Discovery BoxEsther 2:8-9 
Context2:8 It so happened that when the king’s edict and his law became known 1 many young women were taken to Susa the citadel to be placed under the authority of Hegai. Esther also was taken to the royal palace 2 to be under the authority of Hegai, who was overseeing the women. 2:9 This young woman pleased him, 3 and she found favor with him. He quickly provided her with her cosmetics and her rations; he also provided her with the seven specially chosen 4 young women who were from the palace. He then transferred her and her young women to the best quarters in the harem. 5
Esther 2:18
Context2:18 Then the king prepared a large banquet for all his officials and his servants – it was actually Esther’s banquet. He also set aside a holiday for the provinces, and he provided for offerings at the king’s expense. 6
Esther 4:16
Context4:16 “Go, assemble all the Jews who are found in Susa and fast in my behalf. Don’t eat and don’t drink for three days, night or day. My female attendants and I 7 will also fast in the same way. Afterward I will go to the king, even though it violates the law. 8 If I perish, I perish!”
Esther 7:8
Context7:8 When the king returned from the palace garden to the banquet of wine, Haman was throwing himself down 9 on the couch where Esther was lying. 10 The king exclaimed, “Will he also attempt to rape the queen while I am still in the building!”
As these words left the king’s mouth, they covered Haman’s face.
1 tn Heb “were heard” (so NASB); NRSV “were (had been NIV) proclaimed.”
2 tn Heb “the house of the king.” So also in vv. 9, 13. Cf. NLT “the king’s harem.”
3 tn Heb “was good in his eyes”; NLT “Hegai was very impressed with Esther.”
4 tn Heb “being looked at (with favor).”
5 tn Heb “of the house of the women” (so KJV, ASV). So also in vv. 11, 13, 14.
6 tc The LXX does not include the words “and he provided for offerings at the king’s expense.”
7 tn Heb “I and my female attendants.” The translation reverses the order for stylistic reasons.
8 tn Heb “which is not according to the law” (so KJV, NASB); NAB “contrary to the law.”
9 tn Heb “falling”; NAB, NRSV “had (+ just TEV) thrown himself (+ down TEV).”
10 tn Heb “where Esther was” (so KJV, NASB). The term “lying” has been supplied in the translation for stylistic reasons; cf. NAB, NIV, NRSV, NLT “was reclining.”
