When the young woman would go to the kingThis phrase refers to the process by which each young woman, including Esther, was presented to King Xerxes (Ahasuerus) after a year of beauty treatments. The Persian custom involved a lengthy preparation period, emphasizing the importance of physical beauty and presentation in the royal court. This reflects the cultural values of the Persian Empire, where the king's favor was often sought through external appearances. The process also highlights the vulnerability and lack of agency of these women, who were essentially at the mercy of the king's desires.
she was given whatever she requested
This indicates a level of autonomy granted to the women, allowing them to choose items that might enhance their appeal to the king. It suggests a strategic element, as the women could select clothing, jewelry, or other items to make a favorable impression. This choice could reflect their personal tastes or advice from others, such as the eunuchs in charge. The freedom to request items also underscores the competitive nature of the selection process, as each woman sought to distinguish herself.
to take with her from the harem
The harem was a secluded part of the palace where the king's wives and concubines lived. It was a place of both privilege and confinement, as the women had access to luxury but were also isolated from the outside world. The harem's existence is well-documented in ancient Near Eastern cultures, serving as a symbol of the king's wealth and power. The mention of the harem highlights the controlled environment in which these women lived, emphasizing their role as part of the king's possessions.
to the king’s palace
The king's palace was the center of political power in the Persian Empire, a grand and opulent structure reflecting the king's authority and wealth. Archaeological findings at sites like Persepolis provide insight into the grandeur of such palaces, with their elaborate architecture and decorations. The movement from the harem to the palace signifies a transition from preparation to presentation, as the women entered the king's presence. This setting underscores the gravity of the moment, as the king's decision would determine their future.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
EstherA Jewish woman who becomes queen of Persia. Her account is central to the book of Esther, highlighting her courage and faith.
2.
King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I)The Persian king who seeks a new queen, leading to Esther's rise to royalty.
3.
HaremThe royal residence where the king's wives and concubines lived. It was a place of preparation for the women before meeting the king.
4.
PalaceThe royal residence of King Ahasuerus, where significant decisions and events unfold.
5.
Young WomenRefers to the virgins gathered from the empire to potentially become the new queen, including Esther.
Teaching Points
Divine PreparationGod prepares His people for His purposes, often in ways that are not immediately visible. Esther's preparation in the harem was part of God's larger plan for her life and the salvation of her people.
God's SovereigntyEven in a pagan environment, God's hand is at work. Esther's rise to queen was not by chance but by divine orchestration.
Inner Beauty and CharacterWhile the young women were adorned with physical beauty, Esther's account reminds us that true beauty comes from character and faithfulness to God.
Courage and FaithEsther's journey to the palace required courage and trust in God. Believers are called to step out in faith, trusting God's plan even when the path is uncertain.
Influence and ResponsibilityWith position and influence comes responsibility. Esther's role as queen was not just for her benefit but for the deliverance of her people.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Esther 2:13?
2.How does Esther 2:13 illustrate God's providence in Esther's preparation process?
3.What lessons on obedience can we learn from Esther's actions in Esther 2:13?
4.How does Esther 2:13 connect to Romans 8:28 about God's purpose?
5.In what ways can we seek God's guidance in our own preparations?
6.How can Esther's example in Esther 2:13 inspire us to trust God's timing?
7.What does Esther 2:13 reveal about the cultural practices of ancient Persia?
8.How does Esther 2:13 reflect the treatment of women in biblical times?
9.What theological significance does Esther 2:13 hold in the context of God's providence?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Esther 2?
11.What challenges did Esther face in her life?
12.Does Esther 2:9's mention of special favor contradict known Persian customs for selecting a royal consort?
13.Why would a loving God demand the execution of anyone who refused to seek Him (2 Chronicles 15:13), conflicting with other biblical passages emphasizing mercy?
14.Why do historical records outside the Bible not verify the extensive beauty regimen described in Esther 2:12?What Does Esther 2:13 Mean
When the young woman would go to the king- The verse pictures the precise moment each candidate left her secluded quarters and stepped toward the throne room.
- Months of preparation (Esther 2:12) culminated in this single, irreversible audience, underscoring the weight of personal readiness (Esther 4:11;Hebrews 9:27—one appointed meeting).
- The scene reminds us that approaching royal authority was a privilege strictly regulated, foreshadowing the seriousness of approaching the King of kings (Esther 5:1–2;Hebrews 4:16).
she was given whatever she requested- Within predetermined boundaries, the women had freedom to select garments, jewelry, perfumes, or adornments.
- This provision highlighted both the king’s resources and each woman’s responsibility to decide what best commended her (Esther 5:3;Matthew 7:7–8).
- Spiritually, it mirrors God’s willingness to supply what His people need for the tasks He calls them to (John 14:13–14;Philippians 4:19).
to take with her- The phrase stresses personal choice: she did not receive a random issue but intentionally carried items that expressed her identity.
- It illustrates stewardship: what we choose to carry into any God-given opportunity shapes outcomes (1 Samuel 17:40;Colossians 3:17).
- The moment also underscored accountability—no second chance to revise the selection once she left the harem (Luke 12:40).
from the harem- The harem was a secure, separate part of the royal complex (Esther 2:8).
- Life there involved protection and restriction, symbolizing how God often sets His people apart before revealing them for His purposes (Daniel 1:5;Galatians 1:15–16).
- The departure marked a transition from anonymity to potential influence, echoing Joseph’s shift from prison to palace (Genesis 41:14).
to the king’s palace- The destination was the heart of Persian power, contrasting with the harem’s isolation.
- Crossing that threshold placed each woman under direct royal evaluation (Esther 2:14;1 Kings 10:5).
- Likewise, believers will one day stand before the judgment seat of Christ, where prior preparation and faithful choices are brought into view (2 Corinthians 5:10;Revelation 22:12).
summaryEsther 2:13 records a carefully regulated yet generous process: every young woman, after long preparation, approached the king once, equipped with whatever she deemed best. The verse highlights personal responsibility, royal provision, and the gravity of entering the king’s presence. Spiritually applied, it urges us to steward God’s resources wisely, embrace His readiness to supply our needs, and live prepared for the moment we stand before our ultimate King.
Verse 13. -
Then thus came every maiden, etc. Rather, "And when each maiden came thus purified to the king, whatever she asked was given her," etc. The whole verse is one sentence. The meaning is, that on quitting the house of the women for the king's apartments, each maiden was entitled to demand anything that she liked in the way of dress or ornament, and it had to be given her.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Whenוּבָזֶ֕ה(ū·ḇā·zeh)Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Pronoun - masculine singular
Strong's 2088:This, thatthe young womanהַֽנַּעֲרָ֖ה(han·na·‘ă·rāh)Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5291:A girl, maidenwould goבָּאָ֣ה(bā·’āh)Verb - Qal - Participle - feminine singular
Strong's 935:To come in, come, go in, gotoאֶל־(’el-)Preposition
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, tothe king,הַמֶּ֑לֶךְ(ham·me·leḵ)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428:A kingshe was givenיִנָּ֤תֵֽן(yin·nā·ṯên)Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5414:To give, put, setwhateverכָּל־(kāl-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everyshe requestedתֹּאמַ֜ר(tō·mar)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 559:To utter, sayto takeלָב֣וֹא(lā·ḇō·w)Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 935:To come in, come, go in, gowith herעִמָּ֔הּ(‘im·māh)Preposition | third person feminine singular
Strong's 5973:With, equally withfrom the haremמִבֵּ֥ית(mib·bêṯ)Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1004:A housetoעַד־(‘aḏ-)Preposition
Strong's 5704:As far as, even to, up to, until, whilethe king'sהַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃(ham·me·leḵ)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428:A kingpalace.בֵּ֥ית(bêṯ)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1004:A house
Links
Esther 2:13 NIVEsther 2:13 NLTEsther 2:13 ESVEsther 2:13 NASBEsther 2:13 KJV
Esther 2:13 BibleApps.comEsther 2:13 Biblia ParalelaEsther 2:13 Chinese BibleEsther 2:13 French BibleEsther 2:13 Catholic Bible
OT History: Esther 2:13 The young woman then came to (Est Esth. Es) 
