Esther 2:10

Esther had not shewed her people nor her kindred: for Mordecai had charged her that she should not shew [it].

Esther {H635} had not shewed {H5046} her people {H5971} nor her kindred {H4138}: for Mordecai {H4782} had charged {H6680} her that she should not shew {H5046} it.

Ester did not disclose her people or family ties, because Mordekhai had instructed her not to tell anyone.

Esther did not reveal her people or her lineage, because Mordecai had instructed her not to do so.

Esther had not made known her people nor her kindred; for Mordecai had charged her that she should not make it known.

Esther 2:10 reveals a crucial aspect of Esther's early days in King Ahasuerus's palace: her hidden identity. This verse states that Esther, following the strict instructions of her cousin and guardian Mordecai, did not disclose her Jewish heritage or family background to anyone in the royal court. This act of discretion was a significant factor in the unfolding narrative of the book.

Context

At this point in the narrative, young Esther (Hadassah) has been brought into the king's harem as one of many beautiful virgins being prepared to potentially succeed Queen Vashti. She is an orphan, having been raised by her cousin Mordecai in Susa, the capital of the vast Persian Empire. The Jewish people were exiles in Persia, a vulnerable minority. Mordecai's command for Esther to keep her ethnicity secret was a protective measure, likely born out of wisdom and concern for her safety in a foreign, potentially hostile environment. This period is detailed in Esther 2:7, which describes Mordecai's deep care for her.

Key Themes

  • Prudence and Discretion: Esther's obedience highlights the value of wisdom and carefulness in sensitive situations. Her ability to keep such a significant secret demonstrates remarkable self-control and adherence to Mordecai's counsel.
  • Protection and Secrecy: Mordecai's instruction was a strategic move to safeguard Esther. In a palace setting, revealing one's identity could expose vulnerabilities or attract prejudice. This hidden identity later becomes instrumental in God's plan to save His people.
  • Obedience to Authority: Esther's immediate and consistent obedience to Mordecai's charge, even after entering the royal household, underscores her respect and trust in her guardian. This obedience is a recurring theme in her character, setting the stage for her later brave actions.
  • Divine Providence: While not explicitly stated, the secrecy surrounding Esther's identity is an example of how God works behind the scenes, using human choices and hidden circumstances to accomplish His sovereign purposes. This echoes themes found in other biblical narratives where God's hand is seen in seemingly coincidental events, such as Joseph's story in Genesis 50:20.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "had not shewed" simply means "had not revealed" or "had not disclosed." The Hebrew word used, nagad (נגד), often implies making something known, telling, or declaring. In this context, it emphasizes the deliberate act of withholding information about her people and kindred. There isn't a complex linguistic nuance here, but the straightforward meaning underscores the intentionality of Esther's secrecy.

Practical Application

This verse offers valuable lessons for today. Sometimes, wisdom calls for discretion, knowing when and what to reveal about oneself or one's circumstances. It teaches us the importance of trusting the counsel of wise mentors, especially in unfamiliar or challenging environments. Furthermore, it reminds believers that God can work through seemingly ordinary or even hidden circumstances. Just as Esther's concealed identity played a vital role in the deliverance of the Jewish people, God can use our current situations, even those we keep private, for His greater purposes. Eventually, Esther does reveal her people, but only when it serves a critical purpose, as seen in Esther 7:4.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Matthew 10:16

    Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

  • Esther 2:20

    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.

  • Ephesians 6:1

    ¶ Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.

  • Esther 3:8

    And Haman said unto king Ahasuerus, There is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among the people in all the provinces of thy kingdom; and their laws [are] diverse from all people; neither keep they the king's laws: therefore it [is] not for the king's profit to suffer them.

  • Esther 4:13

    Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king's house, more than all the Jews.

  • Esther 4:14

    For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, [then] shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for [such] a time as this?

  • Esther 2:7

    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.

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