Esther 2:11

And Mordecai walked every day before the court of the women's house, to know how Esther did, and what should become of her.

And Mordecai {H4782} walked {H1980} every day {H3117} before {H6440} the court {H2691} of the women's {H802} house {H1004}, to know {H3045} how Esther {H635} did {H7965}, and what should become {H6213} of her.

Every day Mordekhai would walk around in front of the courtyard of the harem's house in order to know how Ester was doing and what was happening to her.

And every day Mordecai would walk back and forth in front of the court of the harem to learn about Esther’s welfare and what was happening to her.

And Mordecai walked every day before the court of the women’s house, to know how Esther did, and what would become of her.

Esther 2:11 highlights Mordecai's deep and consistent care for his adopted cousin, Esther, after she was taken into King Ahasuerus's harem in Susa. This seemingly simple act of daily vigilance underscores a crucial aspect of the unfolding divine drama.

Context

Following Queen Vashti's deposition (Esther 1:19), King Ahasuerus initiated a search for a new queen, leading to many young virgins, including Esther, being gathered into the royal palace at Susa. They were placed under the care of Hegai, the king's eunuch, in the "women's house," a designated part of the palace for the harem. Esther, a Jewish orphan raised by Mordecai, found herself in a highly vulnerable and uncertain position, separated from her guardian and immersed in a foreign, pagan culture.

Key Themes

  • Mordecai's Diligent Care: The phrase "walked every day" emphasizes Mordecai's unwavering commitment and protective instinct. He wasn't just casually checking in; he was persistently present, seeking to understand Esther's well-being and her future. This demonstrates a profound sense of responsibility and familial devotion.
  • Esther's Vulnerability and Uncertainty: Esther's entry into the king's harem was not by her choice, and her future was entirely dependent on the king's favor. Mordecai's concern reflects the precariousness of her situation, highlighting the emotional and physical challenges she faced in a foreign and potentially hostile environment.
  • Subtle Providence: While God is not explicitly mentioned in the Book of Esther, Mordecai's consistent oversight is a critical link in the chain of events that will ultimately lead to the deliverance of the Jewish people. His actions, driven by love and concern, are part of the larger, unseen plan of divine providence.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase for "walked every day" (הָלַךְ בְּכָל־יוֹם, halakh b'khol-yom) conveys a sense of routine, diligence, and persistent effort. It's not a fleeting visit but a consistent, daily practice, underscoring Mordecai's deep commitment to Esther's welfare. This consistency is a key aspect of his character and role throughout the narrative.

Practical Application

Esther 2:11 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of faithful guardianship and consistent care for those we love, especially when they are in vulnerable or challenging circumstances. Mordecai's example encourages us to be vigilant, supportive, and actively engaged in the well-being of our family and community members. It also subtly teaches us to trust that even in uncertain times, and through the seemingly ordinary actions of faithful individuals, God is at work, orchestrating events for His purposes and the good of His people.

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.

  • Genesis 37:14

    And he said to him, Go, I pray thee, see whether it be well with thy brethren, and well with the flocks; and bring me word again. So he sent him out of the vale of Hebron, and he came to Shechem.

  • 1 Samuel 17:18

    And carry these ten cheeses unto the captain of [their] thousand, and look how thy brethren fare, and take their pledge.

  • Acts 15:36

    ¶ And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, [and see] how they do.

  • Esther 2:13

    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.

  • Esther 2:14

    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.

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