God orchestrates His plans even through the complexities of political customs.
When the writer of Esther describes the procedure each young woman followed in approaching King Ahasuerus, he explains, “In the evening she would go in and in the morning she would return to the second harem, to the custody of Shaashgaz, the king’s eunuch who was in charge of the concubines. She would not again go in to the king unless the king delighted in her and she was summoned by name” (v.14). This scene takes place in the fortress of Susa, located within ancient Persia (modern-day Iran). The city of Susa, once a significant royal center, provides the grand setting where the Persian king searches for a new queen. King Ahasuerus (also known as Xerxes I, who reigned approximately from 486 to 465 BC) used a unique selection process for the women brought into his court, each visiting him in the evening and departing in the morning to a separate area unless he specially called for her by name.
The detail of “she would not again go in to the king unless the king delighted in her” (v.14) shows the emphasis on the king’s personal choice and favor, illustrating the immense power the king held over these young women. This dynamic also highlights the uncertainty and vulnerability each candidate faced, because a single evening determined whether she might advance. Esther, though not yet mentioned specifically in this verse, emerges as the one upon whom God’s favor ultimately rests. Though not stated outright, we can glean from the larger narrative that God is sovereignly guiding events so that Esther will uniquely serve and protect her people (Esther 4:14). In a broader biblical context, this process can remind us of how God often uses unexpected and humble individuals to fulfill His purposes (Matthew 23:12).
The reference to “the second harem, to the custody of Shaashgaz” (v.14) also underscores the highly structured environment of the Persian court. Each detail speaks to the elaborate system established to accommodate the many women vying for the king’s favor. This was likely an intimidating experience for anyone involved, yet through faith and perseverance, Esther herself would rise above this scenario to occupy a pivotal role in her nation’s survival. Her story echoes forward to the self-sacrifice modeled by Jesus, who also advocated for the ultimate deliverance of His people (Matthew 20:28), though in a far greater eternal sense.
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Esther 2:14 meaning
When the writer of Esther describes the procedure each young woman followed in approaching King Ahasuerus, he explains, “In the evening she would go in and in the morning she would return to the second harem, to the custody of Shaashgaz, the king’s eunuch who was in charge of the concubines. She would not again go in to the king unless the king delighted in her and she was summoned by name” (v.14). This scene takes place in the fortress of Susa, located within ancient Persia (modern-day Iran). The city of Susa, once a significant royal center, provides the grand setting where the Persian king searches for a new queen. King Ahasuerus (also known as Xerxes I, who reigned approximately from 486 to 465 BC) used a unique selection process for the women brought into his court, each visiting him in the evening and departing in the morning to a separate area unless he specially called for her by name.
The detail of “she would not again go in to the king unless the king delighted in her” (v.14) shows the emphasis on the king’s personal choice and favor, illustrating the immense power the king held over these young women. This dynamic also highlights the uncertainty and vulnerability each candidate faced, because a single evening determined whether she might advance. Esther, though not yet mentioned specifically in this verse, emerges as the one upon whom God’s favor ultimately rests. Though not stated outright, we can glean from the larger narrative that God is sovereignly guiding events so that Esther will uniquely serve and protect her people (Esther 4:14). In a broader biblical context, this process can remind us of how God often uses unexpected and humble individuals to fulfill His purposes (Matthew 23:12).
The reference to “the second harem, to the custody of Shaashgaz” (v.14) also underscores the highly structured environment of the Persian court. Each detail speaks to the elaborate system established to accommodate the many women vying for the king’s favor. This was likely an intimidating experience for anyone involved, yet through faith and perseverance, Esther herself would rise above this scenario to occupy a pivotal role in her nation’s survival. Her story echoes forward to the self-sacrifice modeled by Jesus, who also advocated for the ultimate deliverance of His people (Matthew 20:28), though in a far greater eternal sense.