2:8 It so happened that when the king’s edict and his law became known 1 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 2 to be under the authority of Hegai, who was overseeing the women. 2:9 This young woman pleased him, 3 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 4 young women who were from the palace. He then transferred her and her young women to the best quarters in the harem. 5
1 tn Heb “were heard” (so NASB); NRSV “were (had been NIV) proclaimed.”
2 tn Heb “the house of the king.” So also in vv. 9, 13. Cf. NLT “the king’s harem.”
3 tn Heb “was good in his eyes”; NLT “Hegai was very impressed with Esther.”
4 tn Heb “being looked at (with favor).”
5 tn Heb “of the house of the women” (so KJV, ASV). So also in vv. 11, 13, 14.