Est 1:2, 2:3, 5:1 | TSK | STEP

Esther 1:2

sat.

Shushan.

2:3; 3:15; 4:16; 9:12-15; Ne 1:1; Da 8:2

Esther 2:3

in all the provinces.

that they may gather.This was the usual way in which the harem, or {seraglio,} was furnished; the finest women in the land, whether of high or low birth, were sought out and brought to the harem. They all became the king's concubines; but one was raised as chief wife, or sultana, to the throne; and her issue was especially entitled to inherit.

the custody. Heb. the hand. Hege.

Hegai. the king's chamberlain.{Saris hammelech,} "the king's eunuch:" so the LXX., Vulgate, Targum, and Syriac.

their things.

12-14; Isa 3:18-23

Esther 5:1

1 Esther, adventuring on the king's favour, obtains the grace of the golden sceptre, and invites the king and Haman to a banquet.

6 She, being encouraged by the king in her suit, invites them to another banquet the next day.

9 Haman, proud of his advancement, repines at the contempt of Mordecai.

14 By the counsel of Zeresh he prepares for him a gallows.

on the.

4:16; Mt 27:64

royal.

1:11; 8:15; Mt 10:16; 11:8; 1Pe 3:3-5

inner.

4:11; 6:4

sat.

1Ki 10:18-20; Lu 22:30; Re 3:21