When the virgins were assembled a second timeThis phrase indicates a continuation of the process that began in
Esther 2:8, where young women were gathered for King Xerxes' selection of a new queen. The "second time" suggests that this was a recurring event, possibly to replenish the harem or for another purpose related to the king's court. The gathering of virgins reflects the practices of Persian royalty, where the king had the authority to summon women from across the empire. This practice underscores the absolute power of the king and the vulnerability of the subjects, especially women, in the ancient Near Eastern context.
Mordecai was sitting at the king’s gate
Mordecai's presence at the king's gate signifies his role and status within the Persian empire. The king's gate was not merely an entrance but a place of official business and legal matters, akin to a modern-day courthouse or city hall. Mordecai's position here suggests he held a role of some importance, possibly as an official or a judge. This location is significant in the narrative, as it places Mordecai in a position to overhear the plot against the king (Esther 2:21-23), which later becomes crucial for the deliverance of the Jewish people. The king's gate also symbolizes a place of decision-making and authority, foreshadowing Mordecai's rise to power. This setting connects to other biblical instances where city gates are places of judgment and leadership, such as inRuth 4:1-11 andProverbs 31:23.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
VirginsThese were young women gathered for King Xerxes' selection of a new queen. The assembly of virgins a second time suggests ongoing preparations or selections for the king's harem.
2.
MordecaiA Jew of the tribe of Benjamin, Mordecai is Esther's cousin and guardian. His presence at the king's gate indicates his position of influence or duty within the Persian court.
3.
King's GateThis was a place of official business and judgment in the Persian Empire. Mordecai's presence here signifies his role in the administrative or judicial processes of the kingdom.
4.
King Xerxes (Ahasuerus)The Persian king during this time, known for his vast empire and the events leading to Esther becoming queen.
5.
EstherThough not directly mentioned in this verse, Esther is central to the account. Her rise to queen is pivotal in the unfolding events of the Book of Esther.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty in PlacementMordecai's position at the king's gate was not by chance. God places His people strategically for His purposes. Reflect on where God has placed you and how you can serve His kingdom there.
Faithfulness in the MundaneMordecai's consistent presence at the gate shows faithfulness in his duties. We are called to be faithful in our daily responsibilities, trusting that God uses our faithfulness for His greater plans.
Preparation for Future ChallengesThe gathering of virgins a second time suggests ongoing preparation. Similarly, God prepares us through our experiences for future challenges and opportunities to serve Him.
Community and InfluenceMordecai's role at the gate allowed him to influence and protect his people. Consider how your roles and relationships can be used to positively impact your community and stand for righteousness.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Esther 2:19?
2.How does Esther 2:19 illustrate God's providence in Esther's life and role?
3.What can we learn from Mordecai's actions at the king's gate?
4.How does Esther 2:19 connect to Romans 8:28 about God's purpose?
5.In what ways can we remain faithful like Mordecai in our daily lives?
6.How does Esther's obedience in Esther 2:19 inspire our submission to authority?
7.Why were the virgins gathered a second time in Esther 2:19?
8.How does Esther 2:19 reflect God's providence in Esther's life?
9.What historical evidence supports the events described in Esther 2:19?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Esther 2?
11.Why is there no clear historical or archaeological evidence supporting Mordecai’s position “at the king’s gate” in Esther 2:19–21?
12.What evidence exists that supports Mordecai’s elevation to high authority in Esther 8:2, considering Persian records rarely reference Jewish officials?
13.Why does Esther 4:2 not mention any punishment for Mordecai's public mourning, despite Persian laws about court protocol?
14.Esther 10:2 - Why aren't the 'book of the chronicles of the kings of Media and Persia' referenced by other sources if it so prominently features Mordecai?What Does Esther 2:19 Mean
When the virgins were assembled a second timeThe text literally reports a fresh round of young women being gathered after Esther had already been crowned queen (Esther 2:17). This detail is more than a historical footnote; it highlights several truths.
- God’s providence continues behind the scenes. Just as He used the first gathering (Esther 2:8) to bring Esther to the throne, the second gathering sets the stage for future events, including Haman’s rise and eventual downfall (Esther 3:1–6; 7:9–10).
- The king’s appetite for empire-wide beauty contests had not abated. Similar royal searches appear elsewhere—compare1 Kings 1:2–4, where young women were sought for King David.
- The scale of Persian bureaucracy is on display. The repeated process underscores the vast reach of Ahasuerus’ edicts (Esther 1:22; 8:9).
- Esther’s position becomes even more strategic. With new rivals entering the harem, Esther’s need to rely on the Lord rather than royal favor alone intensifies—echoingPsalm 146:3, “Do not put your trust in princes.”
- The phrase “assembled a second time” links directly to God’s pattern of working through repetition. He had earlier called Jonah a second time (Jonah 3:1) and spoke to Samuel repeatedly (1 Samuel 3:6–10), reminding us that He patiently orchestrates events until His purpose is accomplished.
Mordecai was sitting at the king’s gateThe king’s gate was more than an entrance; it served as the administrative and judicial hub of the empire, much like the city gates inRuth 4:1-2 orProverbs 31:23. Mordecai’s presence there signals:
- An official position.Esther 2:21 refers to “Mordecai sitting at the king’s gate” when he uncovers the assassination plot, showing he held a recognized post. That post later becomes the platform for saving the king and, ultimately, the Jews (Esther 6:1-10).
- Vigilance and integrity. Mordecai’s consistent presence mirrorsPsalm 1:1, avoiding wicked counsel while standing ready to act righteously.
- Accessibility to royal information. From this vantage point he overhears the conspiracy (Esther 2:22) and later refuses to bow to Haman (Esther 3:2-4), illustratingProverbs 22:29: “Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will stand before kings.”
- A foreshadowing of Christ’s redemptive posture. Just as Mordecai sat in a place of judgment and intercession, Jesus sits at the right hand of the Father (Hebrews 1:3), ever living to intercede for His people.
- The intertwining of ordinary faithfulness and divine timing. Mordecai is not seeking a spotlight; he is simply doing his job, yet God uses that faithfulness to preserve an entire nation—paralleling Joseph’s administrative role inGenesis 41:39-44.
summaryEsther 2:19 highlights two simultaneous realities: a second gathering of virgins reveals the king’s ongoing self-indulgence and sets the chessboard for God’s unseen strategy, while Mordecai’s steady presence at the king’s gate positions him to act decisively when crisis strikes. The verse reminds believers that the Lord directs both grand imperial decrees and the quiet faithfulness of His servants, weaving them together for His flawless redemptive plan.
(19)
And when the virgins. . .--Here begins a fresh incident in the history, whose date we cannot fix precisely, save that it falls between the marriage of Esther and the twelfth year of Ahasuerus (
Esther 3:7). The king "loved Esther above all the women," but how the word "love "is degraded in this connection is seen by the fact that after she had been his wife certainly less (possibly much less) than five years, there takes place a second gathering of virgins (there is no article in the Hebrew), like the one previously mentioned (
Esther 2:2). We should treat
Esther 2:20 as parenthetical, and join
Esther 2:21 closely to
Esther 2:19.
Then Mordecai sat.--Translate,and Mordecai was sitting. . . .
Verse 19. -
When the virgins were gathered together. Rather, "When virgins." There is no article. The fact seems to be mentioned simply as furnishing a date, and we must suppose both that there was a second gathering, and that the time when it happened was generally known to the Jews and Persians. Then Mordecai sat, etc. The three verses, 19, 20, 21, hang together, and form a single sentence: "When virgins were gathered together a second time, and Mordecai was sitting in the king's gate - now Esther had not showed her kindred or her people, as Mordecai had charged her; for Esther did the command of Mordecai like as when she was brought up with him - in those days, while Mordecai sat in the king's gate, Bigthan and Teresh, two of the king's eunuchs, being of the number of them which kept the threshold, were wroth," etc.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
When the virginsבְּתוּל֖וֹת(bə·ṯū·lō·wṯ)Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 1330:A virgin, sometimes, a bridewere assembledוּבְהִקָּבֵ֥ץ(ū·ḇə·hiq·qā·ḇêṣ)Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Verb - Nifal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 6908:To gather, collecta second [time],שֵׁנִ֑ית(šê·nîṯ)Number - ordinal feminine singular
Strong's 8145:Second (an ordinal number)Mordecaiוּמָרְדֳּכַ֖י(ū·mā·rə·do·ḵay)Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4782:Mordecai -- a companion of Zerubbabel, also a cousin of Estherwas sittingיֹשֵׁ֥ב(yō·šêḇ)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 3427:To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marryat the King’sהַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃(ham·me·leḵ)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428:A kingGate.בְּשַֽׁעַר־(bə·ša·‘ar-)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8179:An opening, door, gate
Links
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OT History: Esther 2:19 When the virgins were gathered together (Est Esth. Es) 
