Esther 2:19

19 But Mardochaeus served in the palace.

Esther 2:19 Meaning and Commentary

Esther 2:19

And when the virgins were gathered together the second time,
&c.] Some think this second collection is that which was made when Esther was taken and brought to the keeper of the women, called the second, in reference to a former collection of them, made when Vashti was taken and made queen; but as there is no proof of any such collection then made, rather the case was this, such was the lust of the king, though he had a queen he loved, and a multitude of concubine's, yet a second collection of virgins was made for his gratification:

then Mordecai sat in the king's gate;
or court, being an officer in it, promoted by the interest of Esther, though not as yet known to be a relation of her's: so (yura) in Xenophon ^F26 is used of the court of the king of Persia, as the Ottoman or Turkish court is now called the "Porte".

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FOOTNOTES:

F26 Cyropaedia, l. 8. c. 2, 5, 11, 40.

Esther 2:19 In-Context

17 And the king loved Esther, and she found favour beyond all the virgins: and he put on her the queen's crown.

18 And the king made a banquet for all his friends and great men for seven days, and he highly celebrated the marriage of Esther; and he made a release to those who were under his dominion.

19 But Mardochaeus served in the palace.

20 Now Esther had not discovered her kindred; for so Mardochaeus commanded her, to fear God, and perform his commandments, as when she was with him: and Esther changed not her manner of life.

21 And two chamberlains of the king, the chiefs of the body-guard, were grieved, because Mardochaeus was promoted; and they sought to kill king Artaxerxes.