Definition: To bring Vashti the queen before the king with the crown royal, to shew the people and the princes her beauty: for she [was] fair to look on.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down that passage from Esther 1:11. It’s a really important story about courage and leadership! Here's what it means in simple terms: Basically, this verse describes Esther’s request to show the king her beauty. Let’s unpack it further: “Esther 1:11” : This is a specific section of the Bible. It tells us about a significant event that happened in ancient Persia. “To bring Vashti the queen before the king…” : This means Esther asked Queen Vashti to come before King Darius, the ruler of Persia. She wanted to show him her beauty. “…with the crown royal…” : This is a key detail. She asked for a special, elaborate crown – a "royal" one – to wear. It was a symbol of her importance and power. “To shew the people and the princes her beauty:” This is the most important part. Esther wasn't just showing herself . She was showing everyone – the people in Persia, the kings, and even the princemen (high-ranking officials) - how beautiful she was. It was a way to demonstrate her worth and perhaps influence things. “for she [was] fair to look on.” : This is the final part. Esther wanted the audience to see her beauty. It's a statement of her intention – that she believed her appearance was important and worthy of attention. What’s the big takeaway? This verse highlights several things: Importance of Appearance: In ancient times, appearances were very significant. Esther used her beauty as a tool to get noticed and potentially gain favor with the king. Courage & Confidence: Esther was brave enough to ask for this display, despite the potential consequences. It shows she wasn’t afraid to stand out. It's a story of a woman taking initiative and using her beauty strategically. --- Would you like me to: Explain why Esther asked this? (Historical context) Discuss the significance of the crown? Compare it to other examples of displaying beauty in stories or myths?