Definition: Then said the king’s servants that ministered unto him, Let there be fair young virgins sought for the king:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Esther 2:2. It’s a really important and slightly mysterious passage in the Bible! Here's what it means in simple terms: The King is asking his servants to find young women – specifically, attractive and young women – for him. It’s a request for a specific type of person to be near the king. Let’s unpack it a bit further: “Then said the king’s servants…” : This tells us who is doing this – the King's personal staff, or those entrusted with his care. "...that ministered unto him..." : This means they were working for the King and providing service to him. They were helping him in some way. "...Let there be fair young virgins sought for the king:" : This is the core of the verse. It's asking for a specific group of people – young women, particularly those who are attractive and youthful – to be brought before the King. The word "virgins" means unmarried women; it’s suggesting they are looking for someone with beauty and youthfulness. What does this tell us about the story? This verse is a key step in Esther's plan to save her people from destruction. It sets up a situation where the King needs to be reminded that his kingdom is vulnerable – he needs someone who can capture his attention and show him the importance of his rule. It’s a deliberate attempt to draw the King’s attention to the situation facing his people. In essence, it's a plea for a specific kind of woman to be present with the king to increase awareness of the kingdom’s threat. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Discuss its significance within the broader story of Esther? Or perhaps explore why this particular request might have been made?

Definition: Esther had not [yet] shewed her kindred nor her people; as Mordecai had charged her: for Esther did the commandment of Mordecai, like as when she was brought up with him.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Esther 2:20. It's a really important and somewhat surprising verse that speaks to a pivotal moment in Jewish history! Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes the initial action of Esther when she first came forward to plead with King Ahasuerus (who was married to his sister) to help her save her people from a terrible threat. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Esther had not [yet] shewed her kindred nor her people” : This means Esther hadn't yet revealed herself or her situation to King Ahasuerus. She was still keeping quiet about the dangers facing her people. Think of it like a secret being kept until it’s needed. “As Mordecai had charged her:” This is key! Mordecai was a royal advisor to King Ahasuerus. He was tasked with protecting the Jewish people and he gave Esther a specific instruction – to act as Mordecai did. “like as when she was brought up with him” : This is the most interesting part. Mordecai had raised Esther, teaching her everything about how to handle difficult situations. He essentially shaped her into someone who could be trusted to take action and protect her people. So, what does this whole story tell us? This verse paints a picture of: A Woman Taking Action: Esther wasn’t just passively waiting for things to get worse. She actively began to act to prevent disaster. Trust and Guidance: Mordecai was providing Esther with a crucial role and guidance – essentially, he was teaching her how to do what needed to be done. Protection & Responsibility: It shows that Esther's position of being the queen (and therefore responsible for her people) meant she had a duty to protect them. In short, this verse highlights Esther’s courage and the importance of having someone guiding and supporting you when facing a challenging situation. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the story? Discuss the significance of Mordecai in this context?

Definition: In those days, while Mordecai sat in the king’s gate, two of the king’s chamberlains, Bigthan and Teresh, of those which kept the door, were wroth, and sought to lay hand on the king Ahasuerus.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Esther 2:21. It's a really significant moment in Jewish history! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Mordecai is Being Targeted: The verse describes Mordecai, who was the Queen’s advisor and her chief minister, being targeted by the King’s chamberlains. Anger & Seeking to Harm: These chamberlains were very angry. They wanted to do something bad – they wanted to physically harm Mordecai. They were essentially plotting against him. “Of those which kept the door…” This is a crucial part. It means these chamberlains were the guards or watchmen who were responsible for keeping the King’s doors closed. They were in charge of protecting the King from intruders. What Happened Next? The Incident: Mordecai was brought before the King, and the chamberlains, fueled by their anger, attempted to lay hands on him . This is a very serious act – it’s like trying to physically assault someone! Overall Meaning & Significance: This verse tells us that Mordecai was in danger because of his position. It's a story about a powerful threat and the importance of protecting those who are vulnerable. It highlights: The Importance of Vigilance: The chamberlains’ actions showed how important it is to be watchful and to protect those in positions of authority – like Mordecai. Justice & Protection: It suggests that even seemingly small things can have significant consequences, and that justice must be served when someone is threatened. In short, this verse describes a moment of intense tension and a threat against Mordecai, highlighting the need for protection and vigilance. --- Do you want me to explain any part of this in more detail? Perhaps: What was the context of Esther’s story surrounding this event? What does it mean for the Jewish people in general?

Definition: And the thing was known to Mordecai, who told [it] unto Esther the queen; and Esther certified the king [thereof] in Mordecai’s name.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Esther 2:22. It’s a really important part of the story about a woman who was trying to save her people. Here’s what it means, explained simply: The Basic Idea: This verse tells us that Mordecai, a trusted advisor to Queen Esther, discovered that King Ahasayer had been secretly plotting against her. He told Esther about this plan, and Esther then confirmed it to the king – essentially, she said, “Yes, you’re doing this!” Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Esther 2:22” : This is the verse itself – a specific passage from the Bible. “And the thing was known to Mordecai…” : Mordecai was watching and noticing something suspicious. He realized there was a secret plan happening. “…who told [it] unto Esther the queen…” : Mordecai told Queen Esther about this plan. He’s acting as a messenger, relaying the information. “Esther certified the king [thereof] in Mordecai’s name.” : This is the crucial part! Esther confirmed that King Ahasayer was aware of this plot. She officially stated that he knew about it – essentially making it official. The word "thereof" (that which is there) refers to the fact that the king was aware of the plan. So, what’s the big takeaway? This verse shows that Mordecai's vigilance and Esther's confirmation were vital in stopping this plot from happening. It highlights the importance of someone watching out for things and speaking up when you see something wrong. In short: Mordecai found out about a secret plan, Esther told the king, and the king confirmed it – which was a crucial step to prevent disaster. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context of this story?

Definition: And when inquisition was made of the matter, it was found out; therefore they were both hanged on a tree: and it was written in the book of the chronicles before the king.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse together. It’s a really powerful and dramatic passage from Esther 2:23. Here's what it means, explained simply: The Basic Story: This verse comes from a story about a woman named Esther who was called to save her people from a dangerous group of wicked Jews who were plotting to kill them. The Jewish leaders, fearing this plot, decided to stage an "inquisition" – a trial and punishment – to try to stop it. What Happened Next: They Investigated: The investigators looked into the situation and discovered that the people involved in the plot were both hanged on a tree. It's Written Down: The record of this event is recorded in a historical book called the "Chronicles." It’s a very important document that was kept by the king. Putting it All Together – What Does It Mean? This verse essentially says: “When the investigators discovered this horrific situation, they decided to put both the people involved in the plot to death on a tree.” Important Context - Why is this significant? It's a Warning: The verse was written as a warning to the king. It’s a powerful message about the dangers of unchecked power and the importance of being careful with what you do. It Shows the Consequences of Evil: It illustrates that even when people are involved in something terrible, the consequences can be severe – they face death. In short, it's a story about a crisis averted by a dramatic and ultimately tragic outcome. Does this make sense? Do you want me to explain any part of it further? For example, we could go into: The context of the story (the Jewish rebellion) The role of Esther in saving the people