Esther 2
From Hegai's Journal
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My name is Hegai. I am in the service of the king and am the appointed one in charge of the young women arriving from the empire and who will appear before King Xerxes.
The first group of women arrive not long ago. Not surprising, these women were from our province of Susa, right outside the palace. What noise! These women chatter and giggle so. I can't imagine the sound when all the other women arrive.
Very few of these ladies have had occasion to come inside the palace before. Clearly, very few have learned how to behave in the king's palace. I see I have my work cut out for me.
To give their enthusiasm some direction I led them to the wardrobe room and freed them to explore. I may have been mistaken about this soothing their excitement. The young women raced to the dresses, scarves, jewels, belts, sashes, shoes oogling over everything they touched.
One young woman did manage to stand out to me. She didn't act silly like the others and had a beauty that would please the king. She stood back with a grace I might have seen in Vashti a long time ago. I did like Vashti as queen. She was beautiful and had the blend of leadership for her duties along with an understanding of her place under the king's rule. That is, until the banquet the other night. I'm going to miss her.
Ah, well. As I was saying, this new young woman caught my eye. I walked to her and asked, "What is your name?"
She gave a small curtsy. "Hadassah, although some call me Esther."
A good answer. Simple. To the point. And with grace. This young woman might be the one. I decided then to help her in any way I could.
"Would you come with me?" She didn't think twice, but followed my instructions. Not with her head hung as if shy and not with her nose held high as if pompous or vain. She walked as if she'd been schooled.
I led her down the corridor to a room that would be given to her. Along the way I commanded seven handmaids that I selected just for her to join us. Esther walked into the room. Her eyes widened. "These handmaids will see you receive the finest foods in the palace, beauty treatments, and any clothing you need."
She bowed. "You have been very kind to me and I appreciate all you have done. I am confident your choice in dress and anything else I need will be what is best."
Her words stunned yet pleased me. I honestly didn't believe any of the young women from the other room would have given up their opportunity to dictate a choice in dress or other provisions. "I leave you to your handmaids for now, Esther."
She bowed.
As I closed the door I was confident I had made the right choice to give Esther of Susa the best of all the rooms, the most qualified handmaids, and will offer her the best of anything else she will need.
...come back next time to read what happened next.
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sources: New International Version
1. Who is Hegai and what is his job?
2. What did Hegai think of Esther?
3. What did he give Esther?
4. Why did he want to help Esther so much?
2. What did Hegai think of Esther?
3. What did he give Esther?
4. Why did he want to help Esther so much?
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