Esther 2

Esther 2 details the events following the deposal of Queen Vashti in the Book of Esther in the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament. The chapter focuses primarily on the search for a new queen and Esther's subsequent selection.

The chapter begins with King Ahasuerus' servants suggesting a search throughout the kingdom for beautiful young virgins. These women are to be gathered and placed in the harem under the care of Hegai, the king's eunuch in charge of the women, where they would undergo beauty treatments for a year. The woman who pleases the king most would become the new queen in place of Vashti.

Esther, a Jewish orphan raised by her cousin Mordecai, is among those selected. She is described as beautiful and lovely. Mordecai instructs her to conceal her Jewish identity. Esther is taken to the king's palace and placed under Hegai's care.

Esther finds favor with Hegai, who expedites her beauty treatments and provides her with the best place in the harem. When the time comes for Esther to meet with the king, she takes only what Hegai advises.

Esther finds favor with King Ahasuerus as well. He loves her more than all the other women and chooses her as the new queen. A great banquet is held in Esther's honor, and the king grants a holiday throughout the provinces.

The chapter concludes with Mordecai discovering a plot by two of the king's eunuchs, Bigthan and Teresh, to assassinate Ahasuerus. He informs Esther, who in turn tells the king in Mordecai's name, effectively saving the king's life. The matter is investigated, the eunuchs are found guilty and hanged, and the event is recorded in the royal chronicles. This event foreshadows Mordecai's later elevation and the salvation of the Jewish people.