Esther 2:3-4

3 "Let the king appoint overseers in ¹all the provinces of his kingdom that they may gather every beautiful young virgin to the citadel of Susa, to the harem *, into the custody of ²Hegai, the king's eunuch, who is in charge of the women; and ³let their cosmetics be given them.

4 "Then let the young lady who pleases * the king be queen in place of Vashti." And the matter pleased * the king, and he did accordingly.

Esther 2:3-4 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO ESTHER 2

By the advice of the ministers of King Ahasuerus, fair virgins were sought for throughout his dominions, and brought to his chamberlain, the keeper of the women, among whom was Esther, a Jewish virgin, Es 2:1-8, who found favour with the chamberlain, and afterwards with the king, who made her queen instead of Vashti, and a feast on that account, Es 2:9-18. Mordecai, to whom Esther was related, and according to whose advice she acted, sitting in the king's gate, discovered a conspiracy against the king, which he now made known to Esther, Es 2:19-23.

Cross References

• 1. Esther 1:1, 2
• 2. Esther 2:8, 15
• 3. Esther 2:9, 12