Esther 2

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 2:7

Adoption. Esther was early left fatherless and motherless, and in her orphanage found a friend and benefactor in Mordecai, her cousin, and evidently her senior by many years. He adopted her, and treated her as his own child. Under his roof and protection she lived, until, for her beauty, she was selected for the household of the king. This is but one of many illustrations of the practice of adoption issuing in signal advantages to both parties. I. Observe THE ADVANTAGES ESTHER ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 2:8

His decree . Literally, "his law"—the same word as that which occurs in the phrase "the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not" ( Daniel 6:8 , Daniel 6:12 , etc.). Hegai . The "Hege" of Esther 2:3 . Slight differences in the mode of spelling names were common at this period. Esther was brought . Some have rendered, "was forcibly brought;" and in the second Targum on Esther there is a story that Mordecai concealed her to prevent her from becoming an inmate of the royal... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 2:9

The maiden pleased him . Literally, "was good in his eyes," the same expression as that which occurs in Esther 1:21 . And she obtained kindness of him . This is a phrase peculiar to the Book of Esther, and a favourite one with the author (see verses 15, 17; and Esther 5:2 ). It is better translated "she obtained favour" (as in all the other places where it occurs) than "she obtained kindness," though the latter translation is more literal . Her things for purification. See verse 12 ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 2:10

Esther had not showed her people . To have confessed that she was a Jewess would probably have roused a prejudice against her, or at any rate have prevented her from being received with special favour. Mordecai, knowing this, had instructed her to say nothing to Hegel on the subject, and no one else, it would seem, had enlightened him. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 2:10

Reserve and reticence. Both when residing in the king's house, under the custody of Hegai, the keeper of the women, and afterwards, when promoted to be queen, Esther concealed her family and her nationality. This is expressly mentioned in verses 10 and 20, and stress is evidently laid upon her acting thus. A general practical lesson may be drawn from this part of Esther's conduct. I. THERE ARE OCCASIONS FOR RESERVE AND RETICENCE WITH REGARD TO ONESELF . Such... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 2:11

Mordecai walked every day before the court of the women's house . Mordecai seems to have been one of the porters at the main entrance to the palace, and his proper place was at the gateway. He contrived, however, during some part of each day to visit the court in front-of the seraglio, in order to see Esther, or at any rate obtain intelligence concerning her. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 2:11

Watchful solicitude. It is observable that Mordecai did not remit his attention and care when his adopted daughter was taken into the royal palace. He still made it his daily business to ascertain her happiness and her prospects. Remark— I. THAT THE YOUNG AND INEXPERIENCED NEED TO BE WATCHED WITH A ZEALOUS AND AFFECTIONATE CARE . NO person with any experience of human life can be ignorant of this necessity. How many young people have we known who have been... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 2:11

A relative's solicitude. "Mordecai walked every day before the court." Esther was cousin-german to Mordecai, being the daughter of his father's brother. Her relationship was not, therefore, very close, yet we see what great interest Mordecai took in her. The text teaches us— I. How GOD RAISES UP FRIENDS FOR THE APPARENTLY FRIENDLESS , Esther's parents were possibly very troubled, when passing from this world, as to what would become of their daughter. God, however,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 2:12

After she had been twelve months, according to the manner of the women. Rather, "After she had been (in the palace), according to the law prescribed to the women, twelve months." A year's purification was considered necessary before any maiden could approach the king (see the comment on Esther 2:3 ). Six months with oil of myrrh . Myrrh was highly esteemed, both for its scent and for its purifying power, by the ancients. In Egypt it was employed largely in the preparation of mummies... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 2:13

Then thus came every maiden , etc. Rather, "And when each maiden came thus purified to the king, whatever she asked was given her," etc. The whole verse is one sentence. The meaning is, that on quitting the house of the women for the king's apartments, each maiden was entitled to demand anything that she liked in the way of dress or ornament, and it had to be given her. read more

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 2:7

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 2:8

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 2:9

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 2:10

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 2:10

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 2:11

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 2:11

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 2:11

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 2:12

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 2:13

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