What does Esther 2:21 mean?

"¶ 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." - Esther 2:21

Esther 2:21 - "¶ 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."

Esther 2:21 in the King James Version of the Bible reads:

"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."

This verse comes from the book of Esther, which tells the story of a Jewish girl named Esther who becomes the queen of Persia and ultimately saves her people from destruction. The verse itself takes place in the royal court of King Ahasuerus, where Mordecai, Esther's cousin, sits at the king's gate and overhears a plot to assassinate the king by two of his chamberlains, Bigthan and Teresh.

The book of Esther is set during the time of the Jewish exile in Persia, and it is a story of bravery, faith, and divine deliverance. The verse highlights the theme of divine providence and the way in which God works behind the scenes to protect and deliver His people. It also serves as a reminder that even in the midst of danger and uncertainty, God is in control and can use the actions of individuals to accomplish His purposes.

The context of this verse is important in understanding its significance within the larger narrative of the book of Esther. At this point in the story, Esther has been taken to the king's palace and made queen, although her true identity as a Jewish woman is still a secret. Mordecai, her cousin, has been faithfully watching over her and in this particular instance, his vigilance and loyalty to the king lead to the uncovering of the assassination plot.

The symbolism in this verse is multifaceted. Firstly, Mordecai sitting at the king's gate represents his position as an important figure in the Persian court. It also symbolizes his watchfulness and loyalty to both the king and his people. Additionally, the actions of Bigthan and Teresh symbolize the ongoing threat to the Jewish people, as they were not safe even in the Persian court. Despite being in a position of power and influence, they still faced the potential of harm and destruction.

The verse also symbolizes the contrast between good and evil. While Mordecai is faithfully carrying out his duties and looking out for the best interests of the king and his people, Bigthan and Teresh are plotting to do him harm and overthrow the king. This dichotomy serves as a reminder that there is always a struggle between good and evil, and that God ultimately triumphs over the forces of darkness.

Overall, Esther 2:21 is a significant verse within the book of Esther as it sets the stage for the unfolding of events that ultimately lead to the salvation of the Jewish people. It highlights the themes of divine providence, the contrast between good and evil, and the importance of individual actions in furthering God's purposes. It serves as a reminder that even in the most perilous of circumstances, God is at work behind the scenes, orchestrating events for the deliverance of His people.

Esther 2:21 Artwork

Esther 5:2

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."

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 1:21 - "And the saying pleased the king and the princes; and the king did according to the word of Memucan:"

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 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 9:21 - "To stablish this among them, that they should keep the fourteenth day of the month Adar, and the fifteenth day of the same, yearly,"

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 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 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."

2 Kings 2:21

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."

Genesis 21-2

Matthew 2:21

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."

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;"

Luke 2:16 - 21