All the officials of the provinces, the satraps, the governors and those who performed the king’s business were assisting the Jews, for the dread of Mordecai had fallen on them.

This young woman pleased him,<n id="1" /> 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<n id="2" /> young women who were from the palace. He then transferred her and her young women to the best quarters in the harem.<n id="3" />p>

And the king loved Esther more than all the other women, and she met with his loving approval<n id="1" /> more than all the other young women.<n id="2" /> So he placed the royal high turban on her head and appointed her queen<n id="3" /> in place of Vashti.

<t /><p class="bodytext">Some time later<n id="1" /> King Ahasuerus promoted<n id="2" /> Haman the son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, exalting him and setting his position<n id="3" /> above that of all the officials who were with him.

When the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, she met with his approval.<n id="1" /> The king extended to Esther the gold scepter that was in his hand, and Esther approached and touched the end of the scepter.p>

Haman then recounted to them his fabulous wealth,<n id="1" /> his many sons,<n id="2" /> and how the king had magnified him and exalted him over the king&#8217;s other officials and servants.

<p class="bodytext">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<n id="1" />) to go to the king, she did not request anything except what Hegai the king&#8217;s eunuch, who was overseer of the women, had recommended. Yet Esther met with the approval of all who saw her.