Esther 2:2

Then said the king's servants that ministered unto him, Let there be fair young virgins sought for the king:

Then said {H559} the king's {H4428} servants {H5288} that ministered {H8334} unto him, Let there be fair {H2896}{H4758} young {H5291} virgins {H1330} sought {H1245} for the king {H4428}:

The king's servants attending him said, "A search should be made for young, good-looking virgins.

Then the king’s attendants proposed, “Let a search be made for beautiful young virgins for the king,

Then said the king’s servants that ministered unto him, Let there be fair young virgins sought for the king:

Esther 2:2 marks a pivotal moment in the biblical book of Esther, setting the stage for the introduction of its heroine. Following the deposition of Queen Vashti in Esther 1:19, King Ahasuerus's servants propose a solution to his need for a new queen: a kingdom-wide search for "fair young virgins."

Context

After his anger subsided concerning Queen Vashti's refusal to appear before him, King Ahasuerus was left without a queen. His advisors, recognizing the need for stability and a successor to the royal consort, suggested a beauty contest. This verse reveals the initial step in this process: a decree to seek out beautiful young women from all provinces of the vast Persian Empire. This was a common practice in ancient monarchies, where kings would gather women for their harem or to select a new queen, often for political alliances or personal pleasure.

Key Themes

  • Royal Authority: The verse immediately highlights the absolute power of King Ahasuerus, whose personal desires directly influence kingdom-wide policy. His servants' suggestion reflects their understanding of his will and the prevailing customs of the time.
  • Objectification of Women: The search for "fair young virgins" underscores a cultural reality where women, especially in royal courts, were often viewed as commodities or possessions, valued primarily for their beauty and suitability to serve the king's pleasure or perpetuate his lineage.
  • Divine Providence (Behind the Scenes): While not explicitly stated in this verse, this human scheme ultimately serves as the instrument through which God's hidden plan unfolds. It is this very search that will bring Esther, a Jewish orphan, into the royal palace (Esther 2:7) and position her to save her people.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase translated "fair young virgins" is na'arot betulah. Na'arot refers to young women or girls, while betulah specifically denotes virginity. The emphasis is on youth, beauty, and purity, qualities highly sought after for a royal consort in that cultural context. This selection process was designed to ensure the most desirable candidates were presented to the king.

Practical Application

While the cultural practices described in Esther 2:2 are far removed from modern sensibilities and raise ethical questions about human dignity, the verse serves as a critical narrative link. It reminds us that even through seemingly unjust or morally ambiguous human actions and systems, God can sovereignly work to accomplish His purposes. For believers, it's a testament to the idea that God's hand is often at work in the background, orchestrating events to fulfill His promises and protect His people, even when His name is not explicitly mentioned, as is the case throughout the Book of Esther. This verse is the beginning of the path that leads to Esther being brought to the kingdom for such a time as this.

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.

  • 1 Kings 1:2

    Wherefore his servants said unto him, Let there be sought for my lord the king a young virgin: and let her stand before the king, and let her cherish him, and let her lie in thy bosom, that my lord the king may get heat.

  • Genesis 12:14

    ¶ And it came to pass, that, when Abram was come into Egypt, the Egyptians beheld the woman that she [was] very fair.

  • Esther 6:14

    And while they [were] yet talking with him, came the king's chamberlains, and hasted to bring Haman unto the banquet that Esther had prepared.

  • Esther 1:10

    ¶ On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, and Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas, the seven chamberlains that served in the presence of Ahasuerus the king,

  • Esther 1:14

    And the next unto him [was] Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, [and] Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media, which saw the king's face, [and] which sat the first in the kingdom;)

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