Esther 2:3 Meaning and Explanation
“And let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom, that they may gather together all the fair young virgins unto Shushan the palace, to the house of the women, unto the custody of Hege the king's chamberlain, keeper of the women; and let their things for purification be given them:”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Officers are to be appointed empire-wide to bring eligible young women to the palace harem under Hegai's care.
What Does Esther 2:3 Mean?
The plan is made imperial: officers in every province will gather young women to the citadel of Shushan, into the house of the women under Hegai, the keeper of the women. The whole machinery that once published the honor of husbands is now turned to staffing the royal harem. Lives are moved like inventory toward the center of power.
Hegai is introduced almost in passing, yet he will matter greatly. His goodwill toward Esther will be one of the small kindnesses through which her path is smoothed. The narrator plants these figures quietly, so that when favor falls on Esther, we see it was prepared in advance by hands she did not choose.
Frequently Asked Questions About Esther 2:3
What does Esther 2:3 mean?
Officers are to be appointed empire-wide to bring eligible young women to the palace harem under Hegai's care.