Esther 4:17Open English Bible (Commonwealth)

Esther 1:8

The drinking was unrestricted, for the king had directed all the officers of his household to let each man do as he pleased.

Esther 2:5

In Susa the royal residence lived a Jew named Mordecai. He was son of Jair, son of Shimei, son of Kish, a Benjamite.

Esther 2:7

Mordecai had adopted Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle’s daughter, since she had neither father nor mother. The girl was shapely and beautiful; and after her father and mother died, Mordecai raised her as if she was his own daughter.

Esther 2:8

When the king’s command and decree were known, many girls were gathered together to Susa the capital under the custody of Hegai. Esther was also taken into the king’s palace and placed under the custody of Hegai, who had charge of the women.

Esther 2:10

Esther had not revealed her people nor her family background because Mordecai had ordered her not to.