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He proclaimed a holiday throughout the provinces and distributed gifts with royal liberality. <a href="/nlt/esther/2.htm">New Living Translation</a> To celebrate the occasion, he gave a great banquet in Esther’s honor for all his nobles and officials, declaring a public holiday for the provinces and giving generous gifts to everyone. <a href="/esv/esther/2.htm">English Standard Version</a> Then the king gave a great feast for all his officials and servants; it was Esther’s feast. He also granted a remission of taxes to the provinces and gave gifts with royal generosity. <a href="/bsb/esther/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Then the king held a great banquet, Esther’s banquet, for all his officials and servants. He proclaimed a tax holiday in the provinces and gave gifts worthy of the king’s bounty. <a href="/kjv/esther/2.htm">King James Bible</a> Then the king made a great feast unto all his princes and his servants, even Esther's feast; and he made a release to the provinces, and gave gifts, according to the state of the king. <a href="/nkjv/esther/2.htm">New King James Version</a> Then the king made a great feast, the Feast of Esther, for all his officials and servants; and he proclaimed a holiday in the provinces and gave gifts according to the generosity of a king. <a href="/nasb_/esther/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Then the king held a great banquet, Esther’s banquet, for all his officials and his servants; he also made a holiday for the provinces and gave gifts in proportion to the king’s bounty. <a href="/nasb/esther/2.htm">NASB 1995</a> Then the king gave a great banquet, Esther&#8217s banquet, for all his princes and his servants; he also made a holiday for the provinces and gave gifts according to the king&#8217s bounty. <a href="/nasb77/esther/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Then the king gave a great banquet, Esther’s banquet, for all his princes and his servants; he also made a holiday for the provinces and gave gifts according to the king’s bounty. <a href="/lsb/esther/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Then the king held a great feast, Esther’s feast, for all his princes and his servants; he also held a remission of taxes for the provinces and gave gifts according to the king’s hand. <a href="/amp/esther/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Then the king held a great banquet, Esther’s banquet, for all his officials and his servants; and he made a festival for the provinces and gave gifts in accordance with the resources of the king. <a href="/csb/esther/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> The king held a great banquet for all his officials and staff. It was Esther’s banquet. He freed his provinces from tax payments and gave gifts worthy of the king’s bounty. <a href="/hcsb/esther/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> The king held a great banquet for all his officials and staff. It was Esther&#8217s banquet. He freed his provinces from tax payments and gave gifts worthy of the king&#8217s bounty. <a href="/asv/esther/2.htm">American Standard Version</a> Then the king made a great feast unto all his princes and his servants, even Esther's feast; and he made a release to the provinces, and gave gifts, according to the bounty of the king. <a href="/cev/esther/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> In honor of Esther he gave a big dinner for his leaders and officials. Then he declared a holiday everywhere in his kingdom and gave expensive gifts. <a href="/erv/esther/2.htm">English Revised Version</a> Then the king made a great feast unto all his princes and his servants, even Esther's feast; and he made a release to the provinces, and gave gifts, according to the bounty of the king. <a href="/gwt/esther/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Then the king held a great banquet for Esther. He invited all his officials and his advisers. He also declared that day a holiday in the provinces, and he handed out gifts from his royal generosity. <a href="/gnt/esther/2.htm">Good News Translation</a> Then the king gave a great banquet in Esther's honor and invited all his officials and administrators. He proclaimed a holiday for the whole empire and distributed gifts worthy of a king. <a href="/isv/esther/2.htm">International Standard Version</a> The king put on a great banquet for all his officials and ministers to honor Esther. He declared a holiday for the provinces and gave generous gifts. <a href="/msb/esther/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Then the king held a great banquet, Esther?s banquet, for all his officials and servants. He proclaimed a tax holiday in the provinces and gave gifts worthy of the king?s bounty. <a href="/net/esther/2.htm">NET Bible</a> Then the king prepared a large banquet for all his officials and his servants--it was actually Esther's banquet. He also set aside a holiday for the provinces, and he provided for offerings at the king's expense. <a href="/nheb/esther/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Then the king made a great feast for all his officials and his servants, even Esther's feast; and he proclaimed a holiday in the provinces, and gave gifts according to the king's bounty. <a href="/wbt/esther/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Then the king made a great feast to all his princes and his servants, even Esther's feast; and he made a release to the provinces, and gave gifts, according to the state of the king. <a href="/web/esther/2.htm">World English Bible</a> Then the king made a great feast for all his princes and his servants, even Esther’s feast; and he proclaimed a holiday in the provinces, and gave gifts according to the king’s bounty. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/esther/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and the king makes a great banquet to all his heads and his servants—the banquet of Esther—and has made a release to the provinces, and gives gifts as a memorial of the king. <a href="/ylt/esther/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and the king maketh a great banquet to all his heads and his servants -- the banquet of Esther -- and a release to the provinces hath made, and giveth gifts as a memorial of the king. <a href="/slt/esther/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And the king will make a great drinking to all his chiefs and his servants; Esther's drinking; and he made rest to the provinces, and he will give a lifting up according to the hand of the king.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/esther/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And he commanded a magnificent feast to be prepared for all the princes, and for his servants, for the marriage and wedding of Esther. And he gave rest to all the provinces, and bestowed gifts according to princely magnificence. <a href="/cpdv/esther/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> <V 4:18>And he ordered a magnificent feast to be prepared for all the rulers, and for his servants, because of the union and wedding of Esther. And he gave a holiday to all the provinces, and he bestowed gifts befitting of princely generosity. <a href="/nabre/esther/2.htm">New American Bible</a> Then the king gave a great feast in honor of Esther to all his officials and servants, granting a holiday to the provinces and bestowing gifts with royal generosity. <a href="/nrsvce/esther/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Then the king gave a great banquet to all his officials and ministers—“Esther’s banquet.” He also granted a holiday to the provinces, and gave gifts with royal liberality.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/esther/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Then the king made a great feast to all his princes, even Esther's feast; and he granted relief to the provinces and gave gifts, according to the generosity of the king. <a href="/hpbt/esther/2.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And the King made a great feast for all his Princes, and he made a feast for Esthir, and he made rest for the provinces, and he gave gifts according to the hand of the King.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/esther/2.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> Then the king made a great feast unto all his princes and his servants, even Esther's feast; and he made a release to the provinces, and gave gifts, according to the bounty of the king. <a href="/sep/esther/2.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And the king made a banquet for all his friends and great men for seven days, and he highly celebrated the marriage of Esther; and he made a release to those who were under his dominion. <a href="/parallel/esther/2-18.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TRosJDhNG-8?start=504" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/esther/2.htm">Esther Becomes Queen</a> 17And the king loved Esther more than all the other women, and she found grace and favor in his sight more than all of the other virgins. So he placed the royal crown upon her head and made her queen in place of Vashti. 18<a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: ham·me·leḵ (Art:: N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king.">Then the king</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: way·ya·‘aś (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">held</a> <a href="/hebrew/1419.htm" title="1419: ḡā·ḏō·wl (Adj-ms) -- Great. Or gadol; from gadal; great; hence, older; also insolent.">a great</a> <a href="/hebrew/4960.htm" title="4960: miš·teh (N-ms) -- A feast, drink. From shathah; drink, by implication, drinking; also a banquet or feast.">banquet,</a> <a href="/hebrew/635.htm" title="635: ’es·têr (N-proper-fs) -- Star, Ahasuerus' queen who delivered Isr. Of Persian derivation; Ester, the Jewish heroine.">Esther’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/4960.htm" title="4960: miš·têh (N-msc) -- A feast, drink. From shathah; drink, by implication, drinking; also a banquet or feast.">banquet,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: lə·ḵāl (Prep-l:: N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">for all</a> <a href="/hebrew/8269.htm" title="8269: śā·rāw (N-mpc:: 3ms) -- Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince. From sarar; a head person.">his officials</a> <a href="/hebrew/5650.htm" title="5650: wa·‘ă·ḇā·ḏāw (Conj-w:: N-mpc:: 3ms) -- Slave, servant. From abad; a servant.">and servants.</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’êṯ (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ‘ā·śāh (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">He proclaimed</a> <a href="/hebrew/2010.htm" title="2010: wa·hă·nā·ḥāh (Conj-w:: N-fs) -- A giving of rest. From nuwach; permission of rest, i.e. Quiet.">a tax holiday</a> <a href="/hebrew/4082.htm" title="4082: lam·mə·ḏî·nō·wṯ (Prep-l, Art:: N-fp) -- A province. From diyn; properly, a judgeship, i.e. Jurisdiction; by implication, a district; generally, a region.">in the provinces</a> <a href="/hebrew/5414.htm" title="5414: way·yit·tên (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To give, put, set. A primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application.">and gave</a> <a href="/hebrew/4864.htm" title="4864: maś·’êṯ (N-fs) -- An uprising, utterance, burden, portion. ">gifts</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: ham·me·leḵ (Art:: N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king.">worthy of the king’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: kə·yaḏ (Prep-k:: N-fsc) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)">bounty.</a> 19When the virgins were assembled a second time, Mordecai was sitting at the king’s gate.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/daniel/1-5.htm">Daniel 1:5</a> The king assigned them daily provisions of the royal food and wine. They were to be trained for three years, after which they were to enter the king’s service. <a href="/1_kings/3-15.htm">1 Kings 3:15</a> Then Solomon awoke, and indeed it had been a dream. So he returned to Jerusalem, stood before the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. Then he held a feast for all his servants. <a href="/nehemiah/8-10.htm">Nehemiah 8:10</a> Then Nehemiah told them, “Go and eat what is rich, drink what is sweet, and send out portions to those who have nothing prepared, since today is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” <a href="/1_samuel/25-36.htm">1 Samuel 25:36</a> When Abigail returned to Nabal, there he was in the house, holding a feast fit for a king, in high spirits and very drunk. So she told him nothing until morning light. <a href="/genesis/40-20.htm">Genesis 40:20</a> On the third day, which was Pharaoh’s birthday, he held a feast for all his officials, and in their presence he lifted up the heads of the chief cupbearer and the chief baker. <a href="/matthew/22-2.htm">Matthew 22:2-4</a> “The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son. / He sent his servants to call those he had invited to the banquet, but they refused to come. / Again, he sent other servants and said, ‘Tell those who have been invited that I have prepared my dinner. My oxen and fattened cattle have been killed, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding banquet.’ <a href="/luke/14-16.htm">Luke 14:16-17</a> But Jesus replied, “A certain man prepared a great banquet and invited many guests. / When it was time for the banquet, he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’ <a href="/john/2-1.htm">John 2:1-10</a> On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, / and Jesus and His disciples had also been invited to the wedding. / When the wine ran out, Jesus’ mother said to Him, “They have no more wine.” ... <a href="/revelation/19-9.htm">Revelation 19:9</a> Then the angel told me to write, “Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.” <a href="/proverbs/21-1.htm">Proverbs 21:1</a> The king’s heart is a waterway in the hand of the LORD; He directs it where He pleases. <a href="/1_kings/8-65.htm">1 Kings 8:65</a> So at that time Solomon and all Israel with him—a great assembly of people from Lebo-hamath to the Brook of Egypt—kept the feast before the LORD our God for seven days and seven more days—fourteen days in all. <a href="/2_chronicles/30-21.htm">2 Chronicles 30:21-23</a> The Israelites who were present in Jerusalem celebrated the Feast of Unleavened Bread for seven days with great joy, and the Levites and priests praised the LORD day after day, accompanied by loud instruments of praise to the LORD. / And Hezekiah encouraged all the Levites who performed skillfully before the LORD. For seven days they ate their assigned portion, sacrificing peace offerings and giving thanks to the LORD, the God of their fathers. / The whole assembly agreed to observe seven more days, so they observed seven days with joy. <a href="/psalms/45-1.htm">Psalm 45:1-15</a> For the choirmaster. To the tune of “The Lilies.” A Maskil of the sons of Korah. A love song. My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses to the king; my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer. / You are the most handsome of men; grace has anointed your lips; therefore God has blessed you forever. / Strap your sword at your side, O mighty warrior; appear in your majesty and splendor. ... <a href="/isaiah/25-6.htm">Isaiah 25:6</a> On this mountain the LORD of Hosts will prepare a lavish banquet for all the peoples, a feast of aged wine, of choice meat, of finely aged wine. <a href="/matthew/25-1.htm">Matthew 25:1-10</a> “At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. / Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. / The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take along any extra oil. ...</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Then the king made a great feast to all his princes and his servants, even Esther's feast; and he made a release to the provinces, and gave gifts, according to the state of the king.A.<a href="/esther/1-3.htm">Esther 1:3-5</a> In the third year of his reign, he made a feast unto all his princes and his servants; the power of Persia and Media, the nobles and princes of the provinces, being before him: … <a href="/genesis/29-22.htm">Genesis 29:22</a> And Laban gathered together all the men of the place, and made a feast.<a href="/judges/14-10.htm">Judges 14:10-17</a> So his father went down unto the woman: and Samson made there a feast; for so used the young men to do… he made.release.<a href="/esther/9-22.htm">Esther 9:22</a> As the days wherein the Jews rested from their enemies, and the month which was turned unto them from sorrow to joy, and from mourning into a good day: that they should make them days of feasting and joy, and of sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor.<a href="/1_samuel/25-8.htm">1 Samuel 25:8</a> Ask thy young men, and they will shew thee. Wherefore let the young men find favour in thine eyes: for we come in a good day: give, I pray thee, whatsoever cometh to thine hand unto thy servants, and to thy son David.<a href="/nehemiah/8-11.htm">Nehemiah 8:11</a> So the Levites stilled all the people, saying, Hold your peace, for the day is holy; neither be ye grieved.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/esther/1-7.htm">Bounty</a> <a href="/esther/9-32.htm">Esther's</a> <a href="/esther/1-9.htm">Feast</a> <a href="/nehemiah/9-36.htm">Gifts</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-8.htm">Granted</a> <a href="/esther/1-20.htm">Great</a> <a href="/mark/6-21.htm">Holiday</a> <a href="/esther/2-15.htm">King's</a> <a href="/esther/1-21.htm">Nobles</a> <a href="/esther/1-8.htm">Officials</a> <a href="/esther/1-21.htm">Princes</a> <a href="/esther/1-20.htm">Proclaimed</a> <a href="/esther/2-3.htm">Provinces</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/31-10.htm">Release</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/31-10.htm">Remission</a> <a href="/esther/2-17.htm">Royal</a> <a href="/esther/2-2.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/ezra/7-24.htm">Taxes</a> <a href="/esther/1-20.htm">Throughout</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/65-11.htm">Bounty</a> <a href="/esther/4-4.htm">Esther's</a> <a href="/esther/5-4.htm">Feast</a> <a href="/esther/9-22.htm">Gifts</a> <a href="/esther/5-6.htm">Granted</a> <a href="/esther/4-3.htm">Great</a> <a href="/esther/9-19.htm">Holiday</a> <a href="/esther/2-19.htm">King's</a> <a href="/esther/3-1.htm">Nobles</a> <a href="/esther/2-21.htm">Officials</a> <a href="/esther/3-1.htm">Princes</a> <a href="/esther/6-11.htm">Proclaimed</a> <a href="/esther/3-8.htm">Provinces</a> <a href="/job/12-14.htm">Release</a> <a href="/matthew/26-28.htm">Remission</a> <a href="/esther/3-2.htm">Royal</a> <a href="/esther/3-2.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/daniel/11-20.htm">Taxes</a> <a href="/esther/3-6.htm">Throughout</a><div class="vheading2">Esther 2</div>1. <a href="/esther/2-1.htm">Out of the choice of virgins a queen is to be chosen.</a> 5. <a href="/esther/2-5.htm">Mordecai the nursing father of Esther.</a> 8. <a href="/esther/2-8.htm">Esther preferred before the rest.</a> 12. <a href="/esther/2-12.htm">The manner of purification, and going in to the king.</a> 15. <a href="/esther/2-15.htm">Esther, best pleasing the king, is made queen.</a> 21. <a href="/esther/2-21.htm">Mordecai, discovering a treason, is recorded in the chronicles.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/esther/2.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/esther/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/esther/2.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Then the king held a great banquet In the Persian Empire, banquets were significant social and political events, often used to display wealth and power. This banquet, like others in the Book of Esther, underscores the opulence of King Xerxes' reign. Banquets in the ancient Near East were also occasions for making important decisions or announcements, as seen in <a href="/esther/1-3.htm">Esther 1:3-4</a>.Esther’s banquet Naming the banquet after Esther highlights her newfound status as queen and the king's favor towards her. This public recognition would have solidified her position and influence within the royal court. It also foreshadows her future role in saving her people, as her elevated status becomes crucial in the narrative.for all his officials and servants The inclusion of both officials and servants indicates the hierarchical structure of the Persian court, where the king's favor and decisions impacted all levels of society. This gathering would have been an opportunity for the king to reinforce loyalty among his subjects, a common practice in ancient monarchies.He proclaimed a tax holiday in the provinces A tax holiday would have been a significant gesture of goodwill, likely intended to celebrate Esther's coronation and to gain favor among the populace. This act reflects the king's authority over the vast Persian Empire, which extended from India to Cush, as described in <a href="/esther/1.htm">Esther 1:1</a>. It also demonstrates the king's ability to impact the daily lives of his subjects.and gave gifts worthy of the king’s bounty The giving of gifts was a customary practice in ancient royal courts, symbolizing the king's generosity and wealth. These gifts would have been lavish, reflecting the king's status and the prosperity of his reign. This act of generosity can be seen as a parallel to the divine provision and grace found in other parts of Scripture, where God bestows blessings upon His people.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/k/king_ahasuerus.htm">King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I)</a> The Persian king who reigned over 127 provinces from India to Cush. He is known for his opulence and power, and in this context, he is celebrating Esther's selection as queen. 2. <a href="/topical/e/esther.htm">Esther</a> A Jewish woman who becomes queen of Persia. Her rise to this position is central to the unfolding of God's providential plan for the Jewish people. 3. <a href="/topical/o/officials_and_servants.htm">Officials and Servants</a> These are the members of the king's court and administration who are invited to the banquet, highlighting the importance of the event. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_banquet.htm">The Banquet</a> A significant event marking Esther's ascension to queenship. It symbolizes celebration, acceptance, and the king's favor. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_provinces.htm">The Provinces</a> The vast empire over which King Ahasuerus rules. The proclamation of a holiday across these provinces signifies the widespread impact of Esther's new role.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_human_affairs.htm">God's Sovereignty in Human Affairs</a> The account of Esther reminds us that God is in control, even when His presence is not overtly mentioned. He orchestrates events for His purposes and the good of His people. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_celebration_in_community.htm">The Role of Celebration in Community</a> The banquet and holiday demonstrate the importance of communal celebration in acknowledging significant events and blessings. As believers, we should also celebrate God's work in our lives and communities. <a href="/topical/g/generosity_as_a_reflection_of_god's_character.htm">Generosity as a Reflection of God's Character</a> The king's royal generosity in giving gifts can remind us of God's generous nature. We are called to reflect this generosity in our own lives, sharing our blessings with others. <a href="/topical/t/the_impact_of_individual_obedience.htm">The Impact of Individual Obedience</a> Esther's obedience and courage in stepping into her role as queen had a profound impact on her people. Our individual acts of faithfulness can have far-reaching effects.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_esther_2.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Esther 2</a> <a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_esther_1's_banquets.htm">How do we reconcile the portrayal of lavish banquets in Esther 1 with other biblical condemnations of excess and opulence?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_the_feast_of_purim.htm">What is the Feast of Purim?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_orthokardia_mean.htm">What is the publication date of Esther?</a> <a href="/q/is_king_ahasuerus's_vast_domain_reliable.htm">How historically reliable is the vast domain of King Ahasuerus described in Esther 1:1, from India to Ethiopia?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/esther/2.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(18) Release.--Literally, rest. The word only occurs here: it may refer either to a release from tribute or from military service, probably the former. Either, however, would have been consistent with Persian usage. (See Herod, iii. 67, 6:59.)<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/esther/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 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, according to the state of the king. Literally, that is, "in right royal fashion" (see <a href="/esther/1-7.htm">Esther 1:7</a>). The practice of making presents, so common in the East at all times, was much in vogue among the Persians, and was practised especially by the monarchs (Herod., 1:136; 3:135; 7:26; Xen., 'Cyrop.,' 8:2, § 7, et seq.; 'Anab.,' 1:9, § 22, etc.). CHAPTER 2:19-23 MORDECAI'S DISCOVERY OF A PLOT AGAINST AHASUERUS' LIFE (<a href="/esther/2-19.htm">Esther 2:19-23</a>). Some time after Esther had been made queen, there was a second collection of virgins at Susa (ver. 19), under circumstances which are not related, and which were probably of small importance. At this time (ver. 21) Mordecai, still serving in his humble office at the palace gate, from which he had not been advanced, since Esther had told no one that he was her relation (ver. 20), happened to detect a conspiracy against the king's life, which had been formed by two of the palace eunuchs, Bigthan and Tercsh, whom Ahasuerus had somehow offended (ver. 21). Being still in the habit of holding communication with Esther, Mordecai was able to make her acquainted with the facts, of which she then informed the king, telling him how she had obtained her knowledge (ver. 22). There was nothing surprising or suspicious in a eunuch of the palace having had speech with the queen, especially when he had intelligence of such importance to impart to her. On inquiry, the king found that Mordecai's information was correct; the conspiracy was laid bare, and the conspirators put to death (ver. 23) - the facts being, as was sure to be the case, entered in the court chronicle, a daily record of the life of the court, and of the circumstances that befell the king. It was to have been expected that Mordecai would have been rewarded for his zeal; but somehow or other it happened that his services were overlooked he was neither promoted from his humble office, nor did he receive any gift (<a href="/esther/6-3.htm">Esther 6:3</a>). This was quite contrary to ordinary Persian practice; but the court generally may have disliked Mordecai because he was a Jew. <a href="/commentaries/esther/2-18.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Then the king הַמֶּ֜לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> A king held וַיַּ֨עַשׂ (way·ya·‘aś) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> To do, make a great גָד֗וֹל (ḡā·ḏō·wl) Adjective - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1419.htm">Strong's 1419: </a> Great, older, insolent banquet, מִשְׁתֶּ֣ה (miš·teh) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4960.htm">Strong's 4960: </a> Drink, drinking, a banquet, feast Esther’s אֶסְתֵּ֑ר (’es·têr) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_635.htm">Strong's 635: </a> Esther -- 'star', Ahasuerus' queen who delivered Israel banquet, מִשְׁתֵּ֣ה (miš·têh) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4960.htm">Strong's 4960: </a> Drink, drinking, a banquet, feast for all לְכָל־ (lə·ḵāl) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every his officials שָׂרָיו֙ (śā·rāw) Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8269.htm">Strong's 8269: </a> Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince and servants. וַעֲבָדָ֔יו (wa·‘ă·ḇā·ḏāw) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5650.htm">Strong's 5650: </a> Slave, servant He proclaimed עָשָׂ֔ה (‘ā·śāh) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> To do, make a tax holiday וַהֲנָחָ֤ה (wa·hă·nā·ḥāh) Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2010.htm">Strong's 2010: </a> Permission of rest, quiet in the provinces לַמְּדִינוֹת֙ (lam·mə·ḏî·nō·wṯ) Preposition-l, Article | Noun - feminine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4082.htm">Strong's 4082: </a> A judgeship, jurisdiction, a district, a region and gave וַיִּתֵּ֥ן (way·yit·tên) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5414.htm">Strong's 5414: </a> To give, put, set gifts מַשְׂאֵ֖ת (maś·’êṯ) Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4864.htm">Strong's 4864: </a> A raising, rising, an utterance, a beacon, a present worthy of the king’s הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> A king bounty. כְּיַ֥ד (kə·yaḏ) Preposition-k | Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3027.htm">Strong's 3027: </a> A hand <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/esther/2-18.htm">Esther 2:18 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/esther/2-18.htm">Esther 2:18 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/esther/2-18.htm">Esther 2:18 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/esther/2-18.htm">Esther 2:18 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/esther/2-18.htm">Esther 2:18 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/esther/2-18.htm">Esther 2:18 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/esther/2-18.htm">Esther 2:18 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/esther/2-18.htm">Esther 2:18 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/esther/2-18.htm">Esther 2:18 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/esther/2-18.htm">Esther 2:18 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/esther/2-18.htm">OT History: Esther 2:18 Then the king made a great feast (Est Esth. Es) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/esther/2-17.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Esther 2:17"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Esther 2:17" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/esther/2-19.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Esther 2:19"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Esther 2:19" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>