Esther 2:8-9 NIV

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

John Gill

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

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Esther 2:9

And the maiden pleased him ,.... Not the king, into whose presence she was not yet introduced, but the chamberlain; her beauty and her behaviour recommended her to him, and he concluded within himself that she was the person that of all would be acceptable to the king: and she obtained kindness of him : had favours shown others had not: and he speedily gave her things for purification ; as oil, spices, &c.; that she might be the sooner fitted to be had into the king's presence: ... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Esther 2:9

The maiden pleased him - He conceived a partiality for her above the rest, probably because of the propriety of her deportment, and her engaging though unassuming manners. Seven maidens - These were to attend her to the bath, to anoint and adorn her, and be her servants in general. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 2:1-18

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 2:8

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

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Esther 2:1-20

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Esther 2:8

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Esther 2:9

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Esther 2:9

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 2:1-18

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 2:8

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 2:9

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