John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 9. And the maiden pleased him , etc.] Not the king, into whose presence she was not yet introduced, but the chamberlain; her beauty and her behaviour recommended her to him, and he concluded within himself that she was the person that of all would be acceptable to the king: and she obtained kindness of him : had favours shown others had not: and he speedily gave her things for purification ; as oil, spices, etc. that she might be the sooner fitted to be had into the king’s presence: with such things as belonged to her ; food and drink from the king’s table; the Targum interprets it gifts, as chains and royal apparel: and seven maidens, which were given her, out of the king’s house ; to wait upon her the seven days of the week, as the same Targum: and he preferred her and her maids unto the best place of the house of the women ; removed her and them to it, which was the most splendid, had large, airy, and pleasant rooms.
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 ותיטב3190 הנערה5291 בעיניו5869 ותשׂא5375 חסד2617 לפניו6440 ויבהל926 את853 תמרוקיה8562 ואת853 מנותה4490 לתת5414 לה ואת853 שׁבע7651 הנערות5291 הראיות7200 לתת5414 לה מבית1004 המלך4428 וישׁנה8138 ואת853 נערותיה5291 לטוב2896 בית1004 הנשׁים׃802
