Esther 2:13 - The young woman then came to the king like this: whatever she desired was given her to go with her out of the women’s house to the king’s house.
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What does "Esther 2:13" mean?
This verse from Esther 2:13 describes the custom surrounding the women who were brought before King Ahasuerus to potentially become his queen. Let's break it down:
"The young woman then came to the king like this..." This refers to the process described in the previous verses (Esther 2:12). Each young woman underwent a year of beauty treatments and preparations before her turn to be presented to the king.
"...whatever she desired was given her to go with her out of the women’s house to the king’s house." This is the key part of the verse. It means that before being presented to the king, each woman was granted anything she requested to take with her from the women's quarters (likely the harem) to the king's palace. This could include:
Jewelry: To adorn herself and make a good impression on the king.
Fine clothing: In addition to the standard garments, she could ask for something special.
Attendants: Servants to assist her.
Valuables: Anything she believed would increase her favor with the king.
Interpretation and Significance:
The verse highlights a few key aspects of the situation:
Emphasis on Appearance and Presentation: The women were judged, at least initially, on their beauty and how well they presented themselves. Allowing them to choose items suggests the king wanted them to be as attractive as possible.
Limited Agency: While the women could choose what to bring, they were still ultimately subject to the king's will. Their future depended on his favor.
The King's Wealth and Power: The verse implies the king could provide any request, showcasing his immense wealth and control.
Esther's Discretion: It's noteworthy that Esther, unlike the other women, requested nothing extra. This shows her humility and trust in God rather than relying on external adornments. Her approach contrasted sharply with the norm, perhaps contributing to her eventual success.
In summary, Esther 2:13 describes the custom of allowing each woman brought before the king to request anything she wanted to enhance her presentation and increase her chances of becoming the new queen. It underscores the importance placed on beauty and the absolute power of the king in this society.
Esther 2:13 - The young woman then came to the king like this: whatever she desired was given her to go with her out of the women’s house to the king’s house.
What does "Esther 2:13" mean?
This verse from Esther 2:13 describes the custom surrounding the women who were brought before King Ahasuerus to potentially become his queen. Let's break it down:
"The young woman then came to the king like this..." This refers to the process described in the previous verses (Esther 2:12). Each young woman underwent a year of beauty treatments and preparations before her turn to be presented to the king.
"...whatever she desired was given her to go with her out of the women’s house to the king’s house." This is the key part of the verse. It means that before being presented to the king, each woman was granted anything she requested to take with her from the women's quarters (likely the harem) to the king's palace. This could include:
Jewelry: To adorn herself and make a good impression on the king.
Fine clothing: In addition to the standard garments, she could ask for something special.
Attendants: Servants to assist her.
Valuables: Anything she believed would increase her favor with the king.
Interpretation and Significance:
The verse highlights a few key aspects of the situation:
Emphasis on Appearance and Presentation: The women were judged, at least initially, on their beauty and how well they presented themselves. Allowing them to choose items suggests the king wanted them to be as attractive as possible.
Limited Agency: While the women could choose what to bring, they were still ultimately subject to the king's will. Their future depended on his favor.
The King's Wealth and Power: The verse implies the king could provide any request, showcasing his immense wealth and control.
Esther's Discretion: It's noteworthy that Esther, unlike the other women, requested nothing extra. This shows her humility and trust in God rather than relying on external adornments. Her approach contrasted sharply with the norm, perhaps contributing to her eventual success.
In summary, Esther 2:13 describes the custom of allowing each woman brought before the king to request anything she wanted to enhance her presentation and increase her chances of becoming the new queen. It underscores the importance placed on beauty and the absolute power of the king in this society.