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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Esther 2:8 When the king's command and edict had been proclaimed, many young women gathered at the citadel of Susa under the care of Hegai. 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Esther also was taken to the king&#8217s palace and entrusted to Hegai, who had charge of the harem. <a href="/nlt/esther/2.htm">New Living Translation</a> As a result of the king’s decree, Esther, along with many other young women, was brought to the king’s harem at the fortress of Susa and placed in Hegai’s care. <a href="/esv/esther/2.htm">English Standard Version</a> So when the king’s order and his edict were proclaimed, and when many young women were gathered in Susa the citadel in custody of Hegai, Esther also was taken into the king’s palace and put in custody of Hegai, who had charge of the women. <a href="/bsb/esther/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> When the king’s command and edict had been proclaimed, many young women gathered at the citadel of Susa under the care of Hegai. Esther was also taken to the palace and placed under the care of Hegai, the custodian of the women. <a href="/kjv/esther/2.htm">King James Bible</a> So it came to pass, when the king's commandment and his decree was heard, and when many maidens were gathered together unto Shushan the palace, to the custody of Hegai, that Esther was brought also unto the king's house, to the custody of Hegai, keeper of the women. <a href="/nkjv/esther/2.htm">New King James Version</a> So it was, when the king’s command and decree were heard, and when many young women were gathered at Shushan the citadel, under the custody of Hegai, that Esther also was taken to the king’s palace, into the care of Hegai the custodian of the women. <a href="/nasb_/esther/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> So it came about, when the command and decree of the king were heard and many young ladies were gathered to the citadel of Susa into the custody of Hegai, that Esther was taken to the king’s palace into the custody of Hegai, who was in charge of the women. <a href="/nasb/esther/2.htm">NASB 1995</a> So it came about when the command and decree of the king were heard and many young ladies were gathered to the citadel of Susa into the custody of Hegai, that Esther was taken to the king&#8217s palace into the custody of Hegai, who was in charge of the women. <a href="/nasb77/esther/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a> So it came about when the command and decree of the king were heard and many young ladies were gathered to Susa the capital into the custody of Hegai, that Esther was taken to the king’s palace into the custody of Hegai, who was in charge of the women. <a href="/lsb/esther/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Now it happened that when the word and law of the king were heard and many young ladies were gathered to the citadel of Susa into the hand of Hegai, that Esther was taken to the king’s house into the hand of Hegai, who kept charge of the women. <a href="/amp/esther/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a> So it came about when the king’s command and his decree were proclaimed and when many young women were gathered together in the citadel of Susa into the custody of Hegai, that Esther was taken to the king’s palace [and placed] in the custody of Hegai, who was in charge of the women. <a href="/csb/esther/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> When the king’s command and edict became public knowledge and when many young women were gathered at the fortress of Susa under Hegai’s supervision, Esther was taken to the palace, into the supervision of Hegai, keeper of the women. <a href="/hcsb/esther/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> When the king&#8217s command and edict became public knowledge, many young women gathered at the fortress of Susa under Hegai&#8217s care. Esther was also taken to the palace and placed under the care of Hegai, who was in charge of the women. <a href="/asv/esther/2.htm">American Standard Version</a> So it came to pass, when the king's commandment and his decree was heard, and when many maidens were gathered together unto Shushan the palace, to the custody of Hegai, that Esther was taken into the king's house, to the custody of Hegai, keeper of the women. <a href="/cev/esther/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> When the king ordered the search for beautiful women, many were taken to the king's palace in Susa, and Esther was one of them. Hegai was put in charge of all the women, <a href="/erv/esther/2.htm">English Revised Version</a> So it came to pass, when the king's commandment and his decree was heard, and when many maidens were gathered together unto Shushan the palace, to the custody of Hegai, that Esther was taken into the king's house, to the custody of Hegai, keeper of the women. <a href="/gwt/esther/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> When the king's announcement and decree were heard, many young women were gathered together and brought to the fortress of Susa. They were placed in the care of Hegai. Esther also was taken to the king's palace and placed in the care of Hegai, the guardian of the women. <a href="/gnt/esther/2.htm">Good News Translation</a> When the king had issued his new proclamation and many young women were being brought to Susa, Esther was among them. She too was put in the royal palace in the care of Hegai, who had charge of the harem. <a href="/isv/esther/2.htm">International Standard Version</a> The king's order and edict was proclaimed, and many young women were brought to Susa the capital under the care of Hegai. Esther was taken to the palace into the care of Hegai, who was in charge of the women. <a href="/msb/esther/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> When the king?s command and edict had been proclaimed, many young women gathered at the citadel of Susa under the care of Hegai. Esther was also taken to the palace and placed under the care of Hegai, the custodian of the women. <a href="/net/esther/2.htm">NET Bible</a> It so happened that when the king's edict and his law became known many young women were taken to Susa the citadel to be placed under the authority of Hegai. Esther also was taken to the royal palace to be under the authority of Hegai, who was overseeing the women. <a href="/nheb/esther/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> So it happened, when the king's commandment and his decree was heard, and when many maidens were gathered together to the citadel of Shushan, to the custody of Hegai, that Esther was taken into the king's house, to the custody of Hegai, keeper of the women. <a href="/wbt/esther/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> So it came to pass, when the king's commandment and his decree were heard, and when many maidens were assembled at Shushan the palace, to the custody of Hegai, that Esther was brought also to the king's house, to the custody of Hegai, keeper of the women. <a href="/web/esther/2.htm">World English Bible</a> So, when the king’s commandment and his decree was heard, and when many maidens were gathered together to the citadel of Susa, to the custody of Hegai, Esther was taken into the king’s house, to the custody of Hegai, keeper of the women. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/esther/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And it comes to pass, in the word of the king, even his law, being heard, and in many young women being gathered to Shushan the palace, to the hand of Hegai, that Esther is taken to the house of the king, to the hand of Hegai, keeper of the women, <a href="/ylt/esther/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And it cometh to pass, in the word of the king, even his law, being heard, and in many young women being gathered unto Shushan the palace, unto the hand of Hegai, that Esther is taken unto the house of the king, unto the hand of Hegai, keeper of the women, <a href="/slt/esther/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And it will be in hearing the word of the king and his edict, and in the gathering together of the many maidens to Shushan the fortress, to the hand of Hegai, and Esther will be taken to the house of the king to the hand of Hegai watching the women.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/esther/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And when the king's ordinance was noised abroad, and according to his commandment many beautiful virgins were brought to Susan, and were delivered to Egeus the eunuch: Esther also among the rest of the maidens was delivered to him to be kept in the number of the women. <a href="/cpdv/esther/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> <V 4:8>And when the king’s command became very well-known, in accordance with his command, many beautiful virgins were brought to Susa, and were delivered to Hegai the eunuch. Likewise, Esther, along with the other young women, was delivered to him, to be protected with the assembled women. <a href="/nabre/esther/2.htm">New American Bible</a> When the king’s order and decree had been proclaimed and many young women brought together to the royal precinct of Susa under the care of Hegai, Esther also was brought in to the royal palace under the care of Hegai, guardian of the women. <a href="/nrsvce/esther/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> So when the king’s order and his edict were proclaimed, and when many young women were gathered in the citadel of Susa in custody of Hegai, Esther also was taken into the king’s palace and put in custody of Hegai, who had charge of the women.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/esther/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> So when the king's commandment and his decree were heard, and when many virgins were gathered together in Shushan the palace in the custody of Hegai, the eunuch, that Esther was brought also to the king's house to the custody of Hegai, the keeper of the women. <a href="/hpbt/esther/2.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And when the word of King was heard, and his command, and as many virgins were gathered to Shushan the Palace to Haggi, the Eunuch, Esthir also was led to the house of the King, to the Keeper of the women.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/esther/2.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> So it came to pass, when the king's commandment and his decree was published, and when many maidens were gathered together unto Shushan the castle, to the custody of Hegai, that Esther was taken into the king's house, to the custody of Hegai, keeper of the women. <a href="/sep/esther/2.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And because the king's ordinance was published, many damsels were gathered to the city Susa under the hand of Gai; and Esther was brought to Gai the keeper of the women. <a href="/parallel/esther/2-8.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=359" 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 Finds Favor</a> …7And Mordecai had brought up Hadassah (that is, Esther), the daughter of his uncle, because she did not have a father or mother. The young woman was lovely in form and appearance, and when her father and mother had died, Mordecai had taken her in as his own daughter. 8<a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: way·hî (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">When</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: ham·me·leḵ (Art:: N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king.">the king’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: də·ḇar- (N-msc) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause.">command</a> <a href="/hebrew/1881.htm" title="1881: wə·ḏā·ṯōw (Conj-w:: N-fsc:: 3ms) -- Decree, law. Of uncertain derivation: a royal edict or statute.">and edict</a> <a href="/hebrew/8085.htm" title="8085: bə·hiš·šā·ma‘ (Prep-b:: V-Nifal-Inf) -- To hear. A primitive root; to hear intelligently.">had been proclaimed,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7227.htm" title="7227: rab·bō·wṯ (Adj-fp) -- Much, many, great. By contracted from rabab; abundant.">many</a> <a href="/hebrew/5291.htm" title="5291: nə·‘ā·rō·wṯ (N-fp) -- A girl, maiden. Feminine of na'ar; a girl.">young women</a> <a href="/hebrew/6908.htm" title="6908: ū·ḇə·hiq·qā·ḇêṣ (Conj-w, Prep-b:: V-Nifal-Inf) -- To gather, collect. A primitive root; to grasp, i.e. Collect.">gathered</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">at</a> <a href="/hebrew/1002.htm" title="1002: hab·bî·rāh (Art:: N-fs) -- A castle, palace. Of foreign origin; a castle or palace.">the citadel</a> <a href="/hebrew/7800.htm" title="7800: šū·šan (N-proper-ms) -- Residence of Pers. kings. The same as shuwshan; Shushan, a place in Persia.">of Susa</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">under</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: yaḏ (N-fsc) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)">the care</a> <a href="/hebrew/1896.htm" title="1896: hê·ḡāy (N-proper-ms) -- Hege -- Hegai. Or Hegay; probably of Persian origin; Hege or Hegai, a eunuch of Xerxes.">of Hegai.</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</a> <a href="/hebrew/3947.htm" title="3947: wat·til·lā·qaḥ (Conj-w:: V-Nifal-ConsecImperf-3fs) -- To take. A primitive root; to take.">was also taken</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/1004.htm" title="1004: bêṯ (N-msc) -- A house. Probably from banah abbreviated; a house.">the palace</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: ham·me·leḵ (Art:: N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king."></a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">and placed under</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: yaḏ (N-fsc) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)">the care</a> <a href="/hebrew/1896.htm" title="1896: hê·ḡay (N-proper-ms) -- Hege -- Hegai. Or Hegay; probably of Persian origin; Hege or Hegai, a eunuch of Xerxes.">of Hegai,</a> <a href="/hebrew/8104.htm" title="8104: šō·mêr (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To keep, watch, preserve. A primitive root; properly, to hedge about, i.e. Guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc.">the custodian</a> <a href="/hebrew/802.htm" title="802: han·nā·šîm (Art:: N-fp) -- Woman, wife, female. Feminine of 'iysh or 'enowsh; irregular plural, nashiym; a woman.">of the women.</a> 9And the young woman pleased him and obtained his favor, so he quickly provided her with beauty treatments and the special diet. He assigned to her seven select maidservants from the palace and transferred her with them to the best place in the harem.…<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="/esther/1-19.htm">Esther 1:19-22</a> So if it pleases the king, let him issue a royal decree, and let it be recorded in the laws of Persia and Media so that it cannot be repealed, that Vashti shall never again enter the presence of King Xerxes, and that her royal position shall be given to a woman better than she. / The edict the king issues will be heard throughout his vast kingdom—and so all women, from the least to the greatest, will honor their husbands.” / The king and his princes were pleased with this counsel; so the king did as Memucan advised. ... <a href="/esther/3-13.htm">Esther 3:13</a> And the letters were sent by couriers to each of the royal provinces with the order to destroy, kill, and annihilate all the Jews—young and old, women and children—and to plunder their possessions on a single day, the thirteenth day of Adar, the twelfth month. <a href="/esther/4-14.htm">Esther 4:14</a> For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows if perhaps you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” <a href="/esther/8-8.htm">Esther 8:8</a> Now you may write in the king’s name as you please regarding the Jews, and seal it with the royal signet ring. For a decree that is written in the name of the king and sealed with the royal signet ring cannot be revoked.” <a href="/esther/9-1.htm">Esther 9:1-2</a> On the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month of Adar, the king’s command and edict were to be executed. On this day the enemies of the Jews had hoped to overpower them, but their plan was overturned and the Jews overpowered those who hated them. / In each of the provinces of King Xerxes, the Jews assembled in their cities to attack those who sought to harm them. No man could withstand them, because the fear of them had fallen upon all peoples. <a href="/daniel/1-3.htm">Daniel 1:3-5</a> Then the king ordered Ashpenaz, the chief of his court officials, to bring in some Israelites from the royal family and the nobility— / young men without blemish, handsome, gifted in all wisdom, knowledgeable, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king’s palace—and to teach them the language and literature of the Chaldeans. / 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="/daniel/1-9.htm">Daniel 1:9</a> Now God had granted Daniel favor and compassion from the chief official, <a href="/1_samuel/16-10.htm">1 Samuel 16:10-13</a> Thus Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel, but Samuel told him, “The LORD has not chosen any of these.” / And Samuel asked him, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse replied, “but he is tending the sheep.” “Send for him,” Samuel replied. “For we will not sit down to eat until he arrives.” / So Jesse sent for his youngest son and brought him in. He was ruddy, with beautiful eyes and a handsome appearance. And the LORD said, “Rise and anoint him, for he is the one.” ... <a href="/genesis/41-14.htm">Genesis 41:14</a> So Pharaoh sent for Joseph, who was quickly brought out of the dungeon. After he had shaved and changed his clothes, he went in before Pharaoh. <a href="/1_kings/2-17.htm">1 Kings 2:17</a> Adonijah replied, “Please speak to King Solomon, since he will not turn you down. Let him give me Abishag the Shunammite as my wife.” <a href="/1_kings/10-1.htm">1 Kings 10:1-3</a> Now when the queen of Sheba heard about the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the LORD, she came to test him with difficult questions. / She arrived in Jerusalem with a very large caravan—with camels bearing spices, gold in great abundance, and precious stones. And she came to Solomon and spoke to him all that was on her mind. / And Solomon answered all her questions; nothing was too difficult for the king to explain. <a href="/2_chronicles/9-1.htm">2 Chronicles 9:1-2</a> Now when the queen of Sheba heard about the fame of Solomon, she came to test him with difficult questions. She arrived in Jerusalem with a very large caravan—with camels bearing spices, gold in abundance, and precious stones. And she came to Solomon and spoke with him about all that was on her mind. / And Solomon answered all her questions; nothing was too difficult for him to explain. <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="/proverbs/31-10.htm">Proverbs 31:10</a> A wife of noble character, who can find? She is far more precious than rubies. <a href="/isaiah/49-23.htm">Isaiah 49:23</a> Kings will be your foster fathers, and their queens your nursing mothers. They will bow to you facedown and lick the dust at your feet. Then you will know that I am the LORD; those who hope in Me will never be put to shame.”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>So it came to pass, when the king's commandment and his decree was heard, and when many maidens were gathered together to Shushan the palace, to the custody of Hegai, that Esther was brought also to the king's house, to the custody of Hegai, keeper of the women.Hegai.<a href="/esther/2-3.htm">Esther 2:3</a> And let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom, that they may gather together all the fair young virgins unto Shushan the palace, to the house of the women, unto the custody of Hege the king's chamberlain, keeper of the women; and let their things for purification be given them:<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/nehemiah/13-11.htm">Assembled</a> <a href="/esther/2-5.htm">Castle</a> <a href="/nehemiah/13-13.htm">Charge</a> <a href="/esther/2-5.htm">Citadel</a> <a href="/esther/1-15.htm">Command</a> <a href="/esther/1-19.htm">Commandment</a> <a href="/esther/2-3.htm">Custody</a> <a href="/esther/1-20.htm">Decree</a> <a href="/esther/2-7.htm">Esther</a> <a href="/nehemiah/13-11.htm">Gathered</a> <a href="/esther/1-20.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/esther/2-3.htm">Hegai</a> <a href="/esther/2-3.htm">House</a> <a href="/esther/2-3.htm">Keeper</a> <a href="/esther/2-3.htm">King's</a> <a href="/esther/2-2.htm">Maidens</a> <a href="/esther/2-5.htm">Palace</a> <a href="/esther/1-22.htm">Published</a> <a href="/esther/2-5.htm">Shushan</a> <a href="/esther/2-5.htm">Susa</a> <a href="/esther/2-3.htm">Together</a> <a href="/esther/2-3.htm">Women</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/esther/2-19.htm">Assembled</a> <a href="/esther/8-14.htm">Castle</a> <a href="/esther/2-10.htm">Charge</a> <a href="/esther/3-15.htm">Citadel</a> <a href="/esther/3-3.htm">Command</a> <a href="/esther/2-20.htm">Commandment</a> <a href="/esther/2-14.htm">Custody</a> <a href="/esther/3-9.htm">Decree</a> <a href="/esther/2-10.htm">Esther</a> <a href="/esther/2-19.htm">Gathered</a> <a href="/job/2-11.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/esther/2-15.htm">Hegai</a> <a href="/esther/2-9.htm">House</a> <a href="/esther/2-15.htm">Keeper</a> <a href="/esther/2-9.htm">King's</a> <a href="/esther/2-9.htm">Maidens</a> <a href="/esther/2-13.htm">Palace</a> <a href="/esther/3-14.htm">Published</a> <a href="/esther/3-15.htm">Shushan</a> <a href="/esther/3-15.htm">Susa</a> <a href="/esther/2-19.htm">Together</a> <a href="/esther/2-9.htm">Women</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>When the king’s command and edict had been proclaimed This phrase refers to the decree issued by King Xerxes (Ahasuerus) to gather young women for his harem after Queen Vashti was deposed. The king's command highlights the absolute authority of Persian monarchs, whose edicts were irrevocable (<a href="/esther/1-19.htm">Esther 1:19</a>). This reflects the historical context of the Persian Empire, where royal decrees were binding and executed swiftly across the vast empire.many young women gathered at the citadel of Susa Susa, one of the capitals of the Persian Empire, was a significant city both politically and administratively. The gathering of young women here underscores the centralized power of the Persian court. Archaeological findings have confirmed the grandeur of Susa, aligning with its depiction in the Book of Esther. The gathering of women from across the empire also illustrates the extensive reach of the king's command.under the care of Hegai Hegai, a eunuch, was responsible for the women in the king's harem. Eunuchs often held positions of trust in ancient royal courts due to their perceived loyalty and inability to establish their own dynasties. This role of Hegai is consistent with historical practices in Persian and other ancient Near Eastern courts, where eunuchs managed royal harems.Esther was also taken to the palace Esther's inclusion among the young women taken to the palace marks the beginning of her journey from obscurity to prominence. Her Jewish identity, initially hidden, becomes central to the narrative. This phrase foreshadows her future role in God's providential plan to save her people, drawing parallels to Joseph's rise in Egypt (<a href="/genesis/41-41.htm">Genesis 41:41-43</a>).and placed under the care of Hegai, the custodian of the women The repetition of Hegai's role emphasizes the structured and hierarchical nature of the Persian court. Esther's placement under Hegai's care signifies her entry into a world of political intrigue and divine purpose. This setting provides a backdrop for God's unseen hand at work, as Esther finds favor with Hegai, reminiscent of Daniel's favor in Babylon (<a href="/daniel/1-9.htm">Daniel 1:9</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/k/king_ahasuerus.htm">King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I)</a> The Persian king who issued the command to gather young women for his harem. 2. <a href="/topical/e/esther.htm">Esther (Hadassah)</a> A Jewish orphan who was taken to the king's palace and later became queen. 3. <a href="/topical/h/hegai.htm">Hegai</a> The eunuch in charge of the king's harem, responsible for the care and preparation of the women. 4. <a href="/topical/c/citadel_of_susa.htm">Citadel of Susa</a> The royal palace complex where the events took place, located in the Persian Empire. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_king's_command_and_edict.htm">The King's Command and Edict</a> The royal decree to gather young women for the king's selection of a new queen.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_unlikely_circumstances.htm">God's Sovereignty in Unlikely Circumstances</a> Even in situations that seem beyond our control, God is at work. Esther's placement in the palace was not by chance but part of God's divine plan. <a href="/topical/f/favor_and_preparation.htm">Favor and Preparation</a> Esther found favor with Hegai, which was crucial for her future role. This reminds us that God prepares and equips us for His purposes, often through the favor of others. <a href="/topical/c/courage_and_obedience.htm">Courage and Obedience</a> Esther's willingness to go to the palace, despite the uncertainty, demonstrates courage and obedience. We are called to trust and obey God, even when the path is unclear. <a href="/topical/i/identity_and_purpose.htm">Identity and Purpose</a> Esther's Jewish identity was initially hidden, yet it became central to her purpose. Our identity in Christ is foundational to fulfilling God's calling in our lives.<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/why_no_persian_rulers_in_esther.htm">Why does the Book of Esther lack references to known historical Persian rulers?</a> <a href="/q/where_is_god_in_esther.htm">Where is God's presence in the Book of Esther?</a> <a href="/q/how_reconcile_esther_4_14_with_no_god.htm">How do we reconcile Esther 4:14's mention of deliverance with the absence of God's name throughout the book?</a> <a href="/q/does_esther_5_2_match_persian_court_laws.htm">Esther 5:2 - Does the king's death-penalty-for-approach truly align with known Persian court laws?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/esther/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 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" (<a href="/daniel/6-8.htm">Daniel 6:8, 12</a>, etc.). Hegai. The "Hege" of ver. 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 harem, and that the king's authority was invoked to force him to give her up; but the Hebrew word translated "was brought" does not contain any idea of violence; and the Persian Jews probably saw no disgrace, but rather honour, in one of their nation becoming even a secondary wife to the great king. <a href="/commentaries/esther/2-8.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>When וַיְהִ֗י (way·hî) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> To fall out, come to pass, become, be the king’s הַמֶּ֙לֶךְ֙ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> A king command דְּבַר־ (də·ḇar-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1697.htm">Strong's 1697: </a> A word, a matter, thing, a cause and edict וְדָת֔וֹ (wə·ḏā·ṯōw) Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1881.htm">Strong's 1881: </a> A royal edict, statute had been proclaimed, בְּהִשָּׁמַ֤ע (bə·hiš·šā·ma‘) Preposition-b | Verb - Nifal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8085.htm">Strong's 8085: </a> To hear intelligently many רַבּ֛וֹת (rab·bō·wṯ) Adjective - feminine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7227.htm">Strong's 7227: </a> Much, many, great young women נְעָר֥וֹת (nə·‘ā·rō·wṯ) Noun - feminine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5291.htm">Strong's 5291: </a> A girl, maiden gathered וּֽבְהִקָּבֵ֞ץ (ū·ḇə·hiq·qā·ḇêṣ) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Verb - Nifal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6908.htm">Strong's 6908: </a> To gather, collect at אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to the citadel הַבִּירָ֖ה (hab·bî·rāh) Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1002.htm">Strong's 1002: </a> A castle, palace of Susa שׁוּשַׁ֥ן (šū·šan) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7800.htm">Strong's 7800: </a> Susa -- residence of person kings under אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to the care יַ֣ד (yaḏ) Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3027.htm">Strong's 3027: </a> A hand of Hegai. הֵגָ֑י (hê·ḡāy) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1896.htm">Strong's 1896: </a> Hege -- Hegai Esther אֶסְתֵּר֙ (’es·têr) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_635.htm">Strong's 635: </a> Esther -- 'star', Ahasuerus' queen who delivered Israel was also taken וַתִּלָּקַ֤ח (wat·til·lā·qaḥ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3947.htm">Strong's 3947: </a> To take to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to the palace בֵּ֣ית (bêṯ) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1004.htm">Strong's 1004: </a> A house and placed under אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to the care יַ֥ד (yaḏ) Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3027.htm">Strong's 3027: </a> A hand of Hegai, הֵגַ֖י (hê·ḡay) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1896.htm">Strong's 1896: </a> Hege -- Hegai the custodian שֹׁמֵ֥ר (šō·mêr) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8104.htm">Strong's 8104: </a> To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend to of the women. הַנָּשִֽׁים׃ (han·nā·šîm) Article | Noun - feminine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_802.htm">Strong's 802: </a> Woman, wife, female <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/esther/2-8.htm">Esther 2:8 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/esther/2-8.htm">Esther 2:8 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/esther/2-8.htm">Esther 2:8 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/esther/2-8.htm">Esther 2:8 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/esther/2-8.htm">Esther 2:8 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/esther/2-8.htm">Esther 2:8 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/esther/2-8.htm">Esther 2:8 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/esther/2-8.htm">Esther 2:8 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/esther/2-8.htm">Esther 2:8 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/esther/2-8.htm">Esther 2:8 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/esther/2-8.htm">OT History: Esther 2:8 So it happened when the king's commandment (Est Esth. Es) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/esther/2-7.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Esther 2:7"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Esther 2:7" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/esther/2-9.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Esther 2:9"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Esther 2:9" /></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>