Esther 2

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 2:14

On the morrow . Literally, "in the morning ." The second house of the women . The gynaeceum comprised at least three distinct houses:— 1 . A residence for the queen, corresponding to that which Solomon built for the daughter of Pharaoh ( 1 Kings 7:8 ); 2 . A house for the secondary wives, or concubines; and, 3 . A house for the virgins. On returning from her first visit to the king's chamber, a woman ordinarily became an inmate of the "second house." This "second house" was... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 2:15

Abihail, the uncle of Mordecai . Literally, "the paternal uncle," or "father's brother." The genealogy may be thus exhibited:— See diagram, Genealogy of Mordecai and Esther Who had taken her for his daughter (see the comment on verse 7). She required nothing , etc. Esther would not trust to the extraneous and adventitious beauty of dress or ornaments, or at any rate would give herself no trouble about such things. If she succeeded, it should be without effort. Hegai might dress... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 2:15

Favour with men. We read of Esther that "the maiden pleased" the custodian, and that "she obtained kindness of him;" that she "obtained favour in the sight of all them that looked upon her;" that she "obtained grace and favour in the sight of the king more than all the virgins." Thus she obtained the influence which she used to so good and benevolent purpose in after years. I. THERE ARE CERTAIN QUALITIES BY WHICH THE FAVOUR OF OUR FELLOW - BEINGS IS GAINED .... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 2:15

Simple tastes. "She required nothing but what Hegai, the king's chamberlain, the keeper of the women, appointed." Esther's habits and tastes were simple; she cared not for the various arts supposed to lend attraction; she was content with a moderate toilet, and believed more in the charm of purity, modesty, simplicity, and piety than in artificial methods. She was right. I. Simple tastes are LESS COSTLY . II. Simple tastes INDICATE A PURE MIND . III. Simple tastes ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 2:16

The tenth month , which is the month Tebeth . This is the only mention of the month Tebeth in Scripture. It followed Chisleu, and corresponded to the end of December and the earlier part of January. The word seems to have come in from Egypt, where the corresponding month was called Tobi, or Tubi . In the seventh year of his reign . Four years after the disgrace of Vashti, probably in January, b.c. 479. Xerxes had recently returned from the Grecian expedition defeated and disgraced. He... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 2:17

Above all the women . i.e. " above all his former secondary wives, as well as above all the virgins." The royal crown. See the comment on Esther 1:11 . read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 2:17

Esther made queen. History records many strange vicissitudes of fortune. The beggar is raised from the dunghill to the palace; the wealthy is brought to poverty; those once flattered and caressed are forgotten or despised. In Scripture history the Arab sheik becomes the father of nations; the boy sold into bondage becomes the prime minister of the greatest of states; the deserted babe becomes the mighty leader of a people; the shepherd lad becomes the renowned king of Israel. And Esther,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 2:17

An unexpected coronation. "He set the royal crown on her head." This crown was a crowning- event. It was the signal event of a long and hitherto obscurely-connected series; it was the one effect of a series of causes and effects. Up to this point there was no one of all the foregoing to compare with it for significance. It will be well to pause awhile in the presence of this coronation scene. There have indeed been occasions of coronation which have attracted little notice or interest.... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 2:18

Then the king made a great feast . As Persian kings were in the habit of doing on every joyful occasion. Even Esther's feast . It seems to be meant that the feast was one which continued to be spoken about, and which was commonly known under this title. And he made a release to the provinces . As the Pseudo-Smerdis had done when he usurped the throne (Herod; 3.67). A "release" was an exemption from taxation, or from military service, or from both, for a specified period. And gave gifts,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 2:18

Release and gifts. Esther's marriage was celebrated in a manner intended and fitted to impress the nation with a sense of the favour and honour with which she was regarded by the "great king." There was a great feast at Susa, that the metropolis might have an opportunity of honouring the new queen. And throughout the kingdom there took place, according to the command of Ahasuerus, such celebrations and observances as were in accordance with Oriental customs. Particularly are mentioned the... read more

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 2:14

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 2:15

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 2:15

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 2:15

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 2:16

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 2:17

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 2:17

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 2:17

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 2:18

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 2:18

Verse of the Day

Daily Devotional

Group of Brands