Esther 2:20

20 Esther still had not revealed her birthplace or her ethnic background, as Mordecai had directed. She obeyed Mordecai's orders, as she always had while he raised her.

Esther 2:20 Meaning and Commentary

Esther 2:20

Esther had not showed her kindred nor her people, as Mordecai
had charged her
As not before, so neither since she was made queen, see ( Esther 2:10 ) , though, according to the Targums, she was urged to it by the king himself:

for Esther did the commandment of Mordecai, like as when she was
brought up with him:
which showed great humility in her, notwithstanding her advancement, great respect to him, and a sense of gratitude for the kindness he had shown; and this charge to her was still continued by Mordecai, partly that she might not fall into contempt, and partly to prevent hatred and envy to the Jewish nation, through her promotion; but chiefly so it was ordered in Providence, the proper time being not yet come.

Esther 2:20 In-Context

18 The king held a great banquet for all his officials and staff. It was Esther's banquet. He freed his provinces from tax payments and gave gifts worthy of the king's bounty.

19 When the young women were assembled together for a second time, Mordecai was sitting at the King's Gate.

20 Esther still had not revealed her birthplace or her ethnic background, as Mordecai had directed. She obeyed Mordecai's orders, as she always had while he raised her.

21 During those days while Mordecai was sitting at the King's Gate, Bigthan and Teresh, two eunuchs who guarded the [king's] entrance, became infuriated and tried to assassinate King Ahasuerus.

22 When Mordecai learned of the plot, he reported it to Queen Esther, and she told the king on Mordecai's behalf.