Esther 2:3 | DiscipleDeck

Bible Commentary

Esther 2:3

John Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible · John Gill (1697–1771) · Public Domain

And let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom,.... Who best knew where beautiful virgins might be found in their respective provinces, in which they dwelt:that they may gather together all the fair young virgins unto Shushan the palace; the metropolis of the kingdom, where was the royal palace:to the house of the women, unto the custody of Hege the king's chamberlain, the keeper of the women; in which house it seems were two apartments, one for the virgins before they were introduced to the king, the other for them when they were become his concubines, which had a keeper also; but this Hege seems to have been over the whole house, Es 2:14.

It was not only usual with the eastern people, as with the Turks now, for great personages to have keepers of their wives and concubines, but with the Romans also :and let their things for purification be given them; such as oil of myrrh, spices, &c.

to remove all impurity and ill scent from them, and make them look smooth and beautiful. "Pone seram, cohibe", &c. Juvenal. Satyr. 6. ver.

The Daily Devotional

One devotional. Every morning.

The full reading, the passage behind it, and where to go deeper — in your inbox before the day starts. No ads, ever.

We'll send one email to confirm it's really you. Unsubscribe in one tap, any time.

Continue tomorrow

Turn Bible study into a daily habit

Read today's devotional, save your progress, and receive a gentle daily reminder.

Read today's devotional Save my progress

More for Esther 2:3

Continue with other commentaries and DiscipleDeck content connected to this verse, chapter, or topic.

Other commentaries

Esther 2 — OverviewEsther 2 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleTwo things are recorded in this chapter, which were working towards the deliverance of the Jews from Haman's conspiracy:--I. The advancement of Esther to be queen instead of Vashti. Many others were candidates for…Esther 2 — OverviewEsther 2 · The Pulpit CommentaryEsther 1 Esther Esther 3 Esther 2 — OverviewEsther 2 · Treasury of Scripture KnowledgeEsther 2:1, Out of the choice of virgins a queen is to be chosen; Esther 2:5, Mordecai the nursing father of Esther; Esther 2:8, Esther preferred before the rest; Esther 2:12, The manner of purification, and going in to…Esther 2 — OverviewEsther 2 · John Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleBy the advice of the ministers of King Ahasuerus, fair virgins were sought for throughout his dominions, and brought to his chamberlain, the keeper of the women, among whom was Esther, a Jewish virgin, Es 2:1, who found…Esther 2:1-20Esther 2:1-20 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleHow God put down one that was high and mighty from her seat we read in the chapter before, and are now to be told how he exalted one of low degree, as the virgin Mary observes in her song (Luke i. 52) and Hannah…Esther 2:1-4Esther 2:1-4 · The Pulpit CommentaryEvil counsel overruled. When a king takes counsel of flatterers and favourites, it bodes no good either to himself or to his people. Such parasites think only how they may make their masters' vices the stepping-stones…

commentaryRecommended resourceExplore this resource connected to the verse you are reading.commentaryRecommended resourceExplore this resource connected to the verse you are reading.devotionThe Two SingersGod didn't make men and women exactly the same, because a choir singing the exact same note has no harmony.DiscipleDeck devotionThe Shadow and the RealityIs marriage the ultimate goal of life? Not even close. Marriage is just a shadow pointing to a greater reality.DiscipleDeck devotionThe Knot and the GlueStop keeping score. In a contract, you keep a ledger of debts ("I did the dishes, so you owe me a back rub"). In a covenant, you throw the ledger away. This week, do one significant act of service for your spouse (or a family member) without asking for anything in return and don't even mention that you did it.Discipledeck