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.

In the evening {H6153} she went {H935}, and on the morrow {H1242} she returned {H7725} into the second {H8145} house {H1004} of the women {H802}, to the custody {H3027} of Shaashgaz {H8190}, the king's {H4428} chamberlain {H5631}, which kept {H8104} the concubines {H6370}: she came in {H935} unto the king {H4428} no more, except the king {H4428} delighted {H2654} in her, and that she were called {H7121} by name {H8034}.

She would go in the evening, and on the following day she would return to another part of the harem's house and be under the care of Sha'ashgaz the king's officer in charge of the concubines. She would not go to the king again unless he was especially pleased with her and had her summoned by name.

She would go there in the evening, and in the morning she would return to a second harem under the care of Shaashgaz, the king’s eunuch in charge of the concubines. She would not return to the king unless he delighted in her and summoned her by name.

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, who kept the concubines: she came in unto the king no more, except the king delighted in her, and she were called by name.

Esther 2:14 describes the routine and ultimate fate of the young women who were presented to King Ahasuerus as part of the selection process for a new queen in the Persian Empire.

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse offers a stark glimpse into the realities of the Persian court during the reign of King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I, 486-465 BC). After spending a night with the king, each woman would move from the initial house of virgins to a "second house of the women." This was essentially the royal harem, under the charge of Shaashgaz, the king's chamberlain. This system illustrates the absolute power of the monarch and the highly formalized, often dehumanizing, treatment of women in the ancient Near East. Their lives were entirely at the king's whim, and their future, unless chosen as queen, was to live as concubines, rarely, if ever, seeing the king again.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The King's Absolute Authority: The verse underscores the immense power of Ahasuerus. His pleasure determined the women's status and future, highlighting the arbitrary nature of royal favor in the Persian court.
  • Objectification and Loss of Autonomy: The women are presented as commodities, their worth measured by their ability to please the king. Once they had their turn, they became part of a vast pool of concubines, losing their individual identity and freedom. This starkly contrasts with the Biblical teaching of human dignity and value, where every person is created in God's image.
  • The Concubine System: The "second house" was a permanent residence for those not chosen as queen, signifying a life of indefinite waiting and subservience. Their only hope of a further audience with the king was if he "delighted in her, and that she were called by name," a rare and special summons.
  • A Glimpse of Hope (for Esther): While this verse paints a bleak picture for most women, it sets the stage for Esther's unique journey. She, too, would go through this process, but her story would deviate dramatically from this typical outcome, demonstrating God's sovereign hand at work even in human systems.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "called by name" (Hebrew: qārā' bəšēm) is significant. It implies a personal and specific summons, rather than a general request. For a woman to be "called by name" after her initial night meant she had left a strong, positive impression on the king, indicating a potential for further favor or even consideration for the queen position, as was the case with Esther in Esther 2:17. The term "delighted in her" (Hebrew: ḥāfēṣ) conveys a strong sense of pleasure and desire, going beyond mere physical attraction to a deeper appreciation.

Practical Application

While the circumstances of Esther 2:14 are far removed from modern life, the verse highlights enduring themes. It reminds us of the fragility of human power and the contrast between human systems, which can often objectify and control, and God's divine plan. Even in seemingly hopeless or unjust situations, God can orchestrate events for His purposes. The verse also subtly emphasizes the importance of personal favor and recognition in a world that often treats individuals impersonally. For believers, it serves as a reminder that our ultimate worth and calling come not from human decree but from our Creator, who calls us by name.

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.

  • Esther 4:11

    All the king's servants, and the people of the king's provinces, do know, that whosoever, whether man or woman, shall come unto the king into the inner court, who is not called, [there is] one law of his to put [him] to death, except such to whom the king shall hold out the golden sceptre, that he may live: but I have not been called to come in unto the king these thirty days.

  • Isaiah 45:4

    For Jacob my servant's sake, and Israel mine elect, I have even called thee by thy name: I have surnamed thee, though thou hast not known me.

  • Deuteronomy 21:14

    And it shall be, if thou have no delight in her, then thou shalt let her go whither she will; but thou shalt not sell her at all for money, thou shalt not make merchandise of her, because thou hast humbled her.

  • Isaiah 62:4

    Thou shalt no more be termed Forsaken; neither shall thy land any more be termed Desolate: but thou shalt be called Hephzibah, and thy land Beulah: for the LORD delighteth in thee, and thy land shall be married.

  • Isaiah 62:5

    For [as] a young man marrieth a virgin, [so] shall thy sons marry thee: and [as] the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, [so] shall thy God rejoice over thee.

  • Genesis 34:19

    And the young man deferred not to do the thing, because he had delight in Jacob's daughter: and he [was] more honourable than all the house of his father.

  • Isaiah 43:1

    ¶ But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called [thee] by thy name; thou [art] mine.

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