Definition: And when the virgins were gathered together the second time, then Mordecai sat in the king’s gate.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Esther 2:19. It's a really significant and dramatic moment in the story of how Jewish people saved themselves from danger. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Story: Mordecai was plotting against the king. Before this verse, Mordecai, a royal advisor to King Esther, had been secretly working with Haman, the king's chief advisor. He was trying to incite a plot against the king to make him angry and ultimately lead to his downfall. The second gathering is a trap. Mordecai orchestrated a meeting of the Jewish women (the virgins) again . This time, he’s deliberately placing himself in a position where he can be seen by Haman. He sits in the king's gate. He's sitting right outside the royal palace gate, making himself visible to Haman. What it means – The Key Message: This verse is a crucial moment because it shows that Mordecai was actively working against the king . By deliberately setting himself up to be seen by Haman, he was essentially creating an opportunity for Haman to carry out his plan of revenge. Think of it like this: Imagine someone leaving a trail of breadcrumbs behind them so they can be easily found. Mordecai is leaving a trail of activity – being seen – that’s drawing Haman's attention. Why it matters: It highlights the danger of hidden plots and the importance of vigilance. It shows that even seemingly insignificant actions could have significant consequences when someone is actively working against those they should be protecting. In short, this verse describes Mordecai strategically positioning himself to be noticed by Haman, setting him up for a dangerous confrontation. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the significance of this specific passage in more detail?