Hegai is a biblical figure mentioned in the Book of Esther, specifically in Esther 2:3, 8, and 15. He is identified as a eunuch who served in the court of King Ahasuerus (commonly identified with Xerxes I) of Persia. Hegai held the significant position of custodian of the women, overseeing the royal harem. His role was crucial during the selection process of a new queen following the deposition of Queen Vashti.

Role and Responsibilities:

Hegai's primary responsibility was to care for the women brought to the king's palace, ensuring they were prepared for their potential presentation to the king. This preparation included beauty treatments and other forms of grooming, which were part of a year-long process. Esther 2:3 states, "Let the king appoint commissioners in each province of his realm to bring all the beautiful young virgins into the harem at the citadel of Susa. Let them be placed under the care of Hegai, the king’s eunuch, custodian of the women, and let them be given beauty treatments."

Favor with Esther:

Hegai is noted for showing favor to Esther, a Jewish woman who was among those brought to the palace. Esther 2:9 records, "The young woman pleased him and gained his favor, so he quickly provided her with beauty treatments and special food. He assigned to her seven chosen attendants from the king’s palace and moved her and her attendants into the best place in the harem." This favor was instrumental in Esther's eventual selection as queen, as it ensured she received the best care and preparation.

Significance in the Narrative:

Hegai's role, while seemingly administrative, is pivotal in the unfolding of the narrative of Esther. His favor towards Esther can be seen as part of the divine providence that permeates the account, leading to Esther's rise to queenship and her subsequent role in saving the Jewish people from Haman's plot. Hegai's actions, though not overtly religious, contribute to the fulfillment of God's plan for His people.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In the Persian Empire, eunuchs often held positions of significant influence and trust, particularly in royal courts. Their status as eunuchs made them ideal for roles involving the royal harem, as they were perceived to be loyal and without personal ambitions that could threaten the king. Hegai's position reflects this cultural practice, highlighting the structured and hierarchical nature of the Persian court.

Conclusion:

Hegai's presence in the Book of Esther, though brief, underscores the intricate workings of God's providence through seemingly ordinary and secular roles. His favor towards Esther is a key element in the narrative, demonstrating how God can use individuals in positions of authority to accomplish His purposes.Hegai

or Hege, meditation; word; groaning; separation

Hegai

(eunuch), one of the eunuchs of the court of Ahasuerus. (Esther 2:8,15) (B.C. 474.)

Eunuch, had charge of the harem of Ahasuerus (Esther 2:8). HEGAI; HEGE

he'-ga-i, he'-ge (heghay; Gai (Esther 2:8, 15), and heghe', Hege (Esther 2:3)): One of the officers of the Persian king Ahasuerus; a chamberlain or eunuch (keeper of women), into whose custody the "fair young virgins" were delivered from whom the king intended to choose his queen in the place of the discredited Vashti.

1896. Hege' -- eunuch of Ahasuerus
... 1895, 1896. Hege'. 1896a . eunuch of Ahasuerus. Transliteration: Hege' Phonetic
Spelling: (hay-gay') Short Definition: Hegai. Hegai, Hege ...
/hebrew/1896.htm - 5k

1896a. Hege -- eunuch of Ahasuerus
... eunuch of Ahasuerus. Transliteration: Hege Short Definition: Hegai. Word Origin
of foreign origin Definition eunuch of Ahasuerus NASB Word Usage Hegai (4). ...
/hebrew/1896a.htm - 5k

Esther, the Queen.
... heard that the king was seeking for a maiden worthy to be a queen through all his
provinces, he brought Esther and placed her in care of Hegai, who had the ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxxiv esther the queen.htm

Queen Esther's Love for Her People
... known, and when many girls were brought to the royal palace at Susa, Esther also
was taken into the king's palace and placed in the charge of Hegai, who took ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/queen esthers love for her.htm

Hegai (3 Occurrences)
... Eunuch, had charge of the harem of Ahasuerus (Esther 2:8). Int. Standard Bible
Encyclopedia. HEGAI; HEGE. ... Multi-Version Concordance Hegai (3 Occurrences). ...
/h/hegai.htm - 8k

Girls (27 Occurrences)
... of his kingdom, that they may gather together all the beautiful young virgins to
the citadel of Susa, to the women's house, to the custody of Hegai the king's ...
/g/girls.htm - 14k

Citadel (20 Occurrences)
... of his kingdom, that they may gather together all the beautiful young virgins to
the citadel of Susa, to the women's house, to the custody of Hegai the king's ...
/c/citadel.htm - 13k

Susa (20 Occurrences)
... of his kingdom, that they may gather together all the beautiful young virgins to
the citadel of Susa, to the women's house, to the custody of Hegai the king's ...
/s/susa.htm - 13k

Castle (26 Occurrences)
... his kingdom, that they may gather together all the fair young virgins unto Shushan
the palace, to the house of the women, unto the custody of Hegai the king's ...
/c/castle.htm - 15k

Custody (27 Occurrences)
... of his kingdom, that they may gather together all the beautiful young virgins to
the citadel of Susa, to the women's house, to the custody of Hegai the king's ...
/c/custody.htm - 15k

Capital (29 Occurrences)
... of his kingdom, that they may gather together all the beautiful young virgins to
the citadel of Susa, to the women's house, to the custody of Hegai the king's ...
/c/capital.htm - 16k

Keeper (72 Occurrences)
... of his kingdom, that they may gather together all the beautiful young virgins to
the citadel of Susa, to the women's house, to the custody of Hegai the king's ...
/k/keeper.htm - 30k

Ladies (8 Occurrences)
... when the king's commandment and his decree was heard, and when many maidens were
gathered together to the citadel of Susa, to the custody of Hegai, that Esther ...
/l/ladies.htm - 8k

Edict (22 Occurrences)
... when the king's commandment and his decree was heard, and when many maidens were
gathered together to the citadel of Susa, to the custody of Hegai, that Esther ...
/e/edict.htm - 14k

Who was Esther in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Summary of the Book of Esther - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.org

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