Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version She was taken to King Xerxes in the royal residence in the tenth month, the month of Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign. New Living Translation Esther was taken to King Xerxes at the royal palace in early winter of the seventh year of his reign. English Standard Version And when Esther was taken to King Ahasuerus, into his royal palace, in the tenth month, which is the month of Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign, Berean Standard Bible She was taken to King Xerxes in the royal palace in the tenth month, the month of Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign. King James Bible So Esther was taken unto king Ahasuerus into his house royal in the tenth month, which is the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign. New King James Version So Esther was taken to King Ahasuerus, into his royal palace, in the tenth month, which is the month of Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign. New American Standard Bible So Esther was taken to King Ahasuerus in his royal palace in the tenth month, which is the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign. NASB 1995 So Esther was taken to King Ahasuerus to his royal palace in the tenth month which is the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign. NASB 1977 So Esther was taken to King Ahasuerus to his royal palace in the tenth month which is the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign. Legacy Standard Bible So Esther was taken to King Ahasuerus to his royal house in the tenth month which is the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign. Amplified Bible So Esther was taken to King Ahasuerus, to his royal palace in the tenth month, that is, the month of Tebeth (Dec-Jan), in the seventh year of his reign. Christian Standard Bible She was taken to King Ahasuerus in the palace in the tenth month, the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign. Holman Christian Standard Bible She was taken to King Ahasuerus in the royal palace in the tenth month, the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign. American Standard Version So Esther was taken unto king Ahasuerus into his house royal in the tenth month, which is the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign. English Revised Version So Esther was taken unto king Ahasuerus into his house royal in the tenth month, which is the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign. GOD'S WORD® Translation So Esther was taken to King Xerxes in his royal palace in the month of Tebeth, the tenth month, in the seventh year of his reign. Good News Translation So in Xerxes' seventh year as king, in the tenth month, the month of Tebeth, Esther was brought to King Xerxes in the royal palace. International Standard Version Esther was taken to King Ahasuerus to his royal palace in the tenth month, which is the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign. NET Bible Then Esther was taken to King Ahasuerus at his royal residence in the tenth month (that is, the month of Tebeth) in the seventh year of his reign. New Heart English Bible So Esther was taken to King Achshayarsh into his royal house in the tenth month, which is the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign. Webster's Bible Translation So Esther was taken to king Ahasuerus into his house royal in the tenth month, which is the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleShe was taken to King Xerxes in the royal palace in the tenth month, the month of Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign. World English Bible So Esther was taken to King Ahasuerus into his royal house in the tenth month, which is the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Esther is taken to King Ahasuerus, to his royal house, in the tenth month—it [is] the month of Tebeth—in the seventh year of his reign, Young's Literal Translation And Esther is taken unto the king Ahasuerus, unto his royal house, in the tenth month -- it is the month of Tebeth -- in the seventh year of his reign, Smith's Literal Translation And Esther will be taken to the king Ahasuerus, to the house of his kingdom, in the tenth month, this the month Tebeth, in the seventh year to his kingdom. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleSo she was brought to the chamber of king Assuerus the tenth month, which is called Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign. Catholic Public Domain Version New American Bible Esther was led to King Ahasuerus in his palace in the tenth month, Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign. New Revised Standard Version When Esther was taken to King Ahasuerus in his royal palace in the tenth month, which is the month of Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign, Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleSo Esther entered before King Akhshirash into his royal house in the tenth month, that is, January, in the fourth year of his reign. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And Esthir entered before King Akhashiresh to the house of the King in the tenth month, which is the latter half of Canun, in year four of his kingdom. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917So Esther was taken unto king Ahasuerus into his house royal in the tenth month, which is the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign. Brenton Septuagint Translation So Esther went in to king Artaxerxes in the twelfth month, which is Adar, in the seventh year of his reign. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Esther Finds Favor…15Now Esther was the daughter of Abihail, the uncle from whom Mordecai had adopted her as his own daughter. And when it was her turn to go to the king, she did not ask for anything except what Hegai, the king’s trusted official in charge of the harem, had advised. And Esther found favor in the eyes of everyone who saw her. 16She was taken to King Xerxes in the royal palace in the tenth month, the month of Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign. Cross References Esther 4:14 For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows if perhaps you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Esther 5:1 On the third day, Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the palace across from the king’s quarters. The king was sitting on his royal throne in the royal courtroom, facing the entrance. Esther 7:3 Queen Esther replied, “If I have found favor in your sight, O king, and if it pleases the king, grant me my life as my petition, and the lives of my people as my request. Esther 8:1 That same day King Xerxes awarded Queen Esther the estate of Haman, the enemy of the Jews. And Mordecai entered the king’s presence because Esther had revealed his relation to her. Esther 9:25 But when it came before the king, he commanded by letter that the wicked scheme which Haman had devised against the Jews should come back upon his own head, and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows. Daniel 1:9 Now God had granted Daniel favor and compassion from the chief official, Daniel 2:48 Then the king promoted Daniel and gave him many generous gifts. He made him ruler over the entire province of Babylon and chief administrator over all the wise men of Babylon. Nehemiah 2:6 Then the king, with the queen seated beside him, asked me, “How long will your journey take, and when will you return?” So it pleased the king to send me, and I set a time. 1 Samuel 16:12-13 So Jesse sent for his youngest son and brought him in. He was ruddy, with beautiful eyes and a handsome appearance. And the LORD said, “Rise and anoint him, for he is the one.” / So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward. Then Samuel set out and went to Ramah. Genesis 41:40-41 You shall be in charge of my house, and all my people are to obey your commands. Only with regard to the throne will I be greater than you.” / Pharaoh also told Joseph, “I hereby place you over all the land of Egypt.” Proverbs 21:1 The king’s heart is a waterway in the hand of the LORD; He directs it where He pleases. 1 Kings 2:17 Adonijah replied, “Please speak to King Solomon, since he will not turn you down. Let him give me Abishag the Shunammite as my wife.” 1 Kings 10:13 King Solomon gave the queen of Sheba all she desired—whatever she asked—besides what he had given her out of his royal bounty. Then she left and returned to her own country, along with her servants. 2 Chronicles 9:12 King Solomon gave the queen of Sheba all she desired—whatever she asked—far more than she had brought the king. Then she left and returned to her own country, along with her servants. Psalm 45:9-11 The daughters of kings are among your honored women; the queen stands at your right hand, adorned with the gold of Ophir. / Listen, O daughter! Consider and incline your ear: Forget your people and your father’s house, / and the king will desire your beauty; bow to him, for he is your lord. Treasury of Scripture So Esther was taken to king Ahasuerus into his house royal in the tenth month, which is the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign. the tenth month. Esther 8:9 Then were the king's scribes called at that time in the third month, that is, the month Sivan, on the three and twentieth day thereof; and it was written according to all that Mordecai commanded unto the Jews, and to the lieutenants, and the deputies and rulers of the provinces which are from India unto Ethiopia, an hundred twenty and seven provinces, unto every province according to the writing thereof, and unto every people after their language, and to the Jews according to their writing, and according to their language. the seventh. Esther 2:1,3 After these things, when the wrath of king Ahasuerus was appeased, he remembered Vashti, and what she had done, and what was decreed against her… Ezra 7:8 And he came to Jerusalem in the fifth month, which was in the seventh year of the king. Jump to Previous Ahasuerus Ahasu-E'rus Esther House Month Palace Reign Residence Royal Rule Seventh Tenth XerxesJump to Next Ahasuerus Ahasu-E'rus Esther House Month Palace Reign Residence Royal Rule Seventh Tenth XerxesEsther 2 1. Out of the choice of virgins a queen is to be chosen.5. Mordecai the nursing father of Esther. 8. Esther preferred before the rest. 12. The manner of purification, and going in to the king. 15. Esther, best pleasing the king, is made queen. 21. Mordecai, discovering a treason, is recorded in the chronicles. She was taken to King Xerxes Esther's introduction to King Xerxes marks a pivotal moment in the narrative. The phrase "she was taken" suggests a lack of agency, reflecting the cultural norms of ancient Persia where women, especially those in the king's harem, had limited autonomy. This event is part of God's providential plan, as Esther's position would later be crucial for the deliverance of the Jewish people. The king, known historically as Xerxes I, ruled the Persian Empire from 486 to 465 BC, a vast empire stretching from India to Ethiopia. in the royal palace in the tenth month, the month of Tebeth in the seventh year of his reign Persons / Places / Events 1. EstherA Jewish orphan raised by her cousin Mordecai, Esther becomes queen of Persia. Her Hebrew name is Hadassah, meaning "myrtle," symbolizing righteousness. 2. King Xerxes Also known as Ahasuerus, he is the Persian king who chooses Esther as his queen. His reign is marked by opulence and significant historical events, including the Greco-Persian Wars. 3. Royal Palace The setting for much of the Book of Esther, the palace in Susa is a place of political intrigue and royal decrees. 4. Tenth Month, Tebeth This is a winter month in the Hebrew calendar, corresponding to December-January. The timing signifies the culmination of Esther's preparation and favor. 5. Seventh Year of His Reign This detail provides historical context, indicating a period of stability in Xerxes' rule after earlier military campaigns. Teaching Points Divine TimingEsther's rise to queenship in the "tenth month" and "seventh year" underscores God's perfect timing in orchestrating events for His purposes. God's Sovereignty Despite being in a foreign land, Esther's account illustrates that God is in control, working behind the scenes to protect His people. Courage and Obedience Esther's willingness to follow Mordecai's guidance and enter the king's presence exemplifies courage and obedience to God's calling. Cultural Engagement Esther's life in the Persian court shows the importance of engaging with culture while maintaining one's faith and identity. Preparation and Favor Esther's preparation period before meeting the king highlights the importance of preparation and seeking God's favor in our endeavors. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Esther 2:16?2. How does Esther 2:16 illustrate God's providence in Esther's life and ours? 3. What qualities in Esther 2:16 can we emulate in our own spiritual journey? 4. How does Esther 2:16 connect with Romans 8:28 about God's purpose? 5. What role does obedience play in Esther's story, and how can we apply it? 6. How can Esther's courage in Esther 2:16 inspire us to trust God's plan? 7. Why was Esther chosen to be queen in Esther 2:16? 8. How does Esther 2:16 reflect God's providence? 9. What historical evidence supports the events in Esther 2:16? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Esther 2? 11. Why does the Book of Esther lack references to known historical Persian rulers? 12. Esther 3:1 – How credible is it that Haman held such high authority when no historical documents outside the Bible mention him? 13. In what year of King Asa's reign did Baasha, King of Israel die? Twenty-sixth year (I Kings 15:33 - 16:8) Still alive in the thirty-sixth year (2 Chronicles 16:1) 14. Does Esther 2:9's mention of special favor contradict known Persian customs for selecting a royal consort? What Does Esther 2:16 Mean She was taken• The passive voice—“she was taken”—reminds us that God can work even through circumstances outside our control (Esther 2:8). • Like Joseph carried to Egypt (Genesis 45:5-8) or Daniel brought to Babylon (Daniel 1:1-2), Esther’s relocation positions her for a purpose far larger than her personal plans. • Though the court’s beauty search seems purely human, Romans 8:28 assures believers that “in all things God works for the good of those who love Him.” to King Xerxes • Xerxes (Ahasuerus) rules the vast Persian Empire, yet God is sovereign over kings’ hearts (Proverbs 21:1). • The contrast between a powerful monarch and an orphaned Jewish girl underscores 1 Corinthians 1:27: God chooses the weak to shame the strong. • Earlier, Vashti’s removal (Esther 1:12-19) created this opening—another example of God’s unseen orchestration. in the royal palace • Esther moves from Mordecai’s modest home to the empire’s most secure residence, echoing Psalm 113:7-8: He “lifts the needy from the ash heap” and seats them with princes. • The palace becomes the stage for Esther’s future intercession (Esther 4:14-16), illustrating how God positions His people right where deliverance will spring forth. in the tenth month • Specific timing highlights the historical reliability of Scripture (Luke 1:3-4). • Details remind us that God’s plans unfold on His precise calendar (Galatians 4:4: “when the fullness of time had come”). the month of Tebeth • Tebeth corresponds to December-January, the season of winter rains in Israel—often symbolizing cleansing and preparation (Isaiah 55:10-11). • While Persia’s courts bustle with indoor banquets, God prepares an unseen rescue that will bloom in spring (Esther 3-8). in the seventh year of his reign • Nearly four years have passed since Vashti’s dismissal (compare Esther 1:3 with 2:16). This interval allowed Xerxes’ failed Greek campaign and personal discouragement, setting the king’s heart to welcome Esther. • Seven, the biblical number of completion, hints at God’s perfect timing (Psalm 31:15: “My times are in Your hands”). • The seventh year also aligns with a sabbatical theme of rest and new beginning (Leviticus 25:4), foreshadowing rest for God’s people through Esther’s advocacy. summary Esther 2:16 is more than a date-stamp. Every clause testifies that the Lord directs events, rulers, seasons, and individuals to accomplish His redemptive plan. Esther’s quiet arrival in Xerxes’ palace—at precisely the right time, in precisely the right place—sets the stage for God to protect His covenant people and showcase His sovereign faithfulness. (16) The month Tebeth.--This extended from the new moon in January to that in February; the name occurs only here. The fifth Egyptian month, lasting from December 20 to January 20, was called Tybi. The time referred to in the verse will be the January or February of the year 478 B.C., and must have been very shortly after Xerxes' return to Susa from the West. The long delay in replacing Vashti is simply to be explained by the long absence of Xerxes in Greece.Verse 16. - The tenth month, which is the month Tebeth. This is the only mention of the month Tebeth in Scripture. It followed Chisleu, and corresponded to the end of December and the earlier part of January. The word seems to have come in from Egypt, where the corresponding month was called Tobi, or Tubi. In the seventh year of his reign. Four years after the disgrace of Vashti, probably in January, B.C. 479. Xerxes had recently returned from the Grecian expedition defeated and disgraced. He was glad to dismiss warlike matters from his thoughts, and to console himself for his failure by the pleasures of the seraglio.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Sheאֶסְתֵּ֜ר (’es·têr) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 635: Esther -- 'star', Ahasuerus' queen who delivered Israel was taken וַתִּלָּקַ֨ח (wat·til·lā·qaḥ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular Strong's 3947: To take to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to King הַמֶּ֤לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4428: A king Xerxes אֲחַשְׁוֵרוֹשׁ֙ (’ă·ḥaš·wê·rō·wōš) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 325: Ahasuerus -- king of Persia in אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to the royal מַלְכוּת֔וֹ (mal·ḵū·ṯōw) Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 4438: Royalty, royal power, reign, kingdom palace בֵּ֣ית (bêṯ) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1004: A house in the tenth הָעֲשִׂירִ֖י (hā·‘ă·śî·rî) Article | Number - ordinal masculine singular Strong's 6224: Tenth, tenth month, part month, בַּחֹ֥דֶשׁ (ba·ḥō·ḏeš) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 2320: The new moon, a month the month חֹ֣דֶשׁ (ḥō·ḏeš) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 2320: The new moon, a month Tebeth, טֵבֵ֑ת (ṭê·ḇêṯ) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 2887: Tenth Hebrew month in the seventh שֶׁ֖בַע (še·ḇa‘) Number - feminine singular Strong's 7651: Seven, seven times, a week, an indefinite number year בִּשְׁנַת־ (biš·naṯ-) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 8141: A year of his reign. לְמַלְכוּתֽוֹ׃ (lə·mal·ḵū·ṯōw) Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 4438: Royalty, royal power, reign, kingdom Links Esther 2:16 NIVEsther 2:16 NLT Esther 2:16 ESV Esther 2:16 NASB Esther 2:16 KJV Esther 2:16 BibleApps.com Esther 2:16 Biblia Paralela Esther 2:16 Chinese Bible Esther 2:16 French Bible Esther 2:16 Catholic Bible OT History: Esther 2:16 So Esther was taken to King Ahasuerus (Est Esth. Es) |
    |