Definition: And let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom, that they may gather together all the fair young virgins unto Shushan the palace, to the house of the women, unto the custody of Hege the king’s chamberlain, keeper of the women; and let their things for purification be given [them]:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Esther 2:3. It’s a really important and dramatic scene in the Bible! Here's an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a plan to protect a young woman named Hege – who is essentially a hostage – from harm. The king wants to ensure she stays safe within his palace, specifically at the residence of King Nebuchadnezzar II. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And let the king appoint officers…” - This means the king is creating a team to oversee and protect Shehecal (the young woman). “…in all the provinces of his kingdom…” – The king wants this protection to be widespread, across all the lands under his rule. It’s a broad plan to make sure she's safe everywhere. "...that they may gather together all the fair young virgins unto Shushan the palace…” - This is the core of the plan. "Fair young virgins" refers to women who are young, attractive, and potentially vulnerable. The king wants all of them – specifically the best ones – brought to his palace in Shushan (a large city in Persia). "...to the house of the women…” - Shehecal is being taken to a specific location within the palace. "...unto the custody of Hege the king’s chamberlain, keeper of the women...” – This is a crucial detail. Shege is being entrusted to a trusted official – a chamberlain who manages the women's belongings and ensures their safety. He’s essentially in charge of her well-being. "...keeper of the women; and let their things for purification be given [them]…” - This is where it gets interesting. "Purification" here doesn't necessarily mean a religious cleansing, but rather a careful and protective handling of her belongings – like jewelry, clothing, and other items. It’s about safeguarding her from potential harm or theft. Overall Meaning: The verse paints a picture of a situation where a vulnerable woman is placed in a precarious position. The king is taking steps to protect her, ensuring she's safe and cared for within his palace. It speaks to themes of protection, responsibility, and the importance of safeguarding those who are not powerful enough to defend themselves. Why it’s significant: This passage highlights the wisdom and strategic thinking of King Nebuchadnezzar II. It shows he's aware of potential threats and takes proactive measures to protect his interests and the safety of his subjects. It also speaks to a time of great political instability, and the king's concern for his people’s security. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Connect it to a broader story or theme within the Bible? Discuss the historical context of this event?