John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Esther 2:8
So it came to pass, when the king's commandment and decree was heard ,.... In the several provinces of his kingdom: and when many maidens were gathered unto Shushan the palace, to the custody of Hegai ; Josephus F15 Ibid. (Antiqu. l. 11. c. 6. sect. 2.) says, there were gathered to the number of four hundred: that Esther was brought also unto the king's house, to the custody of Hegai, the keeper of the women : by force, as Aben Ezra and the former Targum, and so the word is... read more
Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Esther 2:1-20
How God put down one that was high and mighty from her seat we read in the chapter before, and are now to be told how he exalted one of low degree, as the virgin Mary observes in her song (Luke 1:52) and Hannah before her, 1 Sam. 2:4-8. Vashti being humbled for her height, Esther is advanced for her humility. Observe, I. The extravagant course that was taken to please the king with another wife instead of Vashti. Josephus says that when his anger was over he was exceedingly grieved that the... read more