What does Esther 2:14 mean?

"In the evening she went, and on the morrow she returned into the second house of the women, to the custody of Shaashgaz, the king's chamberlain, which kept the concubines: she came in unto the king no more, except the king delighted in her, and that she were called by name." - Esther 2:14

Esther 2:14 - "In the evening she went, and on the morrow she returned into the second house of the women, to the custody of Shaashgaz, the king's chamberlain, which kept the concubines: she came in unto the king no more, except the king delighted in her, and that she were called by name."

Esther 2:14 in the King James Version of the Bible reads: "In the evening she went, and on the morrow she returned into the second house of the women, to the custody of Shaashgaz, the king's chamberlain, which kept the concubines: she came in unto the king no more, except the king delighted in her, and that she were called by name."

The book of Esther is a unique and fascinating book in the Bible, as it is one of the only books in the Bible where the name of God is not explicitly mentioned. Despite this, the hand of God is seen guiding the events and working behind the scenes throughout the entire story.

In this verse, we see Esther, a young Jewish woman, being taken into the king's harem along with many other women. This was part of a Persian custom where the king would gather young and beautiful women from all over the empire to choose a new queen after his previous queen, Vashti, was banished. Esther is brought to the custody of Shaashgaz, the king's chamberlain, and is now part of the group of concubines who would potentially be chosen to be the next queen.

The themes presented in this verse and throughout the book of Esther include the sovereignty and providence of God, the courage and faith of Esther, and the preservation of the Jewish people. Despite appearing to be a story of romance and intrigue, the book of Esther ultimately showcases the overwhelming power of God working through individuals to accomplish His purposes.

One of the key themes in Esther is the unseen hand of God working behind the scenes. In this verse, we see Esther's situation as being seemingly ordinary and mundane – she goes back to the quarters of the concubines, and it seems as if nothing significant is happening. However, it is through this seemingly insignificant circumstance that God is orchestrating events to ultimately bring about the salvation of the Jewish people.

Additionally, Esther's courage and faith are evident throughout the entire book. She willingly goes into the king's harem, even though it means being separated from her family and her Jewish community. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Esther's position as queen is not a coincidence, but rather a part of God's plan to bring about the salvation of the Jewish people from an impending genocide. Esther's faith and courage in standing up for her people, even at the risk of her own life, is a powerful example for all believers.

The symbol of Esther's name being called by the king is also significant. In ancient Persia, the custom was that the king would only summon a concubine or queen if he delighted in her and if she were called by name. This symbolizes the importance of being known and chosen by the king, which can be paralleled to believers being chosen and known by God. Through this symbolic act, we see the foreshadowing of the favor that God bestows upon Esther, ultimately leading to her influence in saving her people.

In conclusion, Esther 2:14 from the King James Version of the Bible is a verse that highlights the seemingly ordinary circumstances in the life of Esther, but ultimately displays the providence of God, the courage and faith of Esther, and the salvation of the Jewish people. This verse serves as a reminder that God is always at work behind the scenes, orchestrating events for His purposes, and that those who are faithful and courageous in their walk with Him will ultimately be used for His glory.

Esther 2:14 Artwork

Esther 5:2

Esther 6:14 - "And while they were yet talking with him, came the king's chamberlains, and hasted to bring Haman unto the banquet that Esther had prepared."

Esther 2:22 - "And the thing was known to Mordecai, who told it unto Esther the queen; and Esther certified the king thereof in Mordecai's name."

Esther 5:2 - "And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained favour in his sight: and the king held out to Esther the golden sceptre that was in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the sceptre."

Esther 7:2 - "And the king said again unto Esther on the second day at the banquet of wine, What is thy petition, queen Esther? and it shall be granted thee: and what is thy request? and it shall be performed, even to the half of the kingdom."

Esther 2:20 - "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."

Esther 2:11 - "And Mordecai walked every day before the court of the women's house, to know how Esther did, and what should become of her."

Esther 2:10 - "Esther had not shewed her people nor her kindred: for Mordecai had charged her that she should not shew it."

Esther 9:14 - "And the king commanded it so to be done: and the decree was given at Shushan; and they hanged Haman's ten sons."

Esther 8:2 - "And the king took off his ring, which he had taken from Haman, and gave it unto Mordecai. And Esther set Mordecai over the house of Haman."

Esther 2:16 - "So Esther was taken unto king Ahasuerus into his house royal in the tenth month, which is the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign."

Esther 2:2 - "Then said the king's servants that ministered unto him, Let there be fair young virgins sought for the king:"

Esther 3:14 - "The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province was published unto all people, that they should be ready against that day."

Esther 2:17 - "And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favour in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti."

Esther 8:14 - "So the posts that rode upon mules and camels went out, being hastened and pressed on by the king's commandment. And the decree was given at Shushan the palace."

Esther 2:15 - "¶ Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, was come to go in unto the king, she required nothing but what Hegai the king's chamberlain, the keeper of the women, appointed. And Esther obtained favour in the sight of all them that looked upon her."

Esther 1:2 - "That in those days, when the king Ahasuerus sat on the throne of his kingdom, which was in Shushan the palace,"

Esther 2:19 - "And when the virgins were gathered together the second time, then Mordecai sat in the king's gate."

Esther 2:7 - "And he brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle's daughter: for she had neither father nor mother, and the maid was fair and beautiful; whom Mordecai, when her father and mother were dead, took for his own daughter."

Esther 4:2 - "And came even before the king's gate: for none might enter into the king's gate clothed with sackcloth."

Esther 2:8 - "¶ So it came to pass, when the king's commandment and his decree was heard, and when many maidens were gathered together unto Shushan the palace, to the custody of Hegai, that Esther was brought also unto the king's house, to the custody of Hegai, keeper of the women."

Esther 1:14 - "And the next unto him was Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media, which saw the king's face, and which sat the first in the kingdom;)"

Esther 2:4 - "And let the maiden which pleaseth the king be queen instead of Vashti. And the thing pleased the king; and he did so."

Est 4:14 ESV (14) For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

Esther 2:5 - "¶ Now in Shushan the palace there was a certain Jew, whose name was Mordecai, the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite;"

Esther 2:1 - "After these things, when the wrath of king Ahasuerus was appeased, he remembered Vashti, and what she had done, and what was decreed against her."