Esther 2:17-23 (New International Version)
17
Now the king was attracted to Esther more than to any of the other women, and she won his favor and approval more than any of the other virgins. So he set a royal crown on her head and made her queen1 instead of Vashti.
18
And the king gave a great banquet,2 Esther's banquet, for all his nobles and officials.3 He proclaimed a holiday throughout the provinces and distributed gifts with royal liberality.4
Mordecai Uncovers a Conspiracy
19 When the virgins were assembled a second time, Mordecai was sitting at the king's gate.5 20 But Esther had kept secret her family background and nationality just as Mordecai had told her to do, for she continued to follow Mordecai's instructions as she had done when he was bringing her up.6 21 During the time Mordecai was sitting at the king's gate, Bigthanaa and Teresh, two of the king's officers7 who guarded the doorway, became angry8 and conspired to assassinate King Xerxes. 22 But Mordecai found out about the plot and told Queen Esther, who in turn reported it to the king, giving credit to Mordecai. 23 And when the report was investigated and found to be true, the two officials were hanged9 on a gallows.b All this was recorded in the book of the annals10 in the presence of the king.11Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. (New International Version)
Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
Geneva Study Bible
John Gill's Exposition of the Bible
Matthew Henry Commentary on the Whole Bible (Complete)
Matthew Henry Commentary on the Whole Bible (Concise)
Scofield Reference Notes (1917 Edition)
Treasury Of Scripture Knowledge
Wesley's Explanatory Notes
a.
Esther 2:21 - Hebrew "Bigthan," a variant of "Bigthana"
b.
Esther 2:23 - Or "were hung" (or "impaled") "on poles"; similarly elsewhere in Esther
6.
Esther 2:20 - ver 10