Esther 2:8

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.

So it came to pass, when the king's {H4428} commandment {H1697} and his decree {H1881} was heard {H8085}, and when many {H7227} maidens {H5291} were gathered together {H6908} unto Shushan {H7800} the palace {H1002}, to the custody {H3027} of Hegai {H1896}, that Esther {H635} was brought {H3947} also unto the king's {H4428} house {H1004}, to the custody {H3027} of Hegai {H1896}, keeper {H8104} of the women {H802}.

When the king's order and decree were proclaimed, and many girls assembled in Shushan the capital under the care of Hegai, Ester too was taken into the king's house and put under the care of Hegai, who was in charge of the women.

When the king’s command and edict had been proclaimed, many young women gathered at the citadel of Susa under the care of Hegai. Esther was also taken to the palace and placed under the care of Hegai, the custodian of the women.

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 taken into the king’s house, to the custody of Hegai, keeper of the women.

Commentary

Esther 2:8 marks a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative, detailing how Esther, a young Jewish orphan, was brought into the royal palace of King Ahasuerus in Shushan. This verse sets the stage for her remarkable ascent to queen and her subsequent role in saving her people.

Context

Following the dramatic dismissal of Queen Vashti (see Esther 1:19), King Ahasuerus issued a decree throughout his vast Persian Empire to gather all beautiful young virgins to his capital, Shushan the palace. The purpose was for him to select a new queen from among them. This was not merely a local event but a nationwide conscription of eligible maidens, highlighting the absolute authority of the Persian king. Esther, guided by her cousin Mordecai (as introduced in Esther 2:7), became one of these many young women.

Key Themes

  • Divine Providence: Though God is never explicitly mentioned in the Book of Esther, His unseen hand is evident throughout the narrative. Esther's inclusion in this seemingly random selection process is a clear example of divine orchestration, positioning her for a future role in protecting the Jewish people.
  • Obedience and Humility: Esther, despite the uncertainty of her situation, complied with the king's decree and followed Mordecai's instructions, demonstrating a humble and obedient spirit.
  • Transition and Vulnerability: The verse captures Esther's forced transition from her relatively simple life to the complex and potentially dangerous environment of the royal harem, under the custody of Hegai.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Shushan the palace" refers to Susa, one of the ancient capital cities of the Persian Empire, known for its grandeur. Hegai (or Hegai) was the king's eunuch, specifically "keeper of the women," meaning he was in charge of the royal harem and responsible for preparing the maidens for their presentation to the king. His role was crucial in the beauty regimen and training of the women, and he would later play a significant part in Esther's favorable treatment.

Practical Application

Esther 2:8 reminds us that even in seemingly ordinary or unsettling circumstances, God can be at work, preparing individuals for His purposes. Esther's journey began not with a grand calling, but with a simple compliance to a king's decree. This can encourage believers to trust God's sovereignty even when faced with uncertain futures or unexpected changes. Like Esther, we are called to be faithful in our present circumstances, allowing God to guide our steps toward His ultimate plan, even if it is not immediately clear.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Esther 2:3

    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]:

  • Esther 2:15

    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.
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