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Commentaries and Other Bible Study Helps - Prayer Tents - Prayer Tents
2:19-23 Mordecai's Success in Foiling a Plot against the King. Mordecai, entirely without intent, is in the right place at the right time to serve King Ahasuerus. This is one of many examples where readers are meant to recognize God's hidden direction of events, though God is never explicitly named (see Introduction: Key Themes).
2:19 the second time. The meaning of this is uncertain. It possibly refers to a second gathering of all the virgins of v. 2 for a ceremonial parade to complete the celebration of Esther's coronation. the king's gate. A place where justice was dispensed by officials appointed by the king (2 Sam. 15:2-6; cf. Ruth 4:1-11).
2:21 Mordecai was sitting. Probably as an official, because of Esther's new influence with the king. the threshold. The door to the king's private quarters.
2:22-23 hanged on the gallows. A practice known from ancient records. Cf. Ezra 6:11. the chronicles. A record of significant events in the king's reign (e.g., 1 Kings 14:29).
