Esther 2:9

And the maiden pleased him, and she obtained kindness of him; and he speedily gave her her things for purification, with such things as belonged to her, and seven maidens, [which were] meet to be given her, out of the king's house: and he preferred her and her maids unto the best [place] of the house of the women.

And the maiden {H5291} pleased {H3190}{H5869} him, and she obtained {H5375} kindness {H2617} of him {H6440}; and he speedily {H926} gave {H5414} her her things for purification {H8562}, with such things as belonged {H4490} to her, and seven {H7651} maidens {H5291}, which were meet {H7200} to be given {H5414} her, out of the king's {H4428} house {H1004}: and he preferred {H8138} her and her maids {H5291} unto the best {H2896} place of the house {H1004} of the women {H802}.

The girl pleased him and won his favor, so that he lost no time in giving her her cosmetics, her portions [of special food] and seven girls from the king's palace to attend her; he also promoted her and the girls attending her to the best place in the harem's quarters.

And the young woman pleased him and obtained his favor, so he quickly provided her with beauty treatments and the special diet. He assigned to her seven select maidservants from the palace and transferred her with them to the best place in the harem.

And the maiden pleased him, and she obtained kindness of him; and he speedily gave her her things for purification, with her portions, and the seven maidens who were meet to be given her out of the king’s house: and he removed her and her maidens to the best place of the house of the women.

Esther 2:9 describes the immediate favor Esther received from Hegai, the king's eunuch and keeper of the harem, upon her arrival at the Persian palace. This verse highlights her rapid distinction among the many young women gathered for King Ahasuerus's selection process, setting the stage for her future elevation.

Historical and Cultural Context

The Book of Esther is set in the vast Persian Empire, specifically in the capital city of Susa, during the reign of King Ahasuerus (widely identified as Xerxes I), following the Babylonian exile of the Jewish people. After Queen Vashti's dethronement, a kingdom-wide search was launched to find a new queen. Hundreds of beautiful young virgins were brought to the palace and placed under the care of Hegai. The mention of "her things for purification" refers to a meticulous, year-long beauty regimen involving specific oils and perfumes, as further detailed in Esther 2:12. This elaborate process underscores the strict protocols and opulence of the Persian court and the significant preparation required for any woman to meet the king.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Favor and Providence: Although the name of God is notably absent from the Book of Esther, Esther's immediate and exceptional favor with Hegai is often seen as a clear manifestation of divine providence. This unmerited kindness set her apart and positioned her for the critical role she would later play in saving her people. This theme of finding favor in high places is also evident in other biblical narratives, such as Joseph finding favor in Egypt (Genesis 39:21).
  • Preparation and Process: The verse emphasizes the prompt and thorough provision for Esther's purification and comfort. Hegai's speedy action in providing her with dedicated attendants and moving her to the "best place" indicates his recognition of her potential and his commitment to her preparation.
  • Esther's Character: Her ability to "please him" and "obtain kindness" suggests a winsome, agreeable, and perhaps humble demeanor. Her character stood out, allowing her to gain the trust and favor of Hegai, which was crucial for her advancement.
  • Elevated Status: Hegai's decision to "prefer her and her maids unto the best place of the house of the women" signifies her immediate elevation and preferential treatment, indicating she was distinguished from the other maidens from the very beginning.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated as "kindness" in this verse is chesed (חֶסֶד). While often translated as steadfast love or mercy, here it speaks to Hegai's benevolent and gracious disposition towards Esther, a favor beyond impartiality. The phrase "he preferred her" comes from the Hebrew root shanah (שָׁנָה), which can mean to change, repeat, or distinguish. In this context, it signifies that Hegai elevated her status and gave her special attention, setting her apart from the other women.

Practical Application

Esther's story serves as a powerful reminder that God often works through seemingly ordinary circumstances and human interactions to achieve His grand purposes. Even when His direct hand isn't explicitly visible, His sovereign plan can guide events and incline the hearts of people. For believers today, this verse encourages us to cultivate a character marked by grace, humility, and teachability, as these qualities can open doors and create opportunities. It also highlights the importance of being prepared for the unique roles God might call us to, trusting that He will provide the necessary resources and favor, perhaps even for a time such as this (Esther 4:14).

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 39:21

    But the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison.

  • Proverbs 16:7

    ¶ When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.

  • 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 2:12

    Now when every maid's turn was come to go in to king Ahasuerus, after that she had been twelve months, according to the manner of the women, (for so were the days of their purifications accomplished, [to wit], six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with sweet odours, and with [other] things for the purifying of the women;)

  • Daniel 1:9

    Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs.

  • Ezra 7:6

    This Ezra went up from Babylon; and he [was] a ready scribe in the law of Moses, which the LORD God of Israel had given: and the king granted him all his request, according to the hand of the LORD his God upon him.

  • Psalms 106:46

    He made them also to be pitied of all those that carried them captives.

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