Gill: Esther 2 (Chapter Introduction) INTRODUCTION TO ESTHER 2 By the advice of the ministers of King Ahasuerus, fair virgins were sought for throughout his dominions, and brought to hi...

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