Esther 2:8 - 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.
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What does "Esther 2:8" mean?
Esther 2:8 describes the implementation of King Ahasuerus's decree to find a new queen. Let's break it down:
"So, when the king’s commandment and his decree was heard...": This refers to the royal edict announced earlier in the story (Esther 2:1-4). The king, having deposed Vashti, had ordered that all beautiful young virgins throughout his kingdom be gathered together so he could choose a new queen.
"...and when many maidens were gathered together to the citadel of Susa...": Young women fitting the king's criteria were being brought to the capital city, Susa (Shushan), the administrative center of the Persian Empire.
"...to the custody of Hegai...": These women were placed under the care and supervision of Hegai (also called Hege), a eunuch who was the king's chief eunuch.
"Esther was taken into the king’s house, to the custody of Hegai, keeper of the women.": This is the key part. Esther, a Jewish orphan being raised by her cousin Mordecai, was among the women selected and brought to the palace (the king's house). Like the other candidates, she was put under Hegai's charge, meaning he was responsible for her well-being, grooming, and preparation for presentation to the king. Hegai was in charge of everything concerning the women.
In essence, the verse explains:
The king's order to find a new queen was carried out, and many young women, including Esther, were taken to the palace in Susa and placed in the care of Hegai.
Significance:
This verse is crucial because it sets the stage for Esther's entry into the royal competition. It marks the beginning of her journey from being a relatively unknown young woman to potentially becoming the queen of Persia. It also establishes Hegai as an important character who will play a role in Esther's success. It also implies that Esther did not go willingly.
Esther 2:8 - 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.
What does "Esther 2:8" mean?
Esther 2:8 describes the implementation of King Ahasuerus's decree to find a new queen. Let's break it down:
"So, when the king’s commandment and his decree was heard...": This refers to the royal edict announced earlier in the story (Esther 2:1-4). The king, having deposed Vashti, had ordered that all beautiful young virgins throughout his kingdom be gathered together so he could choose a new queen.
"...and when many maidens were gathered together to the citadel of Susa...": Young women fitting the king's criteria were being brought to the capital city, Susa (Shushan), the administrative center of the Persian Empire.
"...to the custody of Hegai...": These women were placed under the care and supervision of Hegai (also called Hege), a eunuch who was the king's chief eunuch.
"Esther was taken into the king’s house, to the custody of Hegai, keeper of the women.": This is the key part. Esther, a Jewish orphan being raised by her cousin Mordecai, was among the women selected and brought to the palace (the king's house). Like the other candidates, she was put under Hegai's charge, meaning he was responsible for her well-being, grooming, and preparation for presentation to the king. Hegai was in charge of everything concerning the women.
In essence, the verse explains:
The king's order to find a new queen was carried out, and many young women, including Esther, were taken to the palace in Susa and placed in the care of Hegai.
Significance:
This verse is crucial because it sets the stage for Esther's entry into the royal competition. It marks the beginning of her journey from being a relatively unknown young woman to potentially becoming the queen of Persia. It also establishes Hegai as an important character who will play a role in Esther's success. It also implies that Esther did not go willingly.