Esther 2

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 2:3

The house of the women . In an Oriental palace the women's apartments are always distinct from those of the men, and are usually placed in a separate building, which the Greeks called the gynaeceum, and the Jews "the house of the women." At Susa this was a large edifice, and comprised several subdivisions (see Esther 2:14 ). Hege, the king's chamberlain . Literally, "the king's eunuch, i.e. one of the royal eunuchs (see Esther 1:10 ). Keeper of the women . Strictly speaking, Hege... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 2:4

The verdict of pleasure an untrustworthy basis of action. If wisdom and goodness sometimes make all profit they can by embracing opportunity, much more often do policy and evil. For the "children of this world are wiser in their generation than the children of light." They most studiously adapt means to end; they most patiently bide their time; they most unerringly, in this disordered scene, this dislocated system, see and snatch the opportunity. Let us observe here the appeal made to... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 2:5

Now in Shushan … there was a certain Jew . Hitherto the narrative has been a mere story of the Persian court. Now at last a Jew is brought on the scene, very abruptly; and the history is to a certain extent attached to the other sacred books, and assigned its place, by the genealogy which follows. Whose name was Mordecai . The name Mordecai must almost certainly be connected with that of Marduk, or Merodach, the Babylonian and Assyrian god. But it may have been given to his son by a... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 2:5-6

A captive Hebrew. Among "the children of the captivity" were some remarkable instances of high character, beautiful patriotism, sincere and conspicuous piety. Ezra, Nehemiah, and Daniel come before the mind of the student of the later books of the Old Testament as persons who would have been an honour to any nation, any age, any condition of life. Mordecai may claim to rank with, or only just below, these noble men. His career furnishes us with several striking illustrations of the wisdom... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 2:5-16

The pagan harem and the Christian home. Every one is inclined to feel kindly toward the orphan Esther, who, at her own great risk, rendered such signal service to her race. But her introduction to us as one of the candidates for royal favour, among several other women of the harem, is far from pleasing. Under the teaching and influence of Christian truth we have formed habits and acquired instincts and sensibilities which are so far removed from those of Eastern lands, that it is difficult... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 2:5-20

Esther. The strange plan adopted for the providing of a new queen in the room of Vashti resulted in a good choice. We need not assume that Esther was a willing- candidate for royal honours. The account we have favours the belief that she passively yielded to a power which she could not resist. Among the attractive qualities she possessed, we may notice— I. BEAUTY . She had a fair form and a good countenance. Physical beauty is not to be despised. It is one of God's gifts, and has... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 2:5-20

Mordecai. Mordecai possessed a lofty nature, and was destined to do great things; but our notice of him here is restricted to his relation to Esther up to the time when she was made queen. He presents to our view— I. A FINE NATURAL DISPOSITION . When his cousin Esther lost her parents he "took her for his own daughter." His heart and home were at once opened to the little orphaned girl. The natures of men vary greatly. Some are born tender, some hard; but all may do much to... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 2:6

Who had been carried away . The word "who" may have either Kish or Mordecai for its antecedent. It is simplest, however, and most grammatical , to refer it to Kish. Chronological considerations also lead to the same result; and indeed, if we suppose Mordecai to be intended, we must give up the identification of Ahasuerus with Xerxes . The captivity which had been carried away with Jeconiah . There were at least three captivities of Judah the first when Daniel was carried away, in the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 2:7

He brought up Hadassah , that is, Esther. "Hadassah" has been compared with "Atossa," and "Esther" with "Amestris;" but there is probably no more ground for the one identification than the other. Mordecai's cousin received originally the Hebrew name of "Hadassah," a derivative of hadas "myrtle" (compare " Susannah " from shushan, "lily"); but was subsequently called by the Persians "Esther," which may either be Ishtar, "Venus," or an equivalent of the Zend ctare, Mod. Pers. ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 2:7

Esther. The Jewess after whom this sacred book is called has been always regarded by her nation with affectionate gratitude, on account of the service she rendered to Israel during the captivity. And there are some features of her character which claim our notice and admiration, and which explain the position she holds in the heart of the Hebrew people. We recognise in Esther— I. FILIAL AFFECTION AND REVERENCE . An orphan, she was adopted by her cousin and senior, Mordecai, who... read more

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 2:3

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 2:4

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 2:5

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 2:5-6

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 2:5-16

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 2:5-20

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 2:5-20

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 2:6

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 2:7

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 2:7

Verse of the Day

Daily Devotional

Group of Brands