1 After these things, when the wrath of king Ahasuerus was appeased, he remembered Vashti, and what she had done, and what was decreed against her.
2 Then said the king’s servants that ministered unto him, Let there be fair young virgins sought for the king:
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 palace, to the house of the women, unto the custody of Hege the king’s chamberlain, keeper of the women; and let their things for purification be given [them]:
4 And let the maiden which pleaseth the king be queen instead of Vashti. And the thing pleased the king; and he did so.
5 [Now] in Shushan the palace there was a certain Jew, whose name [was] Mordecai, the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite;
6 Who had been carried away from Jerusalem with the captivity which had been carried away with Jeconiah king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away.
7 And he brought up Hadassah, that [is], Esther, his uncle’s daughter: for she had neither father nor mother, and the maid [was] fair and beautiful; whom Mordecai, when her father and mother were dead, took for his own daughter.
8 So it came to pass, when the king’s commandment and his decree was heard, and when many maidens were gathered together unto Shushan the palace, to the custody of Hegai, that Esther was brought also unto the king’s house, to the custody of Hegai, keeper of the women.
9 And the maiden pleased him, and she obtained kindness of him; and he speedily gave her her things for purification, with such things as belonged to her, and seven maidens, [which were] meet to be given her, out of the king’s house: and he preferred her and her maids unto the best [place] of the house of the women.
10 Esther had not shewed her people nor her kindred: for Mordecai had charged her that she should not shew [it].
11 And Mordecai walked every day before the court of the women’s house, to know how Esther did, and what should become of her.
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 the women, (for so were the days of their purifications accomplished, [to wit], six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with sweet odours, and with [other] things for the purifying of the women;)
13 Then thus came [every] maiden unto the king; whatsoever she desired was given her to go with her out of the house of the women unto the king’s house.
14 In the evening she went, and on the morrow she returned into the second house of the women, to the custody of Shaashgaz, the king’s chamberlain, which kept the concubines: she came in unto the king no more, except the king delighted in her, and that she were called by name.
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 required nothing but what Hegai the king’s chamberlain, the keeper of the women, appointed. And Esther obtained favour in the sight of all them that looked upon her.
16 So Esther was taken unto king Ahasuerus into his house royal in the tenth month, which [is] the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign.
17 And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favour in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti.
18 Then the king made a great feast unto all his princes and his servants, [even] Esther’s feast; and he made a release to the provinces, and gave gifts, according to the state of the king.
19 And when the virgins were gathered together the second time, then Mordecai sat in the king’s gate.
20 Esther had not [yet] shewed her kindred nor her people; as Mordecai had charged her: for Esther did the commandment of Mordecai, like as when she was brought up with him.
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, and sought to lay hand on the king Ahasuerus.
22 And the thing was known to Mordecai, who told [it] unto Esther the queen; and Esther certified the king [thereof] in Mordecai’s name.
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 chronicles before the king.
Summary of Esther Chapter 2
Esther Chapter 2 continues the narrative of the Jewish girl Esther, who becomes the queen of Persia. This chapter outlines the events following Queen Vashti’s banishment and the search for a new queen, ultimately leading to Esther’s rise to prominence.
Key Characters
- Esther: A Jewish orphan raised by her cousin Mordecai, who becomes the new queen of Persia.
- Mordecai: Esther’s cousin and guardian, who plays a crucial role in her life and the events that unfold.
- Xerxes (Ahasuerus): The king of Persia, seeking a new queen after dismissing Vashti.
- Hegai: The king’s eunuch in charge of the harem, who helps prepare the women for the king.
Plot Analysis
- The Search for a New Queen:
Following Queen Vashti’s refusal to obey the king, Xerxes seeks a new queen. A decree is issued throughout the kingdom to gather beautiful young women to the palace.
- Esther’s Selection:
Esther is among the women brought to the palace. She finds favor with Hegai, who oversees the women’s preparations. Hegai provides her with special treatment and the best food and cosmetics.
- Esther’s Identity:
Esther conceals her Jewish heritage as advised by Mordecai, showcasing the theme of identity and the complexities of living in a foreign land.
- Esther’s Presentation to the King:
Esther is presented to King Xerxes, who is captivated by her beauty and chooses her as his queen, replacing Vashti. This moment marks a significant turning point in the narrative.
- Mordecai’s Role:
Mordecai, who sits at the king’s gate, uncovers a plot to assassinate the king. He informs Esther, who relays the information to Xerxes, leading to the execution of the conspirators. This act establishes Mordecai’s loyalty and sets the stage for future events.
Thematic Elements
- Identity and Concealment: Esther’s decision to hide her Jewish identity reflects the complexities of cultural assimilation and the challenges faced by minorities.
- Divine Providence: The chapter hints at the theme of divine intervention, suggesting that Esther’s rise to queenship is part of a larger plan.
- Power Dynamics: The chapter explores the power dynamics within the Persian court, highlighting the precarious position of women and the influence of beauty and favor.
Symbolism
- The Harem: Represents the objectification of women and the competition for power and status.
- Beauty Treatments: Symbolize the superficial values of the court and the lengths to which individuals go to gain favor.
Conclusion
Esther Chapter 2 is pivotal in establishing the foundation for the unfolding drama in the Book of Esther. It introduces key characters and themes while setting the stage for the conflicts and resolutions that will follow. Esther’s journey from an orphan to queen illustrates the complexities of identity, loyalty, and the potential for individuals to effect change in dire circumstances.
