Esther 2:20

20 Esther had not made known her family and her people, just as Mordecai had instructed her; for Esther {did what Mordecai told her}, just as when she was brought up by him.

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 And the king gave a great banquet, Esther's banquet, for all his officials and servants. And he granted a tax amnesty to the provinces and he gave gifts with royal liberality.

19 When [the] virgins were gathered a second time, Mordecai [was] sitting at the gate of the king.

20 Esther had not made known her family and her people, just as Mordecai had instructed her; for Esther {did what Mordecai told her}, just as when she was brought up by him.

21 In those days Mordecai [was] sitting at the gate of the king. Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king's eunuchs from the keepers of the threshold, became angry and they conspired {to assassinate} King Ahasuerus.

22 And the matter became known to Mordecai and he told [it] to Queen Esther, and Esther told [it] to the king in the name of Mordecai.

Footnotes

• [a]. Literally "did the word of Mordecai"