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Esther 2:3

King James Version (KJV)

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Esther 2:3

Verse 3 of 23

Scripture focus

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]:

Esther 2:3 — KJV

Commentary

Commentary on Esther 2:3

Theological / Devotional

The house of the women. In an Oriental palace the harem was always separate from the residence of the king and other men, usually in another building. Their establishment was presided over by eunuchs, often called “chamberlains.” In the palace of Xerxes the harem was situated in the northeastern quarter of the palace area (see on eh. 1:5).

Chamberlain. Literally, “eunuch,” that is, one of the royal eunuchs (see eh. 1:10), to whom the king assigned special responsibilities.

Keeper of the women. Strictly speaking, Hege (or Hegai, v. 8) seems to have been keeper of the virgins only. Another royal eunuch was in charge of the women who had been presented to the king (v. 14).

Things for purification. Or, “ointments” or “cosmetics.” See the list in v. 12. Persian kings may have considered themselves demigods, and thought it necessary even for virgins to undergo an extended period of “purification” before they were fit to consort with the king.

By SdaBc