When the king’s command and edict became public knowledge and when many young women were gathered at the fortress of Susa under Hegai’s supervision, Esther was taken to the palace, into the supervision of Hegai, keeper of the women. The young woman pleased him and gained his favor so that he accelerated the process of the beauty treatments and the special diet that she received. He assigned seven hand-picked female servants to her from the palace and transferred her and her servants to the harem’s best quarters.

10 Esther did not reveal her ethnicity or her family background, because Mordecai had ordered her not to make them known.

Read full chapter

Bible Gateway Recommends

CSB Tony Evans Study Bible, Burgundy Bonded Leather
CSB Tony Evans Study Bible, Burgundy Bonded Leather
Retail: $79.99
Our Price: $23.99
Save: $56.00 (70%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars
CSB Church Bible (Value Pew Bible) Black
CSB Church Bible (Value Pew Bible) Black
Retail: $12.99
Our Price: $6.99
Save: $6.00 (46%)
CSB Church Bible (Value Pew Bible) Case of 24
CSB Church Bible (Value Pew Bible) Case of 24
Retail: $311.76
Our Price: $155.76
Save: $156.00 (50%)
CSB Men's Daily Bible, Hardcover
CSB Men's Daily Bible, Hardcover
Retail: $39.99
Our Price: $27.99
Save: $12.00 (30%)