Book of Esther - Chapter 2 - Verse 14

In this verse from the book of Esther, we see the role and treatment of women in ancient Persia under King Xerxes. The verse explains how after Esther, the Jewish orphan, was chosen to be one of the king's concubines, she underwent a traditional year-long beauty treatment before being presented to the king. During this time, she stayed in the second house of the women under the care of Shaashgaz, the king's eunuch. Once the year was over, Esther was only permitted to see the king again if he called for her specifically and if she found favor in his sight. This verse sheds light on the limited agency women had in the royal court and the importance of the king's approval in determining their fate.

In this particular verse from the book of Esther, we witness the intriguing dynamics within the royal harem of King Ahasuerus. The phrase "she went, and on the morrow she returned into the second house of the women" highlights the strict organization and control over the women in the king's court. The mention of Shaashgaz, the king's chamberlain, signifies the tight security and surveillance that the concubines were under. The phrase "she came in unto the king no more, except the king delighted in her, and that she were called by name" suggests that the king's favor was essential for any concubine to have access to him, emphasizing the power dynamics and arbitrary nature of the relationships in the royal court. The theological interpretation of this verse could delve into themes of power, control, and the fragile position of women in a patriarchal society. It raises questions about agency, consent, and the role of individuals within a larger system of hierarchy and authority.