John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 8. So it came to pass, when the king’s commandment and decree was heard , etc.] In the several provinces of his kingdom: and when many maidens were gathered unto Shushan the palace, to the custody of Hegai ; Josephus says, there were gathered to the number of four hundred: that Esther was brought also unto the king’s house, to the custody of Hegai, the keeper of the women : by force, as Aben Ezra and the former Targum, and so the word is sometimes used.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-20 - We see to what absurd practices those came, who were destitute of Divine revelation, and what need there was of the gospel of Christ, to purify men from the lusts of the flesh, and to bring them back to the original institution of marriage. Esther was preferred as queen. Thos who suggest that Esther committed sin to come at this dignity, do no consider the custom of those times and countries. Every one that the king took was married to him, and was his wife, though of a lower rank But how low is human nature sunk, when such as these are the leadin pursuits and highest worldly happiness of men! Disappointment an vexation must follow; and he most wisely consults his enjoyment, eve in this present life, who most exactly obeys the precepts of the Divin law. But let us turn to consider the wise and merciful providence of God, carrying on his deep but holy designs in the midst of all this And let no change in our condition be a pretext for forgetting ou duties to parents, or the friends who have stood in their place.
Original Hebrew ויהי1961 בהשׁמע8085 דבר1697 המלך4428 ודתו1881 ובהקבץ6908 נערות5291 רבות7227 אל413 שׁושׁן7800 הבירה1002 אל413 יד3027 הגי1896 ותלקח3947 אסתר635 אל413 בית1004 המלך4428 אל413 יד3027 הגי1896 שׁמר8104 הנשׁים׃802
