Bible Strands
Esther 2:15
Now Esther was the daughter of Abihail, the uncle from whom Mordecai had adopted her as his own daughter. And when it was her turn to go to the king, she did not ask for anything except what Hegai, the king’s trusted official in charge of the harem, had advised. And Esther found favor in the eyes of everyone who saw her.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The narrator describes Esther’s lineage and conduct at the moment her rotation brings her to the king’s presence. The account occurs between her initial entry into the harem and her formal presentation in the seventh year of Xerxes’ reign.
The words — The Hebrew וּ/בְ/הַגִּ֣יעַ (u./ve./ha.Gi.a') literally means "and when arrived," marking the chronological shift. תֹּר\־ (tor-) translates as "[the] turn of," indicating the regulated sequence of women entering the royal court.
The thread — The genealogical note links to Esther 9:29, which reaffirms her identity as the daughter of Abihail. The pattern of royal favor and harem assembly connects to the decree in Esther 2:3 and the unique reception noted in Song of Solomon 6:9.
Why it lands — The text requires the reader to note that Esther’s advancement followed institutional procedure and external counsel rather than personal initiative. It demands acknowledgment that survival in a hostile court depends on submitting to established protocols.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, was come to go in unto the king, she required nothing but what Hegai the king’s chamberlain, the keeper of the women, appointed. And Esther obtained favour in the sight of all them that looked upon her.
Cross-references
- Song of Solomon 6:9 but my dove, my perfect one, is unique, the favorite of the mother who bore her. The maidens see her and call her blessed; the queens and concubines sing her praises.
- Esther 2:3 and let the king appoint commissioners in each province of his kingdom to assemble all the beautiful young women into the harem at the citadel of Susa. Let them be placed under the care of Hegai, the king’s eunuch in charge of the women, and let them be given beauty treatments.
- Esther 9:29 So Queen Esther daughter of Abihail, along with Mordecai the Jew, wrote with full authority to confirm this second letter concerning Purim.
- Acts 7:10 and rescued him from all his troubles. He granted Joseph favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt, who appointed him ruler over Egypt and all his household.
- Esther 2:7 And Mordecai had brought up Hadassah (that is, Esther), the daughter of his uncle, because she did not have a father or mother. The young woman was lovely in form and appearance, and when her father and mother had died, Mordecai had taken her as his own daughter.
- Song of Solomon 8:10 I am a wall, and my breasts are like towers. So I have become in his eyes like one who brings peace.