Esther 2:8-11
Esther Was Also Taken
Read the passage
8When 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.
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.
10Esther did not reveal her people or her lineage, because Mordecai had instructed her not to do so.
11And every day Mordecai would walk back and forth in front of the court of the harem to learn about Esther’s welfare and what was happening to her.
Berean Standard Bible
Read aloud
Esther is taken to the palace when the king's order is carried out. Many young women are gathered under Hegai's care. The story does not present Esther as organizing this move for herself.
Hegai favors her. He quickly supplies beauty treatments and a special diet, assigns seven maidservants, and moves them to the best place in the harem. These are real advantages within a situation directed by the king and his officials. Favor does not mean Esther now controls her circumstances.
She keeps her people and family background private because Mordecai has told her to. The passage gives the instruction but does not explain his reasoning. We need not turn it into either a general rule about hiding faith or a confident judgment of their motives.
And every day Mordecai would walk back and forth in front of the court of the harem to learn about Esther's welfare and what was happening to her.
He is still the relative who raised her. The text does not describe all the help available to him, but it records this daily act of concern. Esther's new surroundings do not end his responsibility to care about her.
Questions
1 Where is Esther taken?
AnswerTo the palace at Susa, under Hegai, the custodian of the women.
2 How does Hegai show her favor?
AnswerHe promptly provides treatments and a special diet, gives her seven maidservants, and moves her with them to the best place in the harem.
3 Why does Esther keep her people and lineage private?
AnswerMordecai has instructed her not to reveal them. His reasons are not explained here.
4 What does Mordecai do every day?
AnswerHe walks in front of the court of the harem to find out how Esther is and what is happening to her.
What This Means for Us
When someone we love moves into a new or difficult situation, concern needs to continue after the first day. Ask how they are doing and listen to the answer. Find out what kind of contact or help is welcome. We cannot control everything that happens to someone else, but we can keep caring and pray for them faithfully.
Prayer
Father, watch over people we love whose days we cannot share. Help us listen, stay in touch, and offer the help they need. Keep our concern steady over time. Amen.