Ester 2 - Bíblia Online

Passadas estas coisas, e apaziguado já o furor do rei Assuero, lembrou-se de Vasti, e do que fizera, e do que se tinha decretado a seu respeito. 
Então disseram os servos do rei, que lhe serviam: Busquem-se para o rei moças virgens e formosas. 
E ponha o rei oficiais em todas as províncias do seu reino, que ajuntem a todas as moças virgens e formosas, na fortaleza de Susã, na casa das mulheres, aos cuidados de Hegai, camareiro do rei, guarda das mulheres, e deem-se-lhes os seus enfeites. 
E a moça que parecer bem aos olhos do rei, reine em lugar de Vasti. E isto pareceu bem aos olhos do rei, e ele assim fez. 
Havia então um homem judeu na fortaleza de Susã, cujo nome era Mardoqueu, filho de Jair, filho de Simei, filho de Quis, homem benjamita, 
Que fora transportado de Jerusalém, com os cativos que foram levados com Jeconias, rei de Judá, o qual transportara Nabucodonosor, rei de Babilônia. 
Este criara a Hadassa (que é Ester, filha de seu tio), porque não tinha pai nem mãe; e era jovem bela de presença e formosa; e, morrendo seu pai e sua mãe, Mardoqueu a tomara por sua filha. 
Sucedeu que, divulgando-se o mandado do rei e a sua lei, e ajuntando-se muitas moças na fortaleza de Susã, aos cuidados de Hegai, também levaram Ester à casa do rei, sob a custódia de Hegai, guarda das mulheres. 
E a moça pareceu formosa aos seus olhos, e alcançou graça perante ele; por isso se apressou a dar-lhe os seus enfeites, e os seus quinhões, como também em lhe dar sete moças de respeito da casa do rei; e a fez passar com as suas moças ao melhor lugar da casa das mulheres. 
Ester, porém, não declarou o seu povo e a sua parentela, porque Mardoqueu lhe tinha ordenado que o não declarasse. 
E passeava Mardoqueu cada dia diante do pátio da casa das mulheres, para se informar de como Ester passava, e do que lhe sucederia. 
E, chegando a vez de cada moça, para vir ao rei Assuero, depois que fora feito a ela segundo a lei das mulheres, por doze meses (porque assim se cumpriam os dias das suas purificações, seis meses com óleo de mirra, e seis meses com especiarias, e com as coisas para a purificação das mulheres), 
Desta maneira, pois, vinha a moça ao rei; dava-se-lhe tudo quanto ela desejava, para levar consigo da casa das mulheres à casa do rei; 
À tarde entrava, e pela manhã tornava à segunda casa das mulheres, sob os cuidados de Saasgaz, camareiro do rei, guarda das concubinas; não tornava mais ao rei, salvo se o rei a desejasse, e fosse chamada pelo nome. 
Chegando, pois, a vez de Ester, filha de Abiail, tio de Mardoqueu (que a tomara por sua filha), para ir ao rei, coisa nenhuma pediu, senão o que disse Hegai, camareiro do rei, guarda das mulheres; e alcançava Ester graça aos olhos de todos quantos a viam. 
Assim foi levada Ester ao rei Assuero, à sua casa real, no décimo mês, que é o mês de tebete, no sétimo ano do seu reinado. 
E o rei amou a Ester mais do que a todas as mulheres, e alcançou perante ele graça e benevolência mais do que todas as virgens; e pôs a coroa real na sua cabeça, e a fez rainha em lugar de Vasti. 
Então o rei deu um grande banquete a todos os seus príncipes e aos seus servos; era o banquete de Ester; e deu alívio às províncias, e fez presentes segundo a generosidade do rei. 
E reunindo-se segunda vez as virgens, Mardoqueu estava assentado à porta do rei. 
Ester, porém, não declarava a sua parentela e o seu povo, como Mardoqueu lhe ordenara; porque Ester cumpria o mandado de Mardoqueu, como quando a criara. 
Naqueles dias, assentando-se Mardoqueu à porta do rei, dois camareiros do rei, dos guardas da porta, Bigtã e Teres, grandemente se indignaram, e procuraram atentar contra o rei Assuero. 
E veio isto ao conhecimento de Mardoqueu, e ele o fez saber à rainha Ester; e Ester o disse ao rei, em nome de Mardoqueu. 
E inquiriu-se o negócio, e se descobriu, e ambos foram pendurados numa forca; e isso foi escrito no livro das crônicas perante o rei. 

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Passadas estas coisas e aplacada a ira do rei Assuero, lembrou-se ele de Vasti, do que ela fizera e do que se decretara a seu respeito. 
Então disseram os servos do rei que lhe ministravam: Busquem-se para o rei moças virgens e formosas. 
Ponha o rei em todas as províncias do seu reino oficiais que ajuntem todas as moças virgens e formosas em Susã, a capital, na casa das mulheres, sob a custódia de Hegai, eunuco do rei, guarda das mulheres; e dêem-se-lhes os seus cosméticos. 
E a donzela que agradar ao rei seja rainha em lugar de Vasti. E isso pareceu bem ao rei; e ele assim fez. 
Havia então em Susã, a capital, certo judeu, benjamita, cujo nome era Mordecai, filho de Jair, filho de Simei, filho de Quis, 
que tinha sido levado de Jerusalém com os cativos que foram deportados com Jeconias, rei de Judá, o qual Nabucodonosor, rei de Babilônia, transportara. 
Criara ele Hadassa, isto é, Ester, filha de seu tio, pois não tinha ela nem pai nem mãe; e era donzela esbelta e formosa; e, morrendo seu pai e sua mãe, Mordecai a tomara por filha. 
Tendo se divulgado a ordem do rei e o seu edito, e ajuntando-se muitas donzelas em Susã, a capital, sob a custódia de Hegai, levaram também Ester ao palácio do rei, à custódia de Hegai, guarda das mulheres. 
E a donzela gradou-lhe, e alcançou o favor dele; pelo que ele se apressou em dar-lhe os cosméticos e os devidos alimentos, como também sete donzelas escolhidas do palácio do rei; e a fez passar com as suas donzelas ao melhor lugar na casa das mulheres. 
Ester, porém, não tinha declarado o seu povo nem a sua parentela, pois Mordecai lhe tinha ordenado que não o declarasse. 
E cada dia Mordecai passeava diante do pátio da casa das mulheres, para lhe informar como Ester passava e do que lhe sucedia. 
Ora, quando chegava a vez de cada donzela vir ao Rei Assuero, depois que fora feito a cada uma segundo prescrito para as mulheres, por doze meses {pois assim se cumpriam os dias de seus preparativos, a saber, seis meses com óleo de mirra, e seis meses com especiarias e ungüentos em uso entre as mulheres}; 
desta maneira vinha a donzela ao rei: dava-lhe tudo quanto ela quisesse para levar consigo da casa das mulheres para o palácio do rei; 
à tarde ela entrava, e pela manhã voltava para a segunda casa das mulheres, à custódia de Saasgaz, eunuco do rei, guarda das concubinas; ela não tornava mais ao rei, salvo se o rei desejasse, e fosse ela chamada por nome. 
Ora, quando chegou a vez de Ester, filha de Abiail, tio de Mordecai, que a tomara por sua filha, para ir ao rei, coisa nenhuma pediu senão o que indicou Hegai, eunuco do rei, guarda das mulheres. Mas Ester alcançava graça aos olhos de todos quantos a viam. 
Ester foi levada ao rei Assuero, ao palácio real, no décimo mês, que é o mês de tebete, no sétimo ano de seu reinado. 
E o rei amou a Ester mais do que a todas mulheres, e ela alcançou graça e favor diante dele mais do que todas as virgens; de sorte que lhe pôs sobre a cabeça a coroa real, e afez rainha em lugar de Vasti. 
Então o rei deu um grande banquete a todos os seus príncipes e aos seus servos; era um banquete em honra de Ester; e concedeu alívio às províncias, e fez presentes com régia liberalidade. 
Quando pela segunda vez se ajuntavam as virgens, Mordecai estava sentado à porta do rei. 
Ester, porém, como Mordecai lhe ordenara, não tinha declarado a sua parentela nem o seu povo: porque obedecia as ordens de Mordecai como quando estava sendo criada em casa dele. 
Naqueles dias, estando Mordecai sentado à porta do rei, dois eunucos do rei, os guardas da porta, Bigtã e Teres, se indignaram e procuravam tirar a vida ao rei Assuero. 
E veio isto ao conhecimento de Mordecai, que revelou à rainha Ester; e Ester o disse ao rei em nome de Mordecai. 
Quando se investigou o negócio e se achou ser verdade, ambos foram enforcados; e isso foi escrito no livro das crônicas perante o rei. 

Ester feita rainha
Passadas estas coisas, e apaziguado já o furor do rei Assuero, lembrou-se de Vasti, e do que ela fizera, e do que se tinha decretado contra ela. 2 Então, disseram os jovens do rei, que lhe serviam: Tragam-se moças para o rei, virgens de boa aparência e formosura. 3 Ponha o rei comissários em todas as províncias do seu reino, que reúnam todas as moças virgens, de boa aparência e formosura, na cidadela de Susã, na casa das mulheres, sob as vistas de Hegai, eunuco do rei, guarda das mulheres, e deem-se-lhes os seus unguentos. 4 A moça que cair no agrado do rei, essa reine em lugar de Vasti. Com isto concordou o rei, e assim se fez. 
Ora, na cidadela de Susã havia certo homem judeu, benjamita, chamado Mordecai, filho de Jair, filho de Simei, filho de Quis, 6 que fora transportado de Jerusalém com os exilados que foram deportados com Jeconias, rei de Judá, a quem Nabucodonosor, rei da Babilônia, havia transportado. 7 Ele criara a Hadassa, que é Ester, filha de seu tio, a qual não tinha pai nem mãe; e era jovem bela, de boa aparência e formosura. Tendo-lhe morrido o pai e a mãe, Mordecai a tomara por filha. 8 Em se divulgando, pois, o mandado do rei e a sua lei, ao serem ajuntadas muitas moças na cidadela de Susã, sob as vistas de Hegai, levaram também Ester à casa do rei, sob os cuidados de Hegai, guarda das mulheres. 9 A moça lhe pareceu formosa e alcançou favor perante ele; pelo que se apressou em dar-lhe os unguentos e os devidos alimentos, como também sete jovens escolhidas da casa do rei; e a fez passar com as suas jovens para os melhores aposentos da casa das mulheres. 10 Ester não havia declarado o seu povo nem a sua linhagem, pois Mordecai lhe ordenara que o não declarasse. 11 Passeava Mordecai todos os dias diante do átrio da casa das mulheres, para se informar de como passava Ester e do que lhe sucederia. 
Em chegando o prazo de cada moça vir ao rei Assuero, depois de tratada segundo as prescrições para as mulheres, por doze meses (porque assim se cumpriam os dias de seu embelezamento, seis meses com óleo de mirra e seis meses com especiarias e com os perfumes e unguentos em uso entre as mulheres), 13 então, é que vinha a jovem ao rei; a ela se dava o que desejasse para levar consigo da casa das mulheres para a casa do rei. 14 À tarde, entrava e, pela manhã, tornava à segunda casa das mulheres, sob as vistas de Saasgaz, eunuco do rei, guarda das concubinas; não tornava mais ao rei, salvo se o rei a desejasse, e ela fosse chamada pelo nome. 
Ester, filha de Abiail, tio de Mordecai, que a tomara por filha, quando lhe chegou a vez de ir ao rei, nada pediu além do que disse Hegai, eunuco do rei, guarda das mulheres. E Ester alcançou favor de todos quantos a viam. 16 Assim, foi levada Ester ao rei Assuero, à casa real, no décimo mês, que é o mês de tebete, no sétimo ano do seu reinado. 17 O rei amou a Ester mais do que a todas as mulheres, e ela alcançou perante ele favor e benevolência mais do que todas as virgens; o rei pôs-lhe na cabeça a coroa real e a fez rainha em lugar de Vasti. 18 Então, o rei deu um grande banquete a todos os seus príncipes e aos seus servos; era o banquete de Ester; concedeu alívio às províncias e fez presentes segundo a generosidade real. 19 Quando, pela segunda vez, se reuniram as virgens, Mordecai estava assentado à porta do rei. 20 Ester não havia declarado ainda a sua linhagem e o seu povo, como Mordecai lhe ordenara; porque Ester cumpria o mandado de Mordecai como quando a criava. 
Mordecai descobre uma conspiração
Naqueles dias, estando Mordecai sentado à porta do rei, dois eunucos do rei, dos guardas da porta, Bigtã e Teres, sobremodo se indignaram e tramaram atentar contra o rei Assuero. 22 Veio isso ao conhecimento de Mordecai, que o revelou à rainha Ester, e Ester o disse ao rei, em nome de Mordecai. 23 Investigou-se o caso, e era fato; e ambos foram pendurados numa forca. Isso foi escrito no Livro das Crônicas, perante o rei. 

Almeida Revista e Atualizada© Copyright © 1993 Sociedade Bíblica do Brasil. Todos os direitos reservados. Texto bíblico utilizado com autorização. Saiba mais sobre a Sociedade Bíblica do Brasil www.sbb.org.br. A Sociedade Bíblica do Brasil trabalha para que a Bíblia esteja, efetivamente, ao alcance de todos e seja lida por todos. A SBB é uma entidade sem fins lucrativos, dedicada a promover o desenvolvimento integral do ser humano. Você também pode ajudar a Causa da Bíblia!

Assuero casa com Ester
Passadas essas coisas, e apaziguado já o furor do rei Assuero, lembrou-se de Vasti, e do que fizera, e do que se tinha decretado a seu respeito. 2 Então, disseram os jovens do rei que lhe serviam: Busquem-se para o rei moças virgens, formosas à vista. 3 E ponha o rei comissários em todas as províncias do seu reino, que reúnam todas as moças virgens, formosas à vista, na fortaleza de Susã, na casa das mulheres, debaixo da mão de Hegai, eunuco do rei, guarda das mulheres, e deem-se-lhes os seus enfeites. 4 E a moça que parecer bem aos olhos do rei reine em lugar de Vasti. E isso pareceu bem aos olhos do rei, e assim fez. 
Havia, então, um homem judeu na fortaleza de Susã, cujo nome era Mardoqueu, filho de Jair, filho de Simei, filho de Quis, homem benjamita, 6 que fora transportado de Jerusalém com os cativos que foram levados com Jeconias, rei de Judá, ao qual transportara Nabucodonosor, rei de Babilônia. 7 Este criara a Hadassa ( que é Ester, filha do seu tio), porque não tinha pai nem mãe; e era moça bela de aparência e formosa à vista; e, morrendo seu pai e sua mãe, Mardoqueu a tomara por sua filha. 8 Sucedeu, pois, que, divulgando-se o mandado do rei e a sua lei e ajuntando-se muitas moças na fortaleza de Susã, debaixo da mão de Hegai, também levaram Ester à casa do rei, debaixo da mão de Hegai, guarda das mulheres. 9 E a moça pareceu formosa aos seus olhos e alcançou graça perante ele; pelo que se apressou a dar-lhe os seus enfeites e os seus alimentos, como também em lhe dar sete moças de respeito da casa do rei; e a fez passar com as suas moças ao melhor lugar da casa das mulheres. 10 Ester, porém, não declarou o seu povo e a sua parentela; porque Mardoqueu lhe tinha ordenado que o não declarasse. 11 E passeava Mardoqueu cada dia diante do pátio da casa das mulheres, para se informar de como Ester passava e do que lhe sucederia. 
E, chegando já a vez de cada moça, para vir ao rei Assuero, depois que fora feito a cada uma segundo a lei das mulheres, por doze meses (porque assim se cumpriam os dias das suas purificações, seis meses com óleo de mirra e seis meses com especiarias e com as coisas para a purificação das mulheres), 13 desta maneira, pois, entrava a moça ao rei; tudo quanto ela desejava se lhe dava, para ir da casa das mulheres à casa do rei; 14 à tarde, entrava e, pela manhã, tornava à segunda casa das mulheres, debaixo da mão de Saasgaz, eunuco do rei, guarda das concubinas; não tornava mais ao rei, salvo se o rei a desejasse e fosse chamada por nome. 
Chegando, pois, a vez de Ester, filha de Abiail, tio de Mardoqueu (que a tomara por sua filha), para ir ao rei, coisa nenhuma pediu, senão o que disse Hegai, eunuco do rei, guarda das mulheres; e alcançava Ester graça aos olhos de todos quantos a viam. 16 Assim, foi levada Ester ao rei Assuero, à casa real, no décimo mês, que é o mês de tebete, no sétimo ano do seu reinado. 17 E o rei amou a Ester mais do que a todas as mulheres, e ela alcançou perante ele graça e benevolência mais do que todas as virgens; e pôs a coroa real na sua cabeça e a fez rainha em lugar de Vasti. 18 Então, o rei fez um grande convite a todos os seus príncipes e aos seus servos para a festa de Ester; e deu repouso às províncias e fez presentes segundo o estado do rei. 19 E, reunindo-se segunda vez as virgens, Mardoqueu estava assentado à porta do rei. 20 Ester, porém, não declarava a sua parentela e o seu povo, como Mardoqueu lhe ordenara; porque Ester cumpria o mandado de Mardoqueu, como quando a criara. 
Mardoqueu descobre uma conspiração
Naqueles dias, assentando-se Mardoqueu à porta do rei, dois eunucos do rei, dos guardas da porta, Bigtã e Teres, grandemente se indignaram e procuraram pôr as mãos sobre o rei Assuero. 22 E veio isso ao conhecimento de Mardoqueu, e ele o fez saber à rainha Ester, e Ester o disse ao rei, em nome de Mardoqueu. 23 E inquiriu-se o negócio, e se descobriu; e ambos foram enforcados numa forca. Isso foi escrito no livro das crônicas perante o rei. 

Almeida Revista e Corrigida© Copyright © 2009 Sociedade Bíblica do Brasil. Todos os direitos reservados. Texto bíblico utilizado com autorização. Saiba mais sobre a Sociedade Bíblica do Brasil www.sbb.org.br. A Sociedade Bíblica do Brasil trabalha para que a Bíblia esteja, efetivamente, ao alcance de todos e seja lida por todos. A SBB é uma entidade sem fins lucrativos, dedicada a promover o desenvolvimento integral do ser humano. Você também pode ajudar a Causa da Bíblia!

Assuero casa com Ester
1 PASSADAS estas cousas, e apaziguado já o furor do rei Assuero, lembrou-se de Vasti, e do que fizera, e do que se tinha decretado a seu respeito. 2 Então disseram os mancebos do rei que lhe serviam: Busquem-se para o rei moças virgens, formosas à vista. 3 E ponha o rei comissários em todas as províncias do seu reino, que reúnam todas as moças virgens, formosas à vista, na fortaleza de Susã, na casa das mulheres, debaixo da mão de Hegai, eunuco do rei, guarda das mulheres, e deem-se-lhes os seus enfeites. 4 E a moça que parecer bem aos olhos do rei, reine em lugar de Vasti. E isto pareceu bem aos olhos do rei, e assim fez. 5 Havia então um homem judeu na fortaleza de Susã, cujo nome era Mardoqueu, filho de Jair, filho de Simei, filho de Quis, homem benjamita, 6 Que fora transportado de Jerusalém, com os cativos que foram levados com Jeconias, rei de Judá, o qual transportara Nabucodonosor, rei de Babilônia. 7 Este criara a Hadassa (que é Ester, filha do seu tio), porque não tinha pai nem mãe; e era moça bela de parecer, e formosa à vista; e, morrendo seu pai e sua mãe, Mardoqueu a tomara por sua filha. 8 Sucedeu pois que, divulgando-se o mandado do rei e a sua lei, e ajuntando-se muitas moças na fortaleza de Susã, debaixo da mão de Hegai, também levaram Ester à casa do rei, debaixo da mão de Hegai, guarda das mulheres. 9 E a moça pareceu formosa aos seus olhos, e alcançou graça perante ele; pelo que se apressou a dar-lhe os seus enfeites, e os seus alimentos, como também em lhe dar sete moças de respeito da casa do rei; e a fez passar com as suas moças ao melhor lugar da casa das mulheres. 10 Ester porém não declarou o seu povo e a sua parentela; porque Mardoqueu lhe tinha ordenado que o não declarasse. 11 E passeava Mardoqueu cada dia diante do pátio da casa das mulheres, para se informar de como Ester passava, e do que lhe sucederia. 12 E, chegando já a vez de cada moça, para vir ao rei Assuero, depois que fora feito a cada uma segundo a lei das mulheres, por doze meses (porque assim se cumpriam os dias das suas purificações, seis meses com óleo de mirra e seis meses com especiarias, e com as cousas para a purificação das mulheres). 13 Desta maneira pois entrava a moça ao rei; tudo quanto ela desejava se lhe dava, para ir da casa das mulheres à casa do rei; 14 À tarde entrava, e pela manhã tornava à segunda casa das mulheres, debaixo da mão de Saazgaz, eunuco do rei, guarda das concubinas; não tornava mais ao rei, salvo se o rei a desejasse, e fosse chamada por nome. 15 Chegando pois a vez de Ester, filha de Abigail, tio de Mardoqueu (que a tomara por sua filha), para ir ao rei, cousa nenhuma pediu, senão o que disse Hegai, eunuco do rei, guarda das mulheres; e alcançava Ester graça aos olhos de todos quantos a viam. 16 Assim foi levada Ester ao rei Assuero, à sua casa real, no décimo mês, que é o mês de tebete, no sétimo ano do seu reinado. 17 E o rei amou a Ester mais do que a todas as mulheres, e ela alcançou perante ele graça e benevolência mais do que todas as virgens: e pôs a coroa real na sua cabeça, e a fez rainha em lugar de Vasti. 18 Então o rei fez um grande convite a todos os seus príncipes e aos seus servos para a festa de Ester; e deu repouso às províncias, e fez presentes segundo o estado do rei. 19 E reunindo-se segunda vez as virgens, Mardoqueu estava assentado à porta do rei. 20 Ester porém não declarava a sua parentela e o seu povo, como Mardoqueu lhe ordenara; porque Ester cumpria o mandado de Mardoqueu, como quando a criara. 
Mardoqueu descobre uma conspiração
21 Naqueles dias, assentando-se Mardoqueu à porta do rei, dois eunucos do rei, dos guardas da porta, Bigtã e Teres, grandemente se indignaram, e procuraram pôr as mãos no rei Assuero. 22 E veio isto ao conhecimento de Mardoqueu e ele o fez saber à rainha Ester, e Ester o disse ao rei, em nome de Mardoqueu. 23 E inquiriu-se o negócio, e se descobriu, e ambos foram enforcados numa forca; e foi escrito nas crônicas perante o rei. 

Almeida Revista e Corrigida 1969© Copyright © 1969 Sociedade Bíblica do Brasil. Todos os direitos reservados. Texto bíblico utilizado com autorização. Saiba mais sobre a Sociedade Bíblica do Brasil www.sbb.org.br. A Sociedade Bíblica do Brasil trabalha para que a Bíblia esteja, efetivamente, ao alcance de todos e seja lida por todos. A SBB é uma entidade sem fins lucrativos, dedicada a promover o desenvolvimento integral do ser humano. Você também pode ajudar a Causa da Bíblia!

Ester é feita rainha
1 Depois disto, quando a raiva do rei Assuero já havia passado, ele se lembrou de Vasti e do que ela havia feito, e do que havia sido decretado contra ela. 2 Então os servos do rei, que o serviam, lhe disseram: 
— Que se procurem moças virgens de boa aparência para o rei. 3 Que o rei nomeie comissários em todas as províncias do seu reino, que reúnam todas as moças virgens e de boa aparência no harém da cidadela de Susã, sob os cuidados de Hegai, eunuco do rei, guarda das mulheres. E que se dê a elas os produtos de beleza que desejarem. 4 A moça que cair no agrado do rei, essa reine em lugar de Vasti. 
O rei concordou com isto, e assim se fez. 
5 Ora, na cidadela de Susã havia um judeu da tribo de Benjamim chamado Mordecai, filho de Jair, filho de Simei, filho de Quis. 6 Ele tinha sido levado de Jerusalém com os exilados que foram deportados com Jeconias, rei de Judá, a quem Nabucodonosor, rei da Babilônia, havia levado para o exílio. 7 Mordecai havia criado Hadassa, que é Ester, filha de seu tio, que era órfã de pai e mãe. A jovem era bonita e formosa. Depois que o pai e a mãe dela morreram, Mordecai a adotou como filha. 
8 Quando a ordem e o decreto do rei foram divulgados, muitas moças foram levadas para a cidadela de Susã, sob os cuidados de Hegai. Levaram também Ester ao palácio real e a entregaram aos cuidados de Hegai, guarda das mulheres. 9 A moça lhe pareceu formosa e alcançou favor diante dele. Por isso Hegai se apressou em dar-lhe os produtos de beleza e a alimentação especial. Também lhe deu sete moças escolhidas do palácio real e a transferiu com essas moças para os melhores aposentos do harém. 10 Ester não havia declarado o seu povo nem a sua parentela, pois Mordecai lhe havia ordenado que não dissesse nada a respeito disso. 11 Mordecai passeava todos os dias diante do pátio do harém, para saber como Ester estava passando e o que ia acontecer com ela. 
12 Depois de doze meses de tratamento seguindo as prescrições para as mulheres, que eram embelezadas seis meses com óleo de mirra e seis meses com óleos aromáticos, essências e perfumes em uso entre as mulheres, chegava a vez de cada moça ser levada ao rei Assuero. 13 Então a moça ia ao encontro do rei e podia levar consigo tudo o que quisesse do harém para o palácio. 14 À tarde, ela entrava no palácio e, pela manhã, voltava para o segundo harém, sob os cuidados de Saasgaz, eunuco do rei, guarda das concubinas. A moça não voltava mais ao rei, a menos que o rei a desejasse, e ela fosse chamada pelo nome. 
15 Quando chegou a vez de Ester, filha de Abiail, tio de Mordecai, que a tinha adotado como filha, ela não pediu nada além do que Hegai, eunuco do rei, guarda das mulheres, lhe havia aconselhado. E Ester alcançou favor de todos os que a contemplavam. 16 Assim, Ester foi levada ao rei Assuero, ao palácio real, no décimo mês, que é o mês de tebete, no sétimo ano do seu reinado. 17 O rei amou Ester mais do que todas as mulheres, e ela alcançou diante dele favor e aprovação mais do que todas as virgens. E o rei pôs a coroa real na cabeça dela e a fez rainha em lugar de Vasti. 
18 Então o rei deu um grande banquete a todos os seus oficiais e servidores; era o banquete de Ester. Concedeu alívio às províncias e distribuiu presentes segundo a sua generosidade real. 
19 Quando as virgens foram reunidas pela segunda vez, Mordecai estava sentado junto à porta do rei. 20 Ester ainda não havia declarado a sua linhagem e o seu povo, como Mordecai lhe havia ordenado. E Ester continuava a cumprir as ordens de Mordecai, como tinha feito quando este a criava. 
Mordecai descobre uma conspiração
21 Naqueles dias, quando Mordecai estava sentado junto à porta do rei, dois eunucos do rei, que se chamavam Bigtã e Teres e eram do corpo da guarda, ficaram indignados e planejaram matar o rei Assuero. 22 Isto chegou ao conhecimento de Mordecai, que o revelou à rainha Ester, e Ester o disse ao rei, em nome de Mordecai. 23 Investigou-se o caso, e era fato; e os dois conspiradores foram pendurados numa forca. Isso foi escrito no Livro das Crônicas, diante do rei. 

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Ester é feita rainha
1 Mais tarde a raiva do rei já havia passado, mas mesmo assim ele continuava a pensar no que Vasti havia feito e no decreto que ele havia assinado contra ela. 2 Aí alguns dos seus servidores mais íntimos lhe disseram: 
— Ó rei, mande buscar as mais lindas virgens do reino. 3 Escolha funcionários em todas as províncias e ordene que tragam as moças mais bonitas para o seu harém aqui em Susã, a capital. Hegai, o eunuco responsável pelo harém real, tomará conta delas e fará com que recebam um tratamento de beleza. 4 E então, ó rei, que a moça que mais lhe agradar seja a rainha no lugar de Vasti. 
O rei gostou da ideia e fez o que lhe sugeriram. 
5 Em Susã morava um judeu chamado Mordecai, filho de Jair e descendente de Simei e de Quis, da tribo de Benjamim. 6 Quando o rei Nabucodonosor, da Babilônia, levou de Jerusalém como prisioneiro o rei Joaquim, de Judá, Mordecai estava entre os prisioneiros que foram levados com Joaquim. 7 Mordecai levou consigo a sua prima Hadassa, isto é, Ester, uma moça bonita e formosa. Os pais dela tinham morrido, e Mordecai havia adotado a menina e a tinha criado como se ela fosse sua filha. 
8 Quando o rei mandou anunciar a ordem, muitas moças foram levadas para Susã, a capital, e entregues aos cuidados de Hegai, o chefe do harém do palácio. Uma dessas moças era Ester. 9 Hegai gostou dela, e ela conquistou a simpatia dele. Imediatamente ele começou a providenciar para ela o tratamento de beleza e a comida especial. Arranjou sete das melhores empregadas do palácio para cuidarem dela e colocou Ester e as empregadas nos melhores quartos do harém. 
10 Ester fez conforme Mordecai tinha mandado e não disse nada a ninguém a respeito da sua raça e dos seus parentes. 11 Todos os dias Mordecai passeava em frente do pátio do harém para saber como Ester estava passando e o que ia acontecer com ela. 
12 O tratamento de beleza das moças durava um ano; durante seis meses eram usados perfumes de mirra e, no resto do ano, outros perfumes e produtos de beleza. Terminado o tratamento, cada moça era levada ao rei Xerxes. 13 Quando chegava a sua vez de ir do harém até o palácio, cada moça tinha o direito de levar tudo o que quisesse. 14 À tarde, ela ia ao palácio, e na manhã seguinte ia para outro harém, e era entregue aos cuidados de Saasgaz, o eunuco responsável pelas concubinas do rei. Ela não voltava a se encontrar com o rei, a não ser que ele gostasse dela e mandasse chamá-la pelo nome. 
15 Chegou a vez de Ester, filha de Abiail e prima de Mordecai, a moça que Mordecai tinha criado, a moça que conquistava a simpatia de todos os que a conheciam. Quando chegou a sua vez de se encontrar com o rei, ela levou somente aquilo que Hegai, o eunuco responsável pelo harém, havia recomendado. 16 Ester foi levada ao palácio para apresentar-se ao rei Xerxes no mês de tebete, o décimo mês do sétimo ano do seu reinado. 17 Ele gostou dela mais do que de qualquer outra moça, e ela conquistou a simpatia e a admiração dele como nenhuma outra moça havia feito. Ele colocou a coroa na cabeça dela e a fez rainha no lugar de Vasti. 18 Depois ele deu um grande banquete em honra de Ester e convidou todos os oficiais e servidores. Ele decretou que aquele dia fosse feriado no reino inteiro e distribuiu presentes que só um rei poderia oferecer. 
Mordecai salva a vida do rei
19 Durante o tempo em que as moças estavam sendo transferidas para o outro harém, Mordecai tinha sido nomeado pelo rei para ocupar um cargo no governo. 20 Seguindo o conselho de Mordecai, Ester ainda não tinha dito a ninguém que era judia. Ela continuava a obedecer a Mordecai, como tinha feito nos tempos de menina, quando ele a estava criando. 
21 Naqueles dias Mordecai, fazendo o seu serviço no palácio, ficou sabendo que Bigtã e Teres, dois eunucos que eram guardas no palácio, estavam zangados com o rei e planejavam matá-lo. 22 Aí Mordecai contou isso à rainha Ester, e ela disse ao rei o que Mordecai havia descoberto. 23 Houve uma investigação, e descobriu-se que era verdade; então os dois eunucos foram enforcados. E o rei ordenou que fosse registrado um relatório sobre isso no livro em que se escrevia a história do reino. 

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Depois disso, quando cessou a indignação do rei Xerxes, ele se lembrou de Vasti, do que ela havia feito e do que ele tinha decretado contra ela. 
Então os conselheiros do rei sugeriram que se procurassem virgens lindas para o rei 
e que se nomeassem comissários em cada província do império para trazer todas essas lindas moças ao harém da cidadela de Susã. Elas estariam sob os cuidados de Hegai, oficial responsável pelo harém; e deveriam receber tratamento de beleza. 
A moça que mais agradasse o rei seria rainha no lugar de Vasti. Esse conselho agradou o rei, e ele o acatou. 
Ora, na cidadela de Susã havia um judeu chamado Mardoqueu, da tribo de Benjamim, filho de Jair, neto de Simei e bisneto de Quis, 
que fora levado de Jerusalém para o exílio por Nabucodonosor, rei da Babilônia, entre os que foram levados prisioneiros com Joaquim, rei de Judá. 
Mardoqueu tinha uma prima chamada Hadassa, que havia sido criada por ele, por não ter pai nem mãe. Essa moça, também conhecida como Ester, era atraente e muito bonita, e Mardoqueu a havia tomado como filha quando o pai e a mãe dela morreram. 
Quando a ordem e o decreto do rei foram proclamados, muitas moças foram trazidas à cidadela de Susã e colocadas sob os cuidados de Hegai. Ester também foi trazida ao palácio do rei e confiada a Hegai, encarregado do harém. 
A moça o agradou e ele a favoreceu. Ele logo lhe providenciou tratamento de beleza e comida especial. Designou-lhe sete moças escolhidas do palácio do rei e transferiu-a, junto com suas jovens, para o melhor lugar do harém. 
Ester não tinha revelado a que povo pertencia nem a origem da sua família, pois Mardoqueu a havia proibido de fazê-lo. 
Diariamente ele caminhava de um lado para outro perto do pátio do harém, para saber como Ester estava e o que lhe estava acontecendo. 
Antes de qualquer daquelas moças apresentar-se ao rei Xerxes, devia completar doze meses de tratamento de beleza prescritos para as mulheres, seis meses com óleo de mirra e seis meses com perfumes e cosméticos. 
Quando ia apresentar-se ao rei, a moça recebia tudo o que quisesse levar consigo do harém para o palácio do rei. 
À tarde ela ia para lá e de manhã voltava para outra parte do harém, que ficava sob os cuidados de Saasgaz, oficial responsável pelas concubinas. Ela não voltava ao rei, a menos que dela ele se agradasse e a mandasse chamar pelo nome. 
Quando chegou a vez de Ester, a moça adotada por Mardoqueu, filha de seu tio Abiail, ela não pediu nada além daquilo que Hegai, oficial responsável pelo harém, sugeriu. Ester agradava a todos os que a viam. 
Ela foi levada ao rei Xerxes, à residência real, no décimo mês, o mês de tebete, no sétimo ano do seu reinado. 
Ora, o rei gostou mais de Ester do que de qualquer outra mulher, e ela foi favorecida por ele e ganhou sua aprovação mais do que qualquer das outras virgens. Então ele lhe colocou uma coroa real e tornou-a rainha no lugar de Vasti. 
E o rei deu um grande banquete, o banquete de Ester, para todos os seus nobres e oficiais. Proclamou feriado em todas as províncias e distribuiu presentes por sua generosidade real. 
Quando as virgens foram reunidas pela segunda vez, Mardoqueu estava sentado junto à porta do palácio real. 
Ester havia mantido segredo sobre seu povo e sobre a origem de sua família, conforme a ordem de Mardoqueu, pois continuava a seguir as instruções de Mardoqueu, como fazia quando ainda estava sob sua tutela. 
Um dia, quando Mardoqueu estava sentado junto à porta do palácio real, Bigtã e Teres, dois dos oficiais do rei que guardavam a entrada, estavam indignados e conspiravam para assassinar o rei Xerxes. 
Mardoqueu, porém, descobriu o plano e contou-o à rainha Ester, que, por sua vez, passou a informação ao rei, em nome de Mardoqueu. 
Depois de investigada a informação e descobrindo-se que era verdadeira, os dois funcionários foram enforcados. Tudo isso foi escrito nos registros históricos, na presença do rei. 

Ester se torna rainha
Passada a indignação de Xerxes, ele começou a pensar em Vasti, naquilo que ela havia feito e no decreto que ele havia publicado. 2 Então seus conselheiros sugeriram: "Permita que procuremos em todo o império moças belas e virgens para o rei. 3 E que o rei nomeie agentes em cada província para que tragam essas lindas moças ao harém na fortaleza em Susã. Hegai, eunuco do rei e encarregado do harém, providenciará que elas recebam tratamentos de beleza. 4 Depois disso, a moça que mais agradar o rei se tornará rainha em lugar de Vasti". O rei gostou muito desse conselho e o pôs em prática. 
Nesse tempo, havia na fortaleza de Susã um judeu chamado Mardoqueu, filho de Jair. Era da tribo de Benjamim e descendente de Quis e Simei. 6 Sua família estava entre aqueles que, com Joaquim, rei de Judá, tinham sido deportados de Jerusalém para a Babilônia pelo rei Nabucodonosor. 7 Mardoqueu tinha uma prima jovem, muito bonita e atraente, chamada Hadassa, também conhecida como Ester. Quando o pai e a mãe de Ester morreram, Mardoqueu a criou como sua própria filha. 
Como resultado do decreto do rei, Ester e muitas outras moças foram trazidas ao palácio real, na fortaleza de Susã, e colocadas sob os cuidados de Hegai, o encarregado do harém. 9 Hegai ficou muito impressionado com a beleza de Ester e a tratou com bondade. Sem demora, providenciou que ela recebesse comida especial e tratamentos de beleza. Também lhe designou sete moças escolhidas do palácio real e a transferiu, com as jovens, para o melhor lugar do harém. 
Mardoqueu havia instruído Ester a não revelar a ninguém sua nacionalidade nem a origem de sua família. 11 Todos os dias, Mardoqueu caminhava perto do pátio do harém para saber notícias de Ester e descobrir o que estava acontecendo. 
Antes de ser levada aos aposentos reais, cada moça recebia os doze meses prescritos de tratamentos de beleza: seis meses com óleo de mirra e seis meses com perfumes e cosméticos. 13 Quando chegava sua vez de ir aos aposentos reais, podia escolher do harém as roupas e as joias que quisesse. 14 À tarde, era conduzida aos aposentos reais e, na manhã seguinte, ia para outra parte do harém, onde moravam as mulheres do rei. Ali, ficava sob os cuidados de Saasgaz, eunuco do rei encarregado das concubinas. Ela não voltaria a se encontrar com o rei a menos que ele tivesse gostado muito dela e mandasse chamá-la pelo nome. 
Ester era filha de Abiail, tio de Mardoqueu. (Mardoqueu havia adotado Ester, sua prima mais nova, como filha.) Quando chegou a vez de Ester se apresentar ao rei, ela aceitou o conselho de Hegai, eunuco encarregado do harém. Não pediu nada além do que ele sugeriu e agradou a todos que a viram. 
Ester foi levada ao rei Xerxes no palácio real no mês de dezembro, no sétimo ano de seu reinado. 17 O rei gostou mais de Ester que de qualquer outra moça. Agradou-se tanto dela que pôs a coroa real sobre sua cabeça e a declarou rainha em lugar de Vasti. 18 Para comemorar a ocasião, ofereceu a todos os seus nobres e oficiais um grande banquete em homenagem a Ester. Declarou aquele dia feriado em todas as províncias e distribuiu presentes generosos para todos. 
Mesmo depois que todas as moças haviam sido transferidas para a outra parte do harém e que Mardoqueu tinha se tornado um dos oficiais do palácio, 20 Ester continuou a manter em segredo sua nacionalidade e a origem de sua família. Ainda seguia as instruções de Mardoqueu como havia feito quando vivia sob os seus cuidados. 
A lealdade de Mardoqueu ao rei
Certo dia, quando Mardoqueu estava de serviço junto à porta do palácio real, dois eunucos do rei, Bigtana e Teres, guardas da porta dos aposentos do rei, se indignaram com Xerxes e conspiraram para matá-lo. 22 Mardoqueu, porém, soube do plano e transmitiu a informação à rainha Ester, que contou ao rei em nome de Mardoqueu. 23 Quando o caso foi investigado e descobriu-se que o relato de Mardoqueu era verdadeiro, os dois homens foram enforcados. Tudo isso está registrado no Livro da História do Reinado do Rei Xerxes. 

Mas quando a ira do rei Assuero se foi apaziguando, começou a pensar na rainha Vasti, naquilo que acontecera e na decisão tomada contra ela. 
Então os seus colaboradores sugeriram-lhe assim: Vamos chamar as mais bonitas raparigas do império e trazê-las à presença do rei. Nomearemos agentes em cada província que seleccionem raparigas jovens e bonitas para o harém real. Hegai, o eunuco responsável, fará com que lhes sejam dados tratamentos de beleza, e após isso a rapariga que mais agradar ao rei tornar-se-á rainha em lugar de Vasti. O rei ficou contente com esta opinião e pôs-se o plano logo em prática. 
Havia um certo judeu que vivia no palácio, chamado Mardoqueu (que era filho de Jair, neto de Simei e bisneto de Cis, um homem de Benjamim). Fora preso quando Jerusalém foi destruída pelo rei Nabucodonozor, e viera exilado para a Babilónia, juntamente com o rei Jeconias de Judá e muitos outros. Este homem tinha em sua casa uma bonita e agradável rapariga, de nome Hadassa (mas conhecida por Ester) que era sua prima, cujos pais tinham morrido e que ele tinha trazido para sua casa e educado como filha. 
Em consequência do decreto real, Ester foi levada para o harém do soberano do palácio de Susã, juntamente com muitas outras moças. Hegai, responsável pelo harém, ficou muito impressionado quando a viu e tratou-a o melhor possível, nos alimentos que lhe dava a comer como nos meios de a tornar mais bela ainda. Deu-lhe também sete raparigas do palácio, como criadas, assim como as melhores instalações no harém. 
Ester não dissera a ninguém que era judia, porque Mardoqueu assim lhe mandara. 
Aliás o seu primo vinha todos os dias até ao pátio do harém para saber notícias de Ester e para se informar do que se ia passando com ela. 
As instruções quanto a estas raparigas eram que antes de serem trazidas para junto do rei, deviam dar-se-lhe um ano de tratamentos de beleza: seis meses com óleo de mirra, seguidos de outros seis meses com perfumes especiais e unguentos. 
Quando chegava a vez de cada uma das moças ir para o harém do rei, dava-se-lhe o que ela pedisse para se vestir e se arranjar como quisesse. 
No dia seguinte passava ao segundo harém onde viviam as mulheres do monarca. Aí ficava sob os cuidados de Saasgaz, um outro dos eunucos do rei, e aí vivia o resto dos seus dias, nunca mais tornando a ver o rei a não ser que lhe tivesse agradado especialmente ou que fosse chamada pelo seu próprio nome. 
Quando foi a vez de Ester preparar-se para ir à presença do rei, ela aceitou vestir-se e arranjar-se de acordo com o gosto de Hegai. Toda a gente se agradava imenso de Ester. Assim foi ela levada ao palácio do rei em Janeiro, no sétimo ano do seu reinado. 
O rei amou-a mais do que qualquer outra moça, e, de tal maneira que lhe pôs na cabeça a coroa real e a declarou rainha, em lugar de Vasti. 
Então o rei deu outro grande banquete a todos os seus príncipes e ministros, decretou feriado em todas as províncias, e mandou distribuir presentes liberalmente. 
Mais tarde as raparigas juntaram-se novamente. Mas nessa altura já Mardoqueu se tornara alto funcionário do rei. 
Ester não dissera ainda a ninguém que era judia, pois continuava seguindo as instruções do primo Mardoqueu, como quando vivia na casa dele. 
Um dia, estando Mardoqueu exercendo as suas funções no palácio, dois dos eunucos do rei, Bigtã e Teres, que eram guardas à entrada do palácio, começaram a tramar um atentado contra o rei, para o assassinarem. 
Mardoqueu soube do que se passava, deu a informação à rainha Ester, que a transmitiu ao rei, informando que a recebera de seu primo. 
Feitas as devidas investigações, os dois homens foram descobertos e enforcados. Tudo isto está devidamente registado no livro de crónicas do reinado de Assuero. 

Depois destas coisas quando a ira do rei Assuero era já aplacada, lembrou- se de Vasti, e do que ela tinha feito e do que tinha sido decretado contra ela. 
Então disseram os servos do rei que lhe ministravam: Busquem-se para o rei moças virgens e formosas. 
Designe o rei em todas as províncias do seu reino oficiais que ajuntem e tragam todas as moças virgens e formosas ao castelo de Susã, à casa das mulheres, à custódia de Hegai, eunuco do rei, guarda das mulheres; e dêem-se-lhes os seus cosméticos. 
Seja rainha em lugar de Vasti a donzela que agrade ao rei. Isso pareceu bem ao rei; e assim fez. 
Havia certo judeu, benjamita, no castelo de Susã, por nome Mordecai, filho de Jair, filho de Simei, filho de Quis, 
que tinha sido levado de Jerusalém com os exilados que foram deportados com Jeconias, rei de Judá, a quem Nabucodonozor, rei de Babilônia, levou cativo. 
Criou ele a Hadassa, isto é, Ester, filha de seu tio, pois não tinha ela nem pai nem mãe, e era donzela de bela presença e formosa. Tendo falecido seu pai e sua mãe, Mordecai a tinha adotado por filha. 
Quando se tornaram conhecidas as palavras do rei e a sua lei, e quando muitas donzelas foram ajuntadas e levadas ao castelo de Susã, à custódia de Hegai, foi levada também Ester à casa do rei, à custódia de Hegai, guarda das mulheres. 
A donzela agradou-lhe, e alcançou o favor dele que se apressou em lhe dar os cosméticos e os seus quinhões, como também as sete donzelas, escolhidas da casa do rei. Colocou-a com as donzelas nos melhores cômodos da casa das mulheres. 
Ester não tinha declarado o seu povo nem a sua linhagem, pois Mordecai lhe tinha ordenado que o não declarasse. 
Todos os dias passeava Mordecai diante do átrio da casa das mulheres, para saber como Ester se achava, e o que lhe sucederia. 
Ora, quando chegava o tempo de vir cada donzela por sua ordem ao rei Assuero, depois que lhe tinha sido feito segundo a lei das mulheres por doze meses (pois assim se cumpriam os dias do seu uso de cosméticos, a saber, seis meses do uso de óleo de mirra, e seis meses do uso de perfumes e de cosméticos em uso entre as mulheres); 
então desta maneira vinha a donzela ao rei, sendo-lhe dado tudo quanto ela desejava, para levar consigo da casa das mulheres para a casa do rei. 
À tarde ela entrava, e pela manhã voltava para a segunda casa das mulheres, à custódia de Saasgaz, eunuco do rei, guarda das concubinas. Ela não voltava mais ao rei, a menos que o rei a desejasse, e fosse chamada por nome. 
Ora, quando chegou o tempo de ir ao rei, Ester, filha de Abiail, tio de Mordecai que a tinha adotado por filha, ela não pediu nada afora o que aconselhou Hegai, eunuco do rei, guarda das mulheres. Ester achou graça aos olhos de todos quantos a contemplavam. 
Ester foi levada ao rei Assuero, à casa real, no décimo mês, que é o mês de Tebete, no sétimo ano do seu reinado. 
O rei amou a Ester mais do que a todas as mulheres, e ela alcançou graça e favor diante dele mais do que todas as virgens; de sorte que lhe pôs sobre a cabeça a coroa real, e a fez rainha em lugar de Vasti. 
Então deu o rei a todos os seus príncipes e aos seus servos um grande banquete, banquete em honra de Ester; concedeu alívio às províncias, e fez donativos segundo a liberalidade digna dum rei. 
Quando pela segunda vez se ajuntavam virgens, Mordecai estava sentado na porta do rei. 
Ester ainda não tinha manifestado a sua linhagem nem o seu povo, como Mordecai lhe havia ordenado; pois cumpria a ordem de Mordecai, como quando estava sendo criada em casa dele. 
Naqueles dias, enquanto Mordecai estava sentado na porta do rei, indignaram-se os dois eunucos do rei, Bigtã e Teres, guardas da porta, e procuraram tirar a vida ao rei Assuero. 
Isso veio ao conhecimento de Mordecai, que o revelou à rainha Ester; e Ester deu disso parte ao rei em nome de Mordecai. 
Investigou-se o negócio, achou-se ser verdade e ambos foram pendurados numa forca. Isso foi escrito no livro das crônicas perante o rei. 

Quando, pouco depois, a cólera do rei se acalmou, pensou em Vasti, no que ela tinha feito e na decisão que tomara a respeito dela. 
Então as pessoas do séquito do rei disseram: 
Que se procurem para o rei donzelas virgens, belas de aspecto; que o rei envie pessoas a todas as províncias de seu reino, para reunir todas as jovens virgens de belo aspecto e trazê-las a Susa, sua capital, ao harém, sob a vigilância de Hegai, eunuco do rei e encarregado das mulheres, que providenciará às necessidades de seu toucador. 
A jovem que souber agradar ao rei se tornará rainha em lugar de Vasti. Isso agradou ao rei que seguiu esse conselho. 
Ora, havia em Susa, a capital, um judeu chamado Mardoqueu, filho de Jair, filho de Semei, filho de Cis, da tribo de Benjamim, 
que tinha sido trazido de Jerusalém entre os cativos deportados com Jeconias, rei de Judá, por Nabucodonosor, rei de Babilônia. 
Era o tutor de Edissa - isto é, Ester, - filha de seu tio, órfã de pai e mãe. A moça era de belo porte e agradável de aspecto; na morte de seus pais, Mardoqueu a tinha adotado por filha. 
Logo que foi publicado o edito do rei, numerosas jovens foram reunidas em Susa, a capital, sob a guarda de Hegai. Ester também foi levada ao palácio e posta sob a guarda de Hegai, o encarregado das mulheres. 
A jovem lhe agradou e ganhou suas graças; tanto que ele se apressou a lhe proporcionar ungüentos e perfumes para seu toucador e adorno. Deu-lhe sete companheiras, escolhidas na casa do rei, reservando a elas o melhor apartamento do gineceu. 
Ester não tinha revelado sua raça nem sua família, porque Mardoqueu lhe tinha proibido falar disso. 
Cada dia ele passeava diante do pátio do gineceu para ter notícias de Ester e saber o que lhe acontecia. 
Toda jovem começava por sujeitar-se, durante doze meses, à lei das mulheres. Nesse período se purificavam seis meses com óleo de mirra, e seis meses com cosméticos e outros bálsamos em uso entre as mulheres. 
Depois disso, quando chegava a vez de cada uma entrar junto ao rei, podia, ao passar do gineceu ao palácio, tomar consigo tudo o que queria. 
Admitida à tarde, se retirava pela manhã a um outro palácio das mulheres, sob a guarda de Chaasgaz, o eunuco do rei posto à frente das concubinas. E não voltava mais junto ao rei, se ele não tivesse manifestado o desejo, chamando-a expressamente. 
Chegou a vez de Ester entrar junto ao rei. A filha de Abigail {tio desse Mardoqueu que a tinha adotado por filha}, não pediu nada além do que lhe foi dado por Hegai, eunuco do rei, encarregado das mulheres. Mas ela ganhava as boas graças de todos os que a viam. 
Foi levada junto ao rei Assuero, a seu palácio. Era o décimo mês {mês de Tebet}, do ano sétimo do seu reinado. 
O rei amou-a mais que todas as outras mulheres; e ganhou ela as graças e o favor real mais que todas as demais jovens. Tanto que o rei colocou sobre sua cabeça o diadema real e a fez rainha em lugar de Vasti. 
O rei deu um grande banquete a todos os seus príncipes e a seus servos em honra de Ester; concedeu um dia de descanso a seus Estados e fez benefícios verdadeiramente reais. 
Na segunda vez que reuniram as jovens, Mardoqueu se achava sentado à porta do rei. 
Obedecendo à proibição de seu tutor, Ester não tinha revelado nem sua família, nem sua raça. Obedecia ainda a Mardoqueu, como quando estava sob a sua tutela. 
Naquele tempo, pois, Mardoqueu se sentava à porta do palácio. Ora, dois eunucos do rei, Bigtã e Tares, guardas da entrada, cedendo ao ressentimento, pensaram levantar sua mão contra o rei. 
Mardoqueu o soube e deu parte à rainha Ester, e esta o referiu ao rei da parte de Mardoqueu. 
Examinado o assunto e reconhecido como certo, foram os dois eunucos suspensos numa forca. E se consignou o fato nas Crônicas, em presença do rei. 

After these things, when the wrath of king Ahasuerus was pacified, he remembered Vashti, and what she had done, and what was decreed against her. 
Then the king's servants who ministered to him said, Let there be fair young virgins sought for the king. 
And let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom, that they may gather together all the fair young virgins to Shushan the palace, to the house of the women, to the custody of Hegai the king's chamberlain, keepe 
and let the maiden who pleases the king be queen instead of Vashti. And the thing pleased the king, and he did so. 
There was a certain Jew in Shushan the palace whose name was Mordecai, the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite, 
who had been carried away from Jerusalem with the captives who had been carried away with Jeconiah king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away. 
And he brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle's daughter. For she had neither father nor mother, and the maiden was fair and beautiful. And when her father and mother were dead, Mordecai took her for his own daughter. 
So it came to pass, when the king's commandment and his decree was heard, and when many maidens were gathered together to Shushan the palace to the custody of Hegai, that Esther was taken into the king's house to the custody of Heg 
And the maiden pleased him, and she obtained kindness from him. And he quickly gave her things for purification, with her portions, and the seven maidens who were suitable to be given her out of the king's house. And he removed her 
Esther had not made known her people nor her kindred, for Mordecai had charged her that she should not make it known. 
And Mordecai walked every day before the court of the women's house to know how Esther did, and what would become of her. 
Now when the turn of every maiden came to go in to king Ahasuerus, after it had been done to her according to the law for the women twelve months (for so were the days of their purifications accomplished, [namely], six months with 
then the maiden came to the king in this way: Whatever she desired was given her to go with her out of the house of the women to the king's house. 
In the evening she went, and on the morrow she returned into the second house of the women to the custody of Shaashgaz, the king's chamberlain, who kept the concubines. She came in to the king no more unless the king delighted in h 
Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, came to go in to the king, she required nothing but what Hegai the king's chamberlain, the keeper of the women, appoint 
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. 
And the king loved Esther above all the women. And she obtained favor and kindness in his sight more than all the virgins, so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti. 
Then the king made a great feast to all his rulers and his servants, even Esther's feast, and he made a release to the provinces, and gave gifts according to the bounty of the king. 
And when the virgins were gathered together the second time, then Mordecai was sitting in the king's gate. 
Esther had not yet made known her kindred nor her people, as Mordecai had charged her. For Esther did the commandment of Mordecai, as when she was brought up with him. 
In those days, while Mordecai was sitting in the king's gate, two of the king's chamberlains, Bigthan and Teresh, of those who kept the threshold, were angry, and sought to lay hands on king Ahasuerus. 
And the thing became known to Mordecai, who showed it to Esther the queen, and Esther told the king [of it] in Mordecai's name. 
And when inquiry was made of the matter, and it was found to be so, they were both hanged on a tree. And it was written in the book of the chronicles before the king. 

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. 
Then said the king' servants that ministered to him, Let there be fair young virgins sought for the king: 
And let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom, that they may gather together all the fair young virgins to Shushan the palace, to the house of the women, to the custody of Hege the king' chamberlain, keeper of the women; and let their things for purification be given them: 
And let the maiden which pleases the king be queen instead of Vashti. And the thing pleased the king; and he did so. 
Now in Shushan the palace there was a certain Jew, whose name was Mordecai, the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite; 
Who had been carried away from Jerusalem with the captivity which had been carried away with Jeconiah king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away. 
And he brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle' daughter: for she had neither father nor mother, and the maid was fair and beautiful; whom Mordecai, when her father and mother were dead, took for his own daughter. 
So it came to pass, when the king' commandment and his decree was heard, and when many maidens were gathered together to Shushan the palace, to the custody of Hegai, that Esther was brought also to the king' house, to the custody of Hegai, keeper of the women. 
And the maiden pleased him, and she obtained kindness of him; and he speedily gave her her things for purification, with such things as belonged to her, and seven maidens, which were meet to be given her, out of the king' house: and he preferred her and her maids to the best place of the house of the women. 
Esther had not showed her people nor her kindred: for Mordecai had charged her that she should not show it. 
And Mordecai walked every day before the court of the women' house, to know how Esther did, and what should become of her. 
Now when every maid' turn was come to go in to king Ahasuerus, after that she had been twelve months, according to the manner of the women, (for so were the days of their purifications accomplished, to wit, six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with sweet odors, and with other things for the purifying of the women;) 
Then thus came every maiden to the king; whatever she desired was given her to go with her out of the house of the women to the king' house. 
In the evening she went, and on the morrow she returned into the second house of the women, to the custody of Shaashgaz, the king' chamberlain, which kept the concubines: she came in to the king no more, except the king delighted in her, and that she were called by name. 
Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, was come to go in to the king, she required nothing but what Hegai the king' chamberlain, the keeper of the women, appointed. And Esther obtained favor in the sight of all them that looked on her. 
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. 
And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favor in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown on her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti. 
Then the king made a great feast to all his princes and his servants, even Esther' feast; and he made a release to the provinces, and gave gifts, according to the state of the king. 
And when the virgins were gathered together the second time, then Mordecai sat in the king' gate. 
Esther had not yet showed her kindred nor her people; as Mordecai had charged her: for Esther did the commandment of Mordecai, like as when she was brought up with him. 
In those days, while Mordecai sat in the king' gate, two of the king' chamberlains, Bigthan and Teresh, of those which kept the door, were wroth, and sought to lay hands on the king Ahasuerus. 
And the thing was known to Mordecai, who told it to Esther the queen; and Esther certified the king thereof in Mordecai' name. 
And when inquisition was made of the matter, it was found out; therefore they were both hanged on a tree: and it was written in the book of the chronicles before the king. 

After these things, when the wrath of king Ahasuerus was pacified, he remembered Vashti, and what she had done, and what was decreed against her. 2 Then said the king’s servants that ministered unto him, Let there be fair young virgins sought for the king: 3 and let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of 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 chamberlain, keeper of the women; and let their things for purification be given them; 4 and let the maiden that pleaseth the king be queen instead of Vashti. And the thing pleased the king; and he did so. 
There was a certain Jew in Shushan the palace, whose name was Mordecai, the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite, 6 who had been carried away from Jerusalem with the captives that had been carried away with Jeconiah king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away. 7 And he brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle’s daughter: for she had neither father nor mother, and the maiden was fair and beautiful; and when her father and mother were dead, Mordecai took her for his own daughter. 
So it came to pass, when the king’s commandment and his decree was heard, and when many maidens were gathered together unto Shushan the palace, to the custody of Hegai, that Esther was taken into the king’s house, to the custody of Hegai, keeper of the women. 9 And the maiden pleased him, and she obtained kindness of him; and he speedily gave her her things for purification, with her portions, and the seven maidens who were meet to be given her out of the king’s house: and he removed her and her maidens to the best place of the house of the women. 10 Esther had not made known her people nor her kindred; for Mordecai had charged her that she should not make it known. 11 And Mordecai walked every day before the court of the women’s house, to know how Esther did, and what would become of her. 
Now when the turn of every maiden was come to go in to king Ahasuerus, after that it had been done to her according to the law for the women twelve months (for so were the days of their purifications accomplished, to wit, six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with sweet odors and with the things for the purifying of the women), 13 then in this wise came the maiden unto the king: Whatsoever she desired was given her to go with her out of the house of the women unto the king’s house. 14 In the evening she went, and on the morrow she returned into the second house of the women, to the custody of Shaashgaz, the king’s chamberlain, who kept the concubines: she came in unto the king no more, except the king delighted in her, and she were called by name. 15 Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, was come to go in unto the king, she required nothing but what Hegai the king’s chamberlain, the keeper of the women, appointed. And Esther obtained favor in the sight of all them that looked upon her. 
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. 17 And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained favor and kindness in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti. 18 Then the king made a great feast unto all his princes and his servants, even Esther’s feast; and he made a release to the provinces, and gave gifts, according to the bounty of the king. 
And when the virgins were gathered together the second time, then Mordecai was sitting in the king’s gate. 20 Esther had not yet made known her kindred nor her people; as Mordecai had charged her: for Esther did the commandment of Mordecai, like as when she was brought up with him. 21 In those days, while Mordecai was sitting in the king’s gate, two of the king’s chamberlains, Bigthan and Teresh, of those that kept the threshold, were wroth, and sought to lay hands on the king Ahasuerus. 22 And the thing became known to Mordecai, who showed it unto Esther the queen; and Esther told the king thereof in Mordecai’s name. 23 And when inquisition was made of the matter, and it was found to be so, they were both hanged on a tree: and it was written in the book of the chronicles before the king. 

Domínio Público. Esta tradução bíblica de domínio público é trazida a você por cortesia de eBible.org.

After these things, when the king's feelings were calmer, the thought of Vashti and what she had done and the order he had made against her, came back to his mind. 
Then the servants who were waiting on the king said to him, Let search be made for some fair young virgins for the king: 
Let the king give authority to certain men in all the divisions of his kingdom, to get together all the fair young virgins and send them to Shushan, the king's town, to the women's house, under the care of Hegai, the king's servant, the keeper of the women: and let the things needed for making them clean be given to them; 
And let the girl who is pleasing to the king be queen in place of Vashti. And the king was pleased with this suggestion; and he did so. 
Now there was a certain Jew in Shushan named Mordecai, the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite; 
Who had been taken away from Jerusalem among those who had been made prisoner with Jeconiah, king of Judah, when Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, had taken him away. 
And he had been a father to Hadassah, that is Esther, the daughter of his father's brother: for she had no father or mother, and she was very beautiful; and when her father and mother were dead, Mordecai took her for his daughter. 
So when the order made by the king was publicly given out, and a number of girls had been placed in the care of Hegai in the king's house in Shushan, Esther was taken into the king's house and put in the care of Hegai, the keeper of the women. 
And he was pleased with the girl and was kind to her; and he quickly gave her what was needed for making her clean, and the things which were hers by right, and seven servant-girls who were to be hers from the king's house: and he had her and her servant-girls moved to the best place in the women's part of the house. 
Esther had not said what family or people she came from, for Mordecai had given her orders not to do so. 
And every day Mordecai took his walk before the square of the women's house, to see how Esther was and what would be done to her. 
Now every girl, when her turn came, had to go in to King Ahasuerus, after undergoing, for a space of twelve months, what was ordered by the law for the women (for this was the time necessary for making them clean, that is, six months with oil of myrrh and six months with sweet perfumes and such things as are needed for making women clean): 
And in this way the girl went in to the king; whatever she had a desire for was given to her to take with her from the women's house into the house of the king. 
In the evening she went, and on the day after she came back to the second house of the women, into the keeping of Shaashgaz, one of the king's unsexed servants who had the care of the king's wives: only if the king had delight in her and sent for her by name did she go in to him again. 
Now when the time came for Esther, the daughter of Abihail, his father's brother, whom Mordecai had taken as his daughter, to go in to the king, she made request for nothing but what Hegai, the king's servant and keeper of the women, had given her. And Esther was looked on kindly by all who saw her. 
So Esther was taken in to King Ahasuerus in his house in the tenth month, which is the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his rule. 
And Esther was more pleasing to the king than all the women, and to his eyes she was fairer and more full of grace than all the other virgins: so he put his crown on her head and made her queen in place of Vashti. 
Then the king gave a great feast for all his captains and his servants, even Esther's feast; and he gave orders through all the divisions of his kingdom for a day of rest from work, and gave wealth from his store. 
And when the virgins came together in the second house of the women, Mordecai took his seat in the doorway of the king's house. 
Esther had still said nothing of her family or her people, as Mordecai had given her orders; for Esther did what Mordecai said, as when she was living with him. 
In those days, while Mordecai was seated at the king's doorway, two of the king's servants, Bigthan and Teresh, keepers of the door, being angry, were looking for a chance to make an attack on King Ahasuerus. 
And Mordecai, having knowledge of their purpose, sent word of it to Esther the queen; and Esther gave the news to the king in Mordecai's name. 
And when the thing had been looked into, it was seen to be true, and the two of them were put to death by hanging on a tree: and it was put down in the records before the king. 

After these things, when the fury of king Ahasuerus was appeased, he remembered Vashti, and what she had done, and what was decreed against her. 
Then said the king's servants that attended upon him, Let there be maidens, virgins of beautiful countenance, sought for the king; 
and let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom, that they may gather together all the young virgins of beautiful countenance to Shushan the fortress, to the house of the women, unto the custody of Hegai the king's chamberlain, keeper of the women; and let their things for purification be given. 
And let the maiden that pleaseth the king be queen instead of Vashti. And the thing pleased the king; and he did so. 
There was in Shushan the fortress a certain Jew, whose name was Mordecai, the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjaminite, 
who had been carried away from Jerusalem with the captives who had been carried away with Jeconiah king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away. 
And he brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle's daughter; for she had neither father nor mother-and the maiden was fair and beautiful-and when her father and mother were dead, Mordecai took her for his own daughter. 
And it came to pass when the king's commandment and his decree was heard, and when many maidens were gathered together unto Shushan the fortress, unto the custody of Hegai, that Esther also was brought into the king's house, unto the custody of Hegai, keeper of the women. 
And the maiden pleased him, and obtained favour before him; and he speedily gave her her things for purification, and her portions, and the seven maidens selected to be given her, out of the king's house; and he removed her and her maids to the best {place} of the house of the women. 
Esther had not made known her people nor her birth; for Mordecai had charged her that she should not make it known. 
And Mordecai walked every day before the court of the women's house, to know how Esther did, and what should become of her. 
And when every maiden's turn came to go in to king Ahasuerus after that she had been treated for twelve months, according to the manner of the women (for so were the days of their purification accomplished-six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with spices, and with things for the purifying of the women, 
and thus came the maiden in unto the king), whatever she desired was given her to go with her out of the house of the women to the king's house. 
In the evening she went, and on the morrow she returned into the second house of the women, unto the custody of Shaashgaz, the king's chamberlain, keeper of the concubines. She came in to the king no more, unless the king delighted in her, and she were called by name. 
And when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, came to go in to the king, she required nothing but what Hegai the king's chamberlain, keeper of the women, appointed. And Esther obtained grace in the sight of all them that saw her. 
So Esther was taken to king Ahasuerus, into his royal house, in the tenth month, that is, the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign. 
And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favour in his sight more than all the virgins, and he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti. 
And the king made a great feast to all his princes and his servants, Esther's feast; and he made a release to the provinces, and gave presents according to the king's bounty. 
And when the virgins were gathered together the second time, Mordecai sat in the king's gate. 
(Esther, as Mordecai had charged her, had not yet made known her birth nor her people; for Esther did what Mordecai told her, like as when she was brought up with him.) 
In those days, while Mordecai sat in the king's gate, two of the king's chamberlains, Bigthan and Teresh, of those which kept the threshold, were wroth, and sought to lay hand on the king Ahasuerus. 
And the thing became known to Mordecai, and he related it to Esther the queen, and Esther told it to the king in Mordecai's name. 
And the matter was investigated and found out; and they were both hanged on a tree. And it was written in the book of the chronicles before the king. 

After this, when the wrath of king Assuerus was appeased, he remembered Vasthi, and what she had done end what she had suffered: 
And the king's servants and his officers said: Let young women be sought for the king, virgins and beautiful, 
And let some persons be sent through all the provinces to look for beautiful maidens and virgins: and let them bring them to the city of Susan, and put them into the house of the women under the hand of Egeus the eunuch, who is the overseer and keeper of the king's women: and let them receive women's ornaments, and other things necessary for their use. 
And whosoever among them all shall please the king's eyes, let her be queen instead of Vasthi. The word pleased the king: and he commanded it should be done as they had suggested. 
There was a man in the city of Susan, a Jew, named Mardochai, the son of Jair, the son of Semei, the son of Cis, of the race of Jemini, 
Who had been carried away from Jerusalem at the time that Nabuchodonosor king of Babylon carried away Jechonias king of Juda, 
And he had brought up his brother's daughter Edissa, who by another name was called Esther: now she had lost both her parents: and was exceeding fair and beautiful. And her father and mother being dead, Mardochai adopted her for his daughter. 
And when the king's ordinance was noised abroad, and according to his commandment many beautiful virgins were brought to Susan, and were delivered to Egeus the eunuch: Esther also among the rest of the maidens was delivered to him to be kept in the number of the women. 
And she pleased him, and found favour in his sight. And he commanded the eunuch to hasten the women's ornaments, and to deliver to her her part, and seven of the most beautiful maidens of the king's house, and to adorn and deck out both her and her waiting maids. 
And she would not tell him her people nor her country. For Mardochai had charged her to say nothing at all of that: 
And he walked every day before the court of the house, in which the chosen virgins werre kept, having a care for Esther's welfare, and desiring to know what would befall her. 
Now when every virgin's turn came to go in to the king, after all had been done for setting them off to advantage, it was the twelfth month: so that for six months they were anointed with oil of myrrh, and for other six months they used certain perfumes and sweet spices. 
And when they were going in to the king, whatsoever they asked to adorn themselves they received: and being decked out, as it pleased them, they passed from the chamber of the women to the king's chamber. 
And she that went in at evening, came out in the morning, and from thence she was conducted to the second house, that was under the hand of Susagaz the eunuch, who had the charge over the king's concubines: neither could she re- turn any more to the king, unless the king desired it, and had ordered her by name to come. 
And as the time came orderly about, the day was at hand, when Esther, the daughter of Abihail the brother of Mardochai, whom he had adopted for his daughter, was to go in to the king. But she sought not women's ornaments, but whatsoever Egeus the eunuch the keeper of the virgins had a mind, he gave her to adorn her. For she was exceeding fair, and her incredible beauty made her appear agreeable and amiable in the eyes of all. 
So she was brought to the chamber of king Assuerus the tenth month, which is called Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign. 
And the king loved her more than all the women, and she had favour and kindness before him above all the women, and he set the royal crown on her head, and made her queen instead of Vasthi. 
And he commanded a magnificent feast to be prepared for all the princes, and for his servants, for the marriage and wedding of Esther. And he gave rest to all the provinces, and bestowed gifts according to princely magnificence. 
And when the virgins were sought the second time, and gathered together, Mardochai stayed at the king's gate, 
Neither had Esther as yet declared her country and people, according to his commandment. For whatsoever he commanded, Esther observed: and she did all things in the same manner as she was wont at that time when he brought her up a little one. 
At that time, therefore, when Mardochai abode at the king's gate, Bagathan and Thares, two of the king's eunuchs, who were porters, and presided in the first entry of the palace, were angry: and they designed to rise up against the king, and to kill him. 
And Mardochai had notice of it, and immediately he told it to queen Esther: and she to the king in Mardochai's name, who had reported the thing unto her. 
It was inquired into, and found out: and they were both hanged on a gibbet. And it was put in the histories, and recorded in the chronicles before the king. 

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. 
Then the king's servants that ministered unto him said, Let there be fair young virgins sought for the king, 
and let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of 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 Hege, the king's eunuch, keeper of the women; and let them be given that which is necessary for [their] purification; 
and let the maiden which pleases the king be queen instead of Vashti. And the thing pleased the king, and he did so. 
[Now] in Shushan, the palace, there was a certain Jew, whose name [was] Mordecai, the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite; 
who had been carried away from Jerusalem with the captivity which had been carried away with Jeconiah, king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, had carried away. 
And he had brought up Hadassah, that [is], Esther, his uncle's daughter; for she had neither father nor mother, and the maid [was] fair and beautiful; and as her father and mother were dead, Mordecai had taken her for his own daughter. 
So it came to pass, when the king's commandment and his decree was heard and when many maidens were gathered together unto Shushan, the palace, to the custody of Hegai, that Esther was brought also unto the king's house to the custody of Hegai, keeper of the women. 
And the maiden pleased him, and she found mercy before him; and he speedily gave her that which was necessary for purification and her rations, and seven maidens, [which were] meet to be given her out of the king's house; and he moved her and her maids into the best [place] of the house of the women. 
Esther had not declared her people nor her birth, for Mordecai had charged her that she should not declare [it]. 
And Mordecai walked every day before the court of the women's house to know the peace of Esther and what was done with her. 
Now when each maid's turn was come to go in to King Ahasuerus, after she had been twelve months according to the law [regarding] the women (for so were the days of their purifications accomplished, [that is], six months with oil of myrrh and six months with aromatic odours and oils for women), 
then thus came [each] maiden unto the king; whatever she desired was given her to go with her out of the house of the women unto the king's house. 
In the evening she went, and on the morrow she returned into the second house of the women, to the custody of Shaashgaz, the king's eunuch, who kept the concubines; she came in unto the king no more, unless the king delighted in her and called for her by name. 
Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail, the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, was come to go in unto the king, she required nothing but what Hegai, the king's eunuch, the keeper of the women, appointed. And Esther obtained grace in the sight of all those that looked upon her. 
So Esther was taken unto King Ahasuerus into his royal house in the tenth month, which [is] the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign. 
And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and mercy in his sight more than did all the other virgins so that he set the crown of the kingdom upon her head and made her queen instead of Vashti. 
Then the king made a great banquet unto all his princes and his servants, the banquet of Esther; and he made a release to the provinces [of their taxes] and gave gifts according to the power of the king. 
And when the virgins were gathered together the second time, then Mordecai sat in the king's gate. 
Esther had not [yet] declared her birth nor her people; as Mordecai had charged her; for Esther did the commandment of Mordecai as when she was being brought up with him. 
In those days, while Mordecai sat in the king's gate, two of the king's eunuchs, Bigthan and Teresh, of those which kept the door, were wroth and sought to lay hand on King Ahasuerus. 
And the thing was known by Mordecai, who told [it] unto Esther, the queen; and Esther notified the king [of this] in Mordecai's name. 
And when inquisition was made of the matter, it was found out; therefore, they were both hanged on a tree; and it was written in the book of the Chronicles before the king.: 

1 After these things, when the wrath of King Ahashuerosh was appeased, he remembred Vashti, and what she had done, and what was decreed against her. 2 And the Kings seruants that ministred vnto him, sayd, Let them seeke for the King beautifull yong virgins, 3 And let the King appoynt officers through all the prouinces of his kingdome, and let them gather all the beautiful yong virgins vnto the palace of Shushan, into the house of the women, vnder the hand of Hege the Kings eunuche, keeper of the women, to giue them their things for purification. 4 And the mayde that shall please the King, let her reigne in the steade of Vashti. And this pleased the King, and he did so. 5 In the citie of Shushan, there was a certaine Iewe, whose name was Mordecai the sonne of Iair, the sonne of Shimei, the sonne of Kish a man of Iemini, 6 Which had bene caryed away from Ierusalem with the captiuitie that was caryed away with Ieconiah King of Iudah (whom Nebuchad-nezzar King of Babel had caryed away) 7 And he nourished Hadassah, that is Ester, his vncles daughter: for she had neither father nor mother, and the mayde was fayre, and beautifull to looke on: and after the death of her father, and her mother, Mordecai tooke her for his own daughter 8 And when the Kings commandement, and his decree was published, and many maydes were brought together to the palace of Shushan, vnder the hand of Hege, Ester was brought also vnto the Kings house vnder the hande of Hege the keeper of the women. 9 And the mayde pleased him, and she founde fauour in his sight: therefore he caused her things for purification to be giuen her speedily, and her state, and seuen comely maides to be giuer her out of the Kings house, and he gaue change to her and to her maydes of the best in the house of the women. 10 But Ester shewed not her people and her kinred: for Mordecai had charged her, that shee should not tell it. 11 Aud Mordecai walked euery day before the court of the womens house, to knowe if Ester did well, and what should be done with her. 12 And when the course of euery mayd came, to go in to King Ahashuerosh, after that she had bene twelue moneths according to the maner of the women (for so were the dayes of their purifications accomplished, sixe moneths with oyle of myrrhe, and sixe moneths with sweete odours and in the purifying of the women: 13 And thus went the maides vnto the King) whatsoeuer she required, was giuen her, to go with her out of the womens house vnto ye kings house. 14 In the euening she went, and on the morow she returned into the second house of the women vnder the hand of Shaashgaz the Kings eunuche, which kept the concubines: shee came in to the King no more, except shee pleased the King, and that she were called by name. 15 Now when the course of Ester the daughter of Abihail the vncle of Mordecai (which had taken her as his owne daughter) came, that shee should go in to the King, she desired nothing, but what Hege the Kings eunuche the keeper of the women sayde: and Ester founde fauour in the sight of all them that looked vpon her. 16 So Ester was taken vnto King Ahashuerosh into his house royall in the tenth moneth, which is the moneth Tebeth, in the seuenth yeere of his reigne. 17 And the King loued Ester aboue all the women, and shee founde grace and fauour in his sight more then all the virgins: so that he set the crowne of the kingdome vpon her head, and made her Queene instead of Vashti. 18 Then the King made a great feast vnto all his princes, and his seruants, which was the feast of Ester, and gaue rest vnto the prouinces, and gaue gifts, according to the power of a King. 19 And whe the virgins were gathered ye second time, then Mordecai sate in the Kings gate. 20 Ester had not yet shewed her kindred nor her people, as Mordecai had charged her: for Ester did after the worde of Mordecai, as when she was nourished with him. 21 In those dayes whe Mordecai sate in the Kings gate, two of the Kings eunuches, Bigthan and Teresh, which kept the doore, were wroth, and sought to lay hand on the King Ahashuerosh. 22 And the thing was knowen to Mordecai, and he tolde it vnto Queene Ester, and Ester certified the King thereof in Mordecais name: and when inquisition was made, it was found so: therefore they were both hanged on a tree: and it was written in the booke of the Chronicles before the King.

Domínio Público. Esta tradução bíblica de domínio público é trazida a você por cortesia de eBible.org.

After these things, when the wrath of king Ahasuerus was assuaged, he remembered Vashti, and what she had done, and what was decreed against her. 
Then said the king's servants that ministered unto him: 'Let there be sought for the king young virgins fair to look on; 
and let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom, that they may gather together all the fair young virgins unto Shushan the castle, to the house of the women, unto the custody of Hegai the king's chamberlain, keeper of the women; and let their ointments be given them; 
and let the maiden that pleaseth the king be queen instead of Vashti.' And the thing pleased the king; and he did so. 
There was a certain Jew in Shushan the castle, whose name was Mordecai the son of Jair the son of Shimei the son of Kish, a Benjamite, 
who had been carried away from Jerusalem with the captives that had been carried away with Jeconiah king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away. 
And he brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle's daughter; for she had neither father nor mother, and the maiden was of beautiful form and fair to look on; and when her father and mother were dead, Mordecai took her for his own daughter. 
So it came to pass, when the king's commandment and his decree was published, and when many maidens were gathered together unto Shushan the castle, to the custody of Hegai, that Esther was taken into the king's house, to the custody of Hegai, keeper of the women. 
And the maiden pleased him, and she obtained kindness of him; and he speedily gave her her ointments, with her portions, and the seven maidens, who were meet to be given her out of the king's house; and he advanced her and her maidens to the best place in the house of the women. 
Esther had not made known her people nor her kindred; for Mordecai had charged her that she should not tell it. 
And Mordecai walked every day before the court of the women's house, to know how Esther did, and what would become of her. 
Now when the turn of every maiden was come to go in to king Ahasuerus, after that it had been done to her according to the law for the women, twelve months--for so were the days of their anointing accomplished, to wit, six months with oil of myrrh, and six month with sweet odours, and with other ointments of the women-- 
when then the maiden came unto the king, whatsoever she desired was given her to go with her out of the house of the women unto the king's house. 
In the evening she went, and on the morrow she returned into the second house of the women, to the custody of Shaashgaz, the king's chamberlain, who kept the concubines; she came in unto the king no more, except the king delighted in her, and she were called by name. 
Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, was come to go in unto the king, she required nothing but what Hegai the king's chamberlain, the keeper of the women, appointed. And Esther obtained favour in the sight of all them that looked upon her. 
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. 
And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favour in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti. 
Then the king made a great feast unto all his princes and his servants, even Esther's feast; and he made a release to the provinces, and gave gifts, according to the bounty of the king. 
And when the virgins were gathered together the second time, and Mordecai sat in the king's gate-- 
Esther had not yet made known her kindred nor her people; as Mordecai had charged her; for Esther did the commandment of Mordecai, like as when she was brought up with him-- 
in those days, while Mordecai sat in the king's gate, two of the king's chamberlains, Bigthan and Teresh, of those that kept the door, were wroth, and sought to lay hands on the king Ahasuerus. 
And the thing became known to Mordecai, who told it unto Esther the queen; and Esther told the king thereof in Mordecai's name. 
And when inquisition was made of the matter, and it was found to be so, they were both hanged on a tree; and it was written in the book of the chronicles before the king. 

Therfor whanne these thingis weren doon, aftir that the indignacioun of kyng Assuerus was coold, he bithouyte of Vasthi, and what thingis sche hadde do, ethir what thingis sche suffride. 
And the children and the mynystris of the kyng seiden to `the kyng, Damyselis, virgyns `and faire, be souyt to the kyng; and `men ben sent, 
that schulen biholde bi alle prouinces damesels faire and virgyns; and brynge thei hem to the citee Susa, and bitake thei in to the hows of wymmen, vndur the hond of Egei, the onest seruaunt and chast, which is the souereyn and kepere of the kyngis wymmen; and take the damesels ournement of wymmen, and other thingis nedeful to vsis. 
And which euer damesele among alle plesith the iyen of the kyng, regne sche for Vasti. The word pleside the kyng; and he comaundide to be don so, as thei counceliden. 
Forsothe a man, a Jew, was in the citee Susa, Mardoche bi name, the sone of Jair, sone of Semei, sone of Cys, of the generacioun of Gemyny; 
that was translatid fro Jerusalem in that tyme, wherynne Nabugodonosor, kyng of Babiloyne, hadde translatid Jechonye, kyng of Juda; 
which Mardoche was the nurschere of Edissa, the douyter of his brothir, which douytir was clepid Hester bi anothir name, and sche hadde lost bothe fadir and modir; sche was ful fair, and semeli of face; and whanne hir fadir and modir weren deed, Mardoche `purchaside hir in to a douytir to hymsilf. 
And whanne the comaundement of the kyng was ofte pupplischid, and bi his comaundement many faire virgyns weren brouyt to Susa, and weren bitakun to Egey, the onest seruaunt and chast, also Hester among othere damesels was bytakun to hym, that sche schulde be kept in the noumbre of wymmen. 
And sche pleside hym, and foond grace in his siyt, that he hastide the ournement of wymmen, and bitook to hir her partis, and seuene the faireste damesels of the kyngis hows; and he ournede and araiede bothe hir and damesels suynge hir feet. 
And `sche nolde schewe to hym hir puple and hir cuntrei; for Mardoche hadde comaundid to hir, that in al maner sche schulde be stille of this thing. 
And he walkide ech dai bifor the porche of the dore, in which the chosun virgyns weren kept, and he dide the cure of the helthe of Hester, and wolde wite, what bifelde to hyr. 
And whanne the tyme of alle damesels bi ordre was comun, that thei schulden entre to the kyng, whanne alle thingis weren fillid that perteyneden to wymmens atire, the tweluethe monethe was turned; so oneli that thei weren anoyntid with oile of `myrte tre bi sixe monethis, and bi othere sixe monethis `thei vsiden summe pymentis and swete-smellynge oynementis. 
And thei entriden to the kyng, and what euer thing perteynynge to ournement thei axiden, thei token; and thei weren araied as it pleside hem, and passiden fro the chaumbre of wymmen to the kyngis bed. 
And sche that hadde entrid in the euentid, yede out in the morwetid; and fro thennus thei weren led forth in to the secounde housis, that weren vndur the hond of Sagazi, onest seruaunt and chast, that was gouernour of the kyngis concubyns; and sche hadde not power to go ayen more to the kyng, no but the kyng wolde, `and had comaundid hir to come bi name. 
Sotheli whanne the tyme was turned aboute bi ordre, the dai neiyede, wherynne Hester, the douyter of Abiahel, brother of Mardoche, `whom he hadde purchasid in to a douyter to hym silf, ouyte entre to the kyng; and sche axide not wymmenus ournement, but what euer thingis Egei, the onest seruaunt and chast, kepere of virgyns, wolde, he yaf these thingis to hir to ournement; for sche was ful schapli, and of fairnesse that may not liytli be bileuyd, and sche semyde graciouse and amyable to the iyen of alle men. 
Therfor sche was lad to the bed of kyng Assuerus, in the tenthe monethe, which is clepid Cebeth, in the seuenthe yeer of his rewme. 
And the kyng feruentli louyde hir more than alle wymmen, and sche hadde grace and mercy bifor hym ouer alle wymmen; and he settide the diademe of rewme `on hir heed, and he made hir to regne in the stide of Vasthi. 
And he comaundide a ful worschipful feeste to be maad redi to alle hise princes and seruauntis, for the ioynyng togidere and the weddyngis of Hester; and he yaf rest to alle prouynces, and yaf yiftis aftir the worschipful doyng of a prynce. 
And whanne virgyns weren souyt also the secounde tyme, and weren gaderid togidere, Mardochee dwellide at the yate of the kyng. 
Hester hadde not yit schewid hir cuntrei and puple, bi comaundement of hym; for whi what euer thing he comaundide, Hester kepte, and sche dide so alle thingis, as sche was wont in that tyme, in which he nurschide hir a litil child. 
Therfor in that tyme, wherynne Mardochee dwellide at the `yate of the king, Bagathan and Thares, twei seruauntis of the kyng, weren wrothe, `that weren porteris, and saten in the first threisfold of the paleis; and thei wolden rise ayens the kyng, and sle hym. 
Which thing was not hid fro Mardochee, and anoon he telde to the queen Hester, and sche to the kyng, bi the name of Mardochee, that hadde teld the thing to hir. 
It was souyt, and it was foundun, and ech of hem was hangid in a iebat; and `it was sent to storyes, and was bitakun to bookis of yeeris, `bifor the kyng. 

After these things, when the wrath of king Ahasuerus was abated, he remembered Vashti, and what she had done, and what was decreed against her. 
Then said the king's servants that ministered unto him, Let there be beautiful young virgins sought out for the king: 
And let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom, that they may gather together all the beautiful young virgins unto Shushan the citadel, to the house of the women, unto the custody of Hegai the king's eunuch, keeper of the women; and let their beautifying ointments be given them: 
And let the maiden who pleases the king be queen instead of Vashti. And the thing pleased the king; and he did so. 
Now in Shushan the citadel there was a certain Jew, whose name was Mordecai, the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite; 
Who had been carried away from Jerusalem with the captives who had been carried away with Jeconiah king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away. 
And he had brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle's daughter: for she had neither father nor mother, and the maiden was fair and beautiful; whom Mordecai, when her father and mother were dead, took as his own daughter. 
So it came to pass, when the king's commandment and his decree was heard, and when many maidens were gathered together unto Shushan the citadel, to the custody of Hegai, that Esther was brought also unto the king's house, to the custody of Hegai, keeper of the women. 
And the maiden pleased him, and she obtained kindness of him; and he speedily gave her her beautifying ointments, with such things as belonged to her, and seven maidens, who were suitable to be given her, out of the king's house: and he moved her and her maidens unto the best place of the house of the women. 
Esther had not revealed her people nor her kindred: for Mordecai had charged her that she should not show it. 
And Mordecai walked every day before the court of the women's house, to know how Esther did, and what should become of her. 
Now when every maiden's turn was come to go in to king Ahasuerus, after she had been there twelve months, according to the regulations for the women, (for so were the days of their beautification accomplished, six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with perfumes, and with other preparations for beautifying women;) 
Then thus came every maiden unto the king; whatsoever she desired was given her to go with her out of the house of the women unto the king's house. 
In the evening she went, and the next day she returned into the second house of the women, to the custody of Shaashgaz, the king's eunuch, who kept the concubines: she came in unto the king no more, except the king delighted in her, and that she were called by name. 
Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, was come to go in unto the king, she required nothing but what Hegai the king's eunuch, the keeper of the women, advised. And Esther obtained favor in the sight of all them that looked upon her. 
So Esther was taken unto king Ahasuerus into his royal house in the tenth month, which is the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign. 
And the king loved Esther more than all the women, and she obtained grace and favor in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti. 
Then the king made a great feast unto all his princes and his servants, even Esther's feast; and he made a holiday in all the provinces, and gave gifts, according to the liberality of the king. 
And when the virgins were gathered together the second time, then Mordecai sat in the king's gate. 
Esther had not yet made known her kindred nor her people; as Mordecai had charged her: for Esther obeyed the command of Mordecai, just as when she was brought up with him. 
In those days, while Mordecai sat in the king's gate, two of the king's eunuchs, Bigthan and Teresh, of those who kept the door, were angry, and sought to lay hands on king Ahasuerus. 
And the thing was known to Mordecai, who told it unto Esther the queen; and Esther informed the king of it in Mordecai's name. 
And when inquiry was made into the matter, it was confirmed; therefore they were both hanged on a tree: and it was written in the book of the chronicles before the king. 

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. 2 Then said the king’s servants that ministered unto him, Let there be fair young virgins sought for the king: 3 And let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of 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 Hege the king’s chamberlain, keeper of the women; and let their things for purification be given them: 4 And let the maiden which pleaseth the king be queen instead of Vashti. And the thing pleased the king; and he did so. 
Now in Shushan the palace there was a certain Jew, whose name was Mordecai, the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite; 6 Who had been carried away from Jerusalem with the captivity which had been carried away with Jeconiah king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away. 7 And he brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle’s daughter: for she had neither father nor mother, and the maid was fair and beautiful; whom Mordecai, when her father and mother were dead, took for his own daughter. 
So it came to pass, when the king’s commandment and his decree was heard, and when many maidens were gathered together unto Shushan the palace, to the custody of Hegai, that Esther was brought also unto the king’s house, to the custody of Hegai, keeper of the women. 9 And the maiden pleased him, and she obtained kindness of him; and he speedily gave her her things for purification, with such things as belonged to her, and seven maidens, which were meet to be given her, out of the king’s house: and he preferred her and her maids unto the best place of the house of the women. 10 Esther had not shewed her people nor her kindred: for Mordecai had charged her that she should not shew it. 11 And Mordecai walked every day before the court of the women’s house, to know how Esther did, and what should become of her. 
Now when every maid’s turn was come to go in to king Ahasuerus, after that she had been twelve months, according to the manner of the women, (for so were the days of their purifications accomplished, to wit, six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with sweet odours, and with other things for the purifying of the women;) 13 Then thus came every maiden unto the king; whatsoever she desired was given her to go with her out of the house of the women unto the king’s house. 14 In the evening she went, and on the morrow she returned into the second house of the women, to the custody of Shaashgaz, the king’s chamberlain, which kept the concubines: she came in unto the king no more, except the king delighted in her, and that she were called by name. 
Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, was come to go in unto the king, she required nothing but what Hegai the king’s chamberlain, the keeper of the women, appointed. And Esther obtained favour in the sight of all them that looked upon her. 16 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. 17 And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favour in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti. 18 Then the king made a great feast unto all his princes and his servants, even Esther’s feast; and he made a release to the provinces, and gave gifts, according to the state of the king. 19 And when the virgins were gathered together the second time, then Mordecai sat in the king’s gate. 20 Esther had not yet shewed her kindred nor her people; as Mordecai had charged her: for Esther did the commandment of Mordecai, like as when she was brought up with him. 
In those days, while Mordecai sat in the king’s gate, two of the king’s chamberlains, Bigthan and Teresh, of those which kept the door, were wroth, and sought to lay hand on the king Ahasuerus. 22 And the thing was known to Mordecai, who told it unto Esther the queen; and Esther certified the king thereof in Mordecai’s name. 23 And when inquisition was made of the matter, it was found out; therefore they were both hanged on a tree: and it was written in the book of the chronicles before the king. 

Domínio Público. Esta tradução bíblica de domínio público é trazida a você por cortesia de eBible.org.

After these events, when the fury of king Achashverosh was appeased, he remembered Vashti, and what she had done, and what had been decreed concerning her. 
Thus said the kings young men, his servants, Let there be sought for the king virgins handsome in appearance; 
And let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom, that they may gather together all the young virgins, handsome in appearance, unto Shushan the capital, into the house of the women, under the custody of Hege the kings chamberlain, the keeper of the women; and let them give them their customary anointings; 
And let the maiden who may be pleasing in the eyes of the king become queen instead of Vashti: and the speech was pleasing in the eyes of the king, and he did so. 
There was a certain Jew in Shushan the capital, whose name was Mordecai, the son of Yair, the son of Shimi, the son of Kish, a Benjamite; 
Who had been carried away into exile from Jerusalem with the exiles who had been exiled with Jeconyah, the king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried into exile. 
And he had brought up Hadassah, that is Esther, the daughter of his uncle; for she had neither father nor mother, and the maiden was beautiful in form and handsome in appearance; and when her father and mother were dead, Mordecai had taken her to himself as a daughter. 
And it came to pass, when the kings order and his decree were heard, and when many maidens were brought together unto Shushan the capital, under the custody of Hegai, that Esther also was brought unto the kings house, under the custody of Hegai, the keeper of the women. 
And the maiden was pleasing in his eyes, and she obtained favor before him; and he made haste to give her her anointings, with her presents, and the seven maidens, who were selected to be given her, out of the kings house: and he preferred her and her maidens with the best things in the house of the women. 
Esther told nothing of her people or of her descent; for Mordecai had charged her that she should not tell. 
And day by day did Mordecai walk before the court of the house of women, to ascertain the wellbeing of Esther, and what would be done with her. 
And when the turn of every maiden was come to go in unto king Achashverosh, at the expiration of the time that she had been treated according to the custom of the women, twelve months; for so were the days of their anointings accomplished, six months with the oil of myrrh, and six months with sweet odors, and with other ointments of the women; 
And thus came the maiden unto the king; and whatsoever she asked for was given her to go with her out of the house of the women as far as the house of the king. 
In the evening she went, and in the morning she returned unto the second house of the women, to the custody of Shaashgas, the kings chamberlain, the keeper of the concubines: she used not to come again unto the king, except the king desired for her, and she was called by name. 
And when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abichayil, the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her to himself as a daughter, was come to go in unto the king, she required nothing but what Hegai the kings chamberlain, the keeper of the women, said: and Esther obtained grace in the eyes of all those that beheld her. 
And Esther was taken unto king Achashverosh, unto his royal house, in the tenth month, which is the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign. 
And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favor before him more than all the virgins; and he placed the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti. 
And the king made a great feast unto all his princes and his servants, the feast of Esther; and he made a release of taxes to the provinces, and gave presents, according to the ability of the king. 
And when virgins were gathered together the second time, then was Mordecai sitting in the kings gate. 
But Esther had not yet told of her descent nor her people; as Mordecai had charged her; and Esther did fulfill the order of Mordecai, equally as when she was under his guardianship. 
In those days, while Mordecai was sitting in the kings gate, Bigthan and Theresh, two chamberlains of the king, of those who kept the door, became wroth, and sought to lay their hand on king Achashverosh. 
And the thing became known to Mordecai, and he told it unto Esther the queen; and Esther said it to the king in the name of Mordecai. 
And the thing was inquired into and found true; and they were both of them hanged on a gallows; and it was written in the book of chronicles before the king. 

After these things, when the wrath of King Ahasuerus had calmed down, he remembered Vashti and what she had done, and what was decreed against her. 
And the king's servants who served him said, Let beautiful young virgins be sought for the king. 
And let the king choose officers in all the provinces of his kingdom, so that they may gather together all the beautiful young virgins to Shushan the palace, to the house of the women, to the hand of Hegai the king's eunuch, keeper of the women. And let their ointments be given. 
And let the young woman who pleases the king be queen instead of Vashti. And the thing pleased the king, and he did so. 
In Shushan the palace there was a certain Jew whose name [was] Mordecai, the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite 
who had been carried away from Jerusalem with the captivity which had been carried away with Jeconiah king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had carried away. 
And he brought up Hadassah, that [is], Esther, his uncle's daughter. For she had neither father nor mother, and the young woman [was] fair and beautiful, whom Mordecai, when her father and mother were dead, took for his own daughter. 
And it happened when the king's command and his order was heard, and when many young women had been gathered to Shushan the palace, into the hand of Hegai, Esther was also brought to the king's house, into the hand of Hegai, keeper of the women. 
And the young woman pleased him, and she received kindness from him. And he quickly gave to her purifiers and her portion. And seven young women [who were] fit to be given her, out of the king's house. And he moved her and her servant women to the best place in the house of the women. 
Esther had not revealed her people nor her kindred, for Mordecai had commanded her that she should not show [it]. 
And Mordecai walked every day in front of the court of the women's house in order to know how Esther did and what was to become of her. 
And when the turn of each young woman had come to go in to king Ahasuerus, after she had been purified twelve months, according to the law of the women (for so the days of their anointing were done, six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with sweet odors, and with the perfumes of the women). 
And in this way the young woman came to the king. Whatever she desired was given her to go with her out of the house of the women to the king's house. 
She went in the evening, and on the next day she returned to the second house of the women, into the hand of Shaashgaz, the king's officer who kept the concubines. She did not come in to the king any more, unless the king delighted in her, and she was called by name. 
And when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai who had taken her for his daughter, had come to go in to the king, she asked nothing but what was chosen by Hegai the king's officer, the keeper of the women. And Esther had favor in the sight of all who looked on her. 
And 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. 
And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she rose in grace and favor in his sight more than all the virgins. And he set the royal crown on her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti. 
And the king made a great feast to all his princes and his servants, Esther's feast. And he ordered a release for the provinces, and gave gifts, according to the state of the king. 
And when the virgins were gathered the second time, then Mordecai sat in the king's gate. 
Esther had not yet revealed her kindred nor her people, as Mordecai had commanded her. For Esther obeyed the command of Mordecai as she did when she was brought up with him. 
In those days, while Mordecai sat in the king's gate, two of the king's eunuchs, Bigthan and Teresh, of those who kept the door, were angry and tried to lay a hand on King Ahasuerus. 
And the thing was known to Mordecai, who told Esther the queen. And Esther told the king in Mordecai's name. 
And when the matter was searched into, it was found out, and the two of them were hanged on a tree. And it was written in the Book of the Matters of the Days before the king. 

After these things, when the wrath of King Ahasuerus was pacified, he remembered Vashti, and what she had done, and what was decreed against her. 
Then the king's servants who served him said, "Let beautiful young virgins be sought for the king. 
Let the king appoint officers in all the provinces 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 eunuch, keeper of the women. Let cosmetics be given them; 
and let the maiden who pleases the king be queen instead of Vashti." The thing pleased the king, and he did so. 
There was a certain Jew in the citadel of Susa, whose name was Mordecai, the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite, 
who had been carried away from Jerusalem with the captives who had been carried away with Jeconiah king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away. 
He brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle's daughter; for she had neither father nor mother. The maiden was fair and beautiful; and when her father and mother were dead, Mordecai took her for his own daughter. 
So it happened, 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 was taken into the king's house, to the custody of Hegai, keeper of the women. 
The maiden pleased him, and she obtained kindness from him. He quickly gave her cosmetics and her portions of food, and the seven choice maidens who were to be given her out of the king's house. He moved her and her maidens to the best place in the women's house. 
Esther had not made known her people nor her relatives, because Mordecai had instructed her that she should not make it known. 
Mordecai walked every day in front of the court of the women's house, to find out how Esther did, and what would become of her. 
Each young woman's turn came to go in to King Ahasuerus after her purification for twelve months (for so were the days of their purification accomplished, six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with sweet fragrances and with preparations for beautifying women). 
The young woman then came to the king like this: whatever she desired was given her to go with her out of the women's house to the king's house. 
In the evening she went, and on the next day she returned into the second women's house, to the custody of Shaashgaz, the king's eunuch, who kept the concubines. She came in to the king no more, unless the king delighted in her, and she was called by name. 
Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, came to go in to the king, she required nothing but what Hegai the king's eunuch, the keeper of the women, advised. Esther obtained favor in the sight of all those who looked at her. 
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. 
The king loved Esther more than all the women, and she obtained favor and kindness in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown on her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti. 
Then the king made a great feast for all his princes and his servants, even Esther's feast; and he proclaimed a holiday in the provinces, and gave gifts according to the king's bounty. 
When the virgins were gathered together the second time, Mordecai was sitting in the king's gate. 
Esther had not yet made known her relatives nor her people, as Mordecai had commanded her; for Esther obeyed Mordecai, like she did when she was brought up by him. 
In those days, while Mordecai was sitting in the king's gate, two of the king's eunuchs, Bigthan and Teresh, who were doorkeepers, were angry, and sought to lay hands on the King Ahasuerus. 
This thing became known to Mordecai, who informed Esther the queen; and Esther informed the king in Mordecai's name. 
When this matter was investigated, and it was found to be so, they were both hanged on a tree; and it was written in the book of the chronicles in the king's presence. 

Later when King Xerxes' fury had subsided, he remembered Vashti and what she had done and what he had decreed about her. 
Then the king's personal attendants proposed, "Let a search be made for beautiful young virgins for the king. 
Let the king appoint commissioners in every province of his realm to bring all these beautiful young women into the harem at the citadel of Susa. Let them be placed under the care of Hegai, the king's eunuch, who is in charge of the women; and let beauty treatments be given to them. 
Then let the young woman who pleases the king be queen instead of Vashti." This advice appealed to the king, and he followed it. 
Now there was in the citadel of Susa a Jew of the tribe of Benjamin, named Mordecai son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, 
who had been carried into exile from Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, among those taken captive with Jehoiachin "king of Judah. 
Mordecai had a cousin named Hadassah, whom he had brought up because she had neither father nor mother. This young woman, who was also known as Esther, had a lovely figure and was beautiful. Mordecai had taken her as his own daughter when her father and mother died. 
When the king's order and edict had been proclaimed, many young women were brought to the citadel of Susa and put under the care of Hegai. Esther also was taken to the king's palace and entrusted to Hegai, who had charge of the harem. 
She pleased him and won his favor. Immediately he provided her with her beauty treatments and special food. He assigned to her seven female attendants selected from the king's palace and moved her and her attendants into the best place in the harem. 
Esther had not revealed her nationality and family background, because Mordecai had forbidden her to do so. 
Every day he walked back and forth near the courtyard of the harem to find out how Esther was and what was happening to her. 
Before a young woman's turn came to go in to King Xerxes, she had to complete twelve months of beauty treatments prescribed for the women, six months with oil of myrrh and six with perfumes and cosmetics. 
And this is how she would go to the king: Anything she wanted was given her to take with her from the harem to the king's palace. 
In the evening she would go there and in the morning return to another part of the harem to the care of Shaashgaz, the king's eunuch who was in charge of the concubines. She would not return to the king unless he was pleased with her and summoned her by name. 
When the turn came for Esther (the young woman Mordecai had adopted, the daughter of his uncle Abihail) to go to the king, she asked for nothing other than what Hegai, the king's eunuch who was in charge of the harem, suggested. And Esther won the favor of everyone who saw her. 
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. 
Now the king was attracted to Esther more than to any of the other women, and she won his favor and approval more than any of the other virgins. So he set a royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti. 
And the king gave a great banquet, Esther's banquet, for all his nobles and officials. He proclaimed a holiday throughout the provinces and distributed gifts with royal liberality. 
When the virgins were assembled a second time, Mordecai was sitting at the king's gate. 
But Esther had kept secret her family background and nationality just as Mordecai had told her to do, for she continued to follow Mordecai's instructions as she had done when he was bringing her up. 
During the time Mordecai was sitting at the king's gate, Bigthana "and Teresh, two of the king's officers who guarded the doorway, became angry and conspired to assassinate King Xerxes. 
But Mordecai found out about the plot and told Queen Esther, who in turn reported it to the king, giving credit to Mordecai. 
And when the report was investigated and found to be true, the two officials were impaled on poles. All this was recorded in the book of the annals in the presence of the king. 

When the king's rage subsided, the thought of Vashti and what she had done and the order he had made against her came back to his mind. 
Then the servants who were waiting on the king said to him, »Let a search be made for some fair young virgins for the king. 
»Let the king give authority to some men in all the divisions of his kingdom, to get together all the fair young virgins and send them to Shushan, the king's town. Send them to the women's house. This is under the care of Hegai, the king's servant, the keeper of the women. Let the things needed for making them clean be given to them. 
»And let the girl who is pleasing to the king be queen in place of Vashti.« The king was pleased with this suggestion; and he did so. 
There was a Jew in Shushan named Mordecai, the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite. 
He had been taken away from Jerusalem among those who had been made prisoner with Jeconiah, king of Judah, when Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, had taken him away. 
And he had been a father to Hadassah who is Esther, the daughter of his father's brother: for she had no father or mother. When her father and mother were dead, Mordecai took her for his daughter. She was very beautiful. 
When the order made by the king was made public a number of girls were placed in the care of Hegai in the king's house in Shushan. Esther was taken to the king's house and put in the care of Hegai, the keeper of the women. 
He was pleased with the girl and was kind to her. He quickly provided her with cosmetics and food. He gave her seven choice servant girls who were to be hers from the king's house. He had her and her servant-girls moved to the best place in the women's part of the house. 
Esther had not said what family or people she came from, for Mordecai gave her orders not to do so. 
Every day Mordecai took his walk before the square of the women's house, to see how Esther was and what would be done to her. 
Now every girl, when her turn came, had to go in to King Ahasuerus. After undergoing, for a space of twelve months, what was ordered by the law for the women for this was the time necessary for making them clean, that is, six months with oil of myrrh and six months with sweet perfumes and such things as are needed for making women clean. 
In this way the girl was presented to the king. Whatever she desired was given to her to take with her from the women's house into the house of the king. 
In the evening she went, and in the morning she would return to the second house of the women, to the custody of Shaashgaz, one of the king's eunuchs who had the care of the king's wives. If the king had delight in her and sent for her by name she would go to him again. 
When the time came for Esther, the daughter of Abihail, his father's brother, whom Mordecai had taken as his daughter, to go in to the king, she made request for nothing but what Hegai, the king's servant and keeper of the women, had given her. And all who saw her looked on Esther kindly. 
Esther was taken to King Ahasuerus in his house in the tenth month, which is the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his rule. 
Esther was more pleasing to the king than all the women. To his eyes she was fairer and more full of grace than all the other virgins. So he put his crown on her head and made her queen in place of Vashti. 
The king gave a great feast for all his captains and his servants and Esther. He gave orders through all the divisions of his kingdom for a release amnestyday of rest to the provinces, and gave wealth from his store. 
When the virgins came together in the second house of the women, Mordecai took his seat in the gate of the king's house. 
Esther had still said nothing of her family or her people, as Mordecai had given her orders. Esther did what Mordecai said, as when she was living with him. 
In those days, while Mordecai was seated at the king's gate two of the king's servants, Bigthan and Teresh, keepers of the gate, being angry, looked for a chance to attack King Ahasuerus. 
Mordecai had knowledge of their purpose and sent word of it to Esther the queen. Esther gave the news to the king in Mordecai's name. 
It was investigated and found to be true. The two men were put to death by hanging on a tree: and it was recorded in the records before the king. 

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. 
Then said the king’s servants that ministered to him, Let there be fair young virgins sought for the king: 
And let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom, that they may gather all the fair young virgins to Shushan the palace, to the house of the women, into the custody of Hege the king’s chamberlain, keeper of the women; and let their things for purification be given them: unto the…: Heb. unto the handHege: also called, Hegai 
And let the maiden who pleaseth the king be queen instead of Vashti. And the thing pleased the king; and he did so. 
Now in Shushan the palace there was a certain Jew, whose name was Mordecai, the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite; 
Who had been carried away from Jerusalem with the captives who had been carried away with Jeconiah king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away. Jeconiah: also called, Jehoiachin 
And he brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle’s daughter: for she had neither father nor mother, and the maid was fair and beautiful; whom Mordecai, when her father and mother were dead, took for his own daughter. brought…: Heb. nourishedfair…: Heb. fair of form, and good of countenance 
So it came to pass, when the king’s commandment and his decree were heard, and when many maidens were gathered at Shushan the palace, to the custody of Hegai, that Esther was brought also to the king’s house, to the custody of Hegai, keeper of the women. 
And the maiden pleased him, and she obtained kindness from him; and he speedily gave her her things for purification, with such things as belonged to her, and seven choice maidens, to be given her, out of the king’s house: and he preferred her and her maids to the best place of the house of the women. such…: Heb. her portionspreferred: Heb. changed 
Esther had not revealed her people nor her kindred: for Mordecai had charged her that she should not make it known. 
And Mordecai walked every day before the court of the women’s house, to know how Esther did, and what should become of her. to know…: Heb. to know the peace 
Now when every maid’s turn had come to go in to king Ahasuerus, after that she had been twelve months, according to the law for the women, (for so were the days of their purifications accomplished, that is, six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with sweet odours, and with other things for the purifying of the women;) 
Then thus came every maiden to the king; whatever she desired was given her to go with her out of the house of the women to the king’s house. 
In the evening she went, and on the next morning she returned into the second house of the women, to the custody of Shaashgaz, the king’s chamberlain, who kept the concubines: she came in to the king no more, except that the king delighted in her, and she was called by name. 
Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, had come to go in to the king, she required nothing but what Hegai the king’s chamberlain, the keeper of the women, appointed. And Esther obtained favour in the sight of all them that looked upon her. 
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. 
And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favour in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti. favour: or, kindnessin his…: Heb. before him 
Then the king made a great feast to all his princes and his servants, even Esther’s feast; and he made a release to the provinces, and gave gifts, according to the bounty of the king. release: Heb. rest 
And when the virgins were gathered together the second time, then Mordecai sat in the king’s gate. 
Esther had not yet revealed her kindred nor her people; as Mordecai had charged her: for Esther performed the commandment of Mordecai, as when she was brought up with him. 
In those days, while Mordecai sat in the king’s gate, two of the king’s chamberlains, Bigthan and Teresh, of those who kept the door, were angry, and sought to lay hand on the king Ahasuerus. Bigthan: also called, Bigthanathe door: Heb. the threshold 
And the thing was known to Mordecai, who told it to Esther the queen; and Esther informed the king of it in Mordecai’s name. 
And when enquiry was made of the matter, it was discovered; therefore they were both hanged on a tree: and it was written in the book of the chronicles before the king. 

After these things, when the anger of King Ahasu-e'rus had abated, he remembered Vashti and what she had done and what had been decreed against her. 
Then the king's servants who attended him said, "Let beautiful young virgins be sought out for the king. 
And let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom to gather all the beautiful young virgins to the harem in Susa the capital, under custody of Hegai the king's eunuch who is in charge of the women; let their ointments be given them. 
And let the maiden who pleases the king be queen instead of Vashti." This pleased the king, and he did so. 
Now there was a Jew in Susa the capital whose name was Mor'decai, the son of Ja'ir, son of Shim'e-i, son of Kish, a Benjaminite, 
who had been carried away from Jerusalem among the captives carried away with Jeconi'ah king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnez'zar king of Babylon had carried away. 
He had brought up Hadas'sah, that is Esther, the daughter of his uncle, for she had neither father nor mother; the maiden was beautiful and lovely, and when her father and her mother died, Mor'decai adopted her as his own daughter. 
So when the king's order and his edict were proclaimed, and when many maidens were gathered in Susa the capital in custody of Hegai, Esther also was taken into the king's palace and put in custody of Hegai who had charge of the women. 
And the maiden pleased him and won his favor; and he quickly provided her with her ointments and her portion of food, and with seven chosen maids from the king's palace, and advanced her and her maids to the best place in the harem. 
Esther had not made known her people or kindred, for Mor'decai had charged her not to make it known. 
And every day Mor'decai walked in front of the court of the harem, to learn how Esther was and how she fared. 
Now when the turn came for each maiden to go in to King Ahasu-e'rus, after being twelve months under the regulations for the women, since this was the regular period of their beautifying, six months with oil of myrrh and six months with spices and ointments for women-- 
when the maiden went in to the king in this way she was given whatever she desired to take with her from the harem to the king's palace. 
In the evening she went, and in the morning she came back to the second harem in custody of Sha-ash'gaz the king's eunuch who was in charge of the concubines; she did not go in to the king again, unless the king delighted in her and she was summoned by name. 
When the turn came for Esther the daughter of Ab'ihail the uncle of Mor'decai, who had adopted her as his own daughter, to go in to the king, she asked for nothing except what Hegai the king's eunuch, who had charge of the women, advised. Now Esther found favor in the eyes of all who saw her. 
And when Esther was taken to King Ahasu-e'rus into his royal palace in the tenth month, which is the month of Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign, 
the king loved Esther more than all the women, and she found grace and favor in his sight more than all the virgins, so that he set the royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti. 
Then the king gave a great banquet to all his princes and servants; it was Esther's banquet. He also granted a remission of taxes to the provinces, and gave gifts with royal liberality. 
When the virgins were gathered together the second time, Mor'decai was sitting at the king's gate. 
Now Esther had not made known her kindred or her people, as Mor'decai had charged her; for Esther obeyed Mor'decai just as when she was brought up by him. 
And in those days, as Mor'decai was sitting at the king's gate, Bigthan and Teresh, two of the king's eunuchs, who guarded the threshold, became angry and sought to lay hands on King Ahasu-e'rus. 
And this came to the knowledge of Mor'decai, and he told it to Queen Esther, and Esther told the king in the name of Mor'decai. 
When the affair was investigated and found to be so, the men were both hanged on the gallows. And it was recorded in the Book of the Chronicles in the presence of the king. 

1 After these things, when the wrath of king Ahasuerus was pacified, he remembered Vashti, and what she had done, and what was decreed against her. 2 Then said the king’s servants that ministered unto him, Let there be fair young virgins sought for the king: 3 and let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom, that young virgins unto Shushan the palace, they may gather together all the fair to the house of the women, unto the custody of Hegai the king’s chamberlain, keeper of the women; and let their things for purification be given them: 4 and let the maiden which pleaseth the king be queen instead of Vashti. And the thing pleased the king, and he did so. 5 There was a certain Jew in Shushan the palace, whose name was Mordecai, the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite; 6 who had been carried away from Jerusalem with the captives which had been carried away with Jeconiah king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar he king of Babylon had carried away. 7 And he brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle’s daughter: for she had neither father nor mother, and the maiden was fair and beautiful; and when her father and mother were dead, Mordecai took her for his own daughter. 8 So it came to pass, when the king’s commandment and his decree was heard, and when many maidens were gathered together unto Shushan the palace, to the custody of Hegai, that Esther was taken into the king’s house, to the custody of Hegai, keeper of the women. 9 And the maiden pleased him, and she obtained kindness of him; and he speedily gave her her things for purification, with her portions, and the seven maidens, which were meet to be given her, out of the king’s house: and he removed her and her maidens to the best place of the house of the women. 10 Esther had not shewed her people nor her kindred: for Mordecai had charged her that she should not shew it. 11 And Mordecai walked every day before the court of the women’s house, to know how Esther did, and what should become of her. 12 Now when the turn of every maiden was come to go in to king Ahasuerus, after that it had been done to her according to the law for the women, twelve months, (for so were the days of their purifications accomplished, to wit, six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with sweet odours, and with the things for the purifying of the women,) 13 then in this wise came the maiden unto the king, whatsoever she desired was given her to go with her out of the house of the women unto the king’s house. 14 In the evening she went, and on the morrow she returned into the second house of the women, to the custody of Shaashgaz, the king’s chamberlain, which kept the concubines: she came in unto the king no more, except the king delighted in her, and that she were called by name. 15 Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, was come to go in unto the king, she required nothing but what Hegai the king’s chamberlain, the keeper of the women, appointed. And Esther obtained favour in the sight of all them that looked upon her. 16 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. 17 And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favour in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti. 18 Then the king made a great feast unto all his princes and his servants, even Esther’s feast; and he made a release to the provinces, and gave gifts, according to the bounty of the king. 19 And when the virgins were gathered together the second time, then Mordecai sat in the king’s gate. 20 Esther had not yet shewed her kindred nor her people; as Mordecai had charged her: for Esther did the commandment of Mordecai, like as when she was brought up with him. 21 In those days, while Mordecai sat in the king’s gate, two of the king’s chamberlains, Bigthan and Teresh, of those which kept the door, were wroth, and sought to lay hands on the king Ahasuerus. 22 And the thing was known to Mordecai, who shewed it unto Esther the queen; and Esther told the king thereof in Mordecai’s name. 23 And when inquisition was made of the matter, and it was found to be so, they were both hanged on a tree: and it was written in the book of the chronicles before the king.

Domínio Público. Esta tradução bíblica de domínio público é trazida a você por cortesia de eBible.org.

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. 
Then said the young men of the king, who waited upon him,Let them seek out for the king young virgins, of pleasing appearance; 
and let the king appoint officers throughout all the provinces of his kingdom, and let them gather together every young virgin of pleasing appearance unto Shusan the palace, unto the house of the women, into the custody of Hegai eunuch of the king, keeper of the women, and let there be given the things needed for their purification; 
and, the maiden that is pleasing in the eyes of the king, let her be queen instead of Vashti. And the thing seemed good in the eyes of the king, and he did so. 
A certain Jew, there was, in Shusan the palace,whose, name, was Mordecai, son of Jair, son of Shimei, son of Kish, a man of Benjamin; 
who had been exiled from Jerusalem, with the exiles who were carried away with Jeconiah king of Judah,whom, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, exiled. 
And it came to pass, that he was bringing up Hadassah, the same, was Esther, his uncles daughter, for she had neither father nor mother,and, the maiden, was of beautiful form and pleasing appearance, and when her father and mother died, Mordecai took her for his own daughter. 
So it came to pass, when the kings command and decree was heard, and there had been gathered together many maidens unto Shusan the palace, unto the custody of Hegai, that Esther was taken into the house of the king, unto the custody of Hegai, keeper of the women; 
and the maiden was pleasing in his eyes, and she received lovingkindness before him, and he hastened to give her, the things needed for her purification, and things apportioned her, and to give her, seven select maidens, out of the house of the king,and he removed her and her maidens to the best place in the house of the women. 
Esther had not told of her people, nor of her kindred,for, Mordecai, had laid charge upon her, that she should not tell. 
And, throughout every day, Mordecai, used to walk to and fro, before the court of the house of the women,to get to know the welfare of Esther, and what would be done with her. 
Now, when the turn of each maiden came, to go in unto King Ahasuerus, after it had been done to her according to the law of the women for twelve months, for, so, were filled the days of their purification,six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with perfumes, and with things for the purification of the women, 
then, indeed, the maiden came in unto the king,whatsoever she might mention, was given her, to go with her, out of the house of the women up to the house of the king: 
in the evening, she went in, and, in the morning, she returnedunto the second house of the women, unto the custody of Shaashgaz the kings eunuch, who kept the concubines,she went not in again unto the king, except the king delighted in her, and she were called by name. 
But, when the turn came for Esther daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecaiwho had taken her as his own daughterto go in unto the king, she requested nothing, save what Hegai the kings eunuch who kept the women might direct,but so it was, that Esther obtained favour in the eyes of all who beheld her. 
So then Esther was taken unto King Ahasuerus, into his royal house, in the tenth month, the same, was the month Tebeth,in the seventh year of his reign. 
And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained favour and lovingkindness before him, above all the virgins,so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen, instead of Vashti. 
Then the king made a great banquet, for all his rulers and his servants, the banquet of Esther,and, a remission, for all the provinces, made he, and gave a present, according to the bounty of a king. 
Now, when virgins were gathered together second time, then, Mordecai, was sitting in the gate of the king. 
Esther had not told of her kindred, nor her people, as, Mordecai, had laid charge upon her,and, the command of Mordecai, Esther performed, like as when she was being brought up with him. 
In those days, when, Mordecai, was sitting in the gate of the king, Bigthan and Teresh, two of the eunuchs of the king who guarded the threshold, were wroth, and sought to thrust a hand upon King Ahasuerus; 
but the thing became known to Mordecai, who told it unto Esther the queen,and Esther told it unto the king, in the name of Mordecai. 
And, when the thing was searched into and found 

After these things, when the wrath of King Ahasuerus was pacified, he remembered Vashti, and what she had done, and what was decreed against her. 
Then the king's attendants that ministered to him said, Let there be fair young virgins sought for the king: 
and let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom, that they may gather together all the fair young virgins to Shushan the palace, to the house of the women, to the custody of Hegai the king's chamberlain, keeper of the women; and let their things for purification be given them; 
and let the maiden that pleases the king be queen instead of Vashti. And the thing pleased the king; and he did so. 
There was a certain Jew in Shushan the palace, whose name was Mordecai, the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite, 
who had been carried away from Jerusalem with the captives that had been carried away with Jeconiah king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away. 
And he brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle's daughter: for she had neither father nor mother, and the maiden had a beautiful body and face; and when her father and mother were dead, Mordecai took her for his own daughter. 
So it came to pass, when the king's commandment and his decree was heard, and when many maidens were gathered together to Shushan the palace, to the custody of Hegai, that Esther was taken into the king's house, to the custody of Hegai, keeper of the women. 
And the maiden was good in his eyes, and she obtained kindness of him; and he speedily gave her her things for purification, with her portions, and the seven maidens who were meet to be given her out of the king's house: and he removed her and her maidens to the best place of the house of the women. 
Esther had not made known her people nor her kindred; for Mordecai had charged her that she should not make it known. 
And Mordecai walked every day before the court of the women's house, to know how Esther did, and what would become of her. 
Now when the turn of every maiden came to go in to King Ahasuerus, after that it had been done to her according to the law for the women twelve months (for so were the days of their purifications accomplished, [to wit], six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with sweet odors and with the things for the purifying of the women), 
then in this wise the maiden came to the king: whatever she desired was given to her to go with her out of the house of the women to the king's house. 
In the evening she went, and on the next day she returned into the second house of the women, to the custody of Shaashgaz, the king's chamberlain, who kept the concubines: she came in to the king no more, except the king delighted in her, and she was called by name. 
Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, came to go in to the king, she required nothing but what Hegai the king's chamberlain, the keeper of the women, appointed. And Esther obtained favor in the sight of all those who looked on her. 
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. 
And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained favor and kindness in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown on her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti. 
Then the king made a great feast to all his princes and his slaves, even Esther's feast; and he ordered a rest to the provinces, and gave gifts, according to the bounty of the king. 
And when the virgins were gathered together the second time, then Mordecai was sitting in the king's gate. 
Esther had not yet made known her kindred nor her people; as Mordecai had charged her: for Esther did the commandment of Mordecai, like when she was brought up with him. 
In those days, while Mordecai was sitting in the king's gate, two of the king's chamberlains, Bigthan and Teresh, of those who kept the threshold, were angry, and sought to lay hands on the king Ahasuerus. 
And the thing became known to Mordecai, who showed it to Esther the queen; and Esther told the king [of it] in Mordecai's name. 
And when inquisition was made of the matter, and it was found to be so, they were both hanged on a tree: and it was written in the Book of the Chronicles before the king. 

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. 
Then said the king's servants that ministered unto him, Let there be fair young virgins sought for the king: 
And let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of 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 Hege the king's chamberlain, keeper of the women; and let their things for purification be given them: 
And let the maiden which pleases the king be queen instead of Vashti. And the thing pleased the king; and he did so. 
Now in Shushan the palace there was a certain Jew, whose name was Mordecai, the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite; 
Who had been carried away from Jerusalem with the captivity which had been carried away with Jeconiah king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away. 
And he brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle's daughter: for she had neither father nor mother, and the maid was fair and beautiful; whom Mordecai, when her father and mother were dead, took for his own daughter. 
So it came to pass, when the king's commandment and his decree was heard, and when many maidens were gathered together unto Shushan the palace, to the custody of Hegai, that Esther was brought also unto the king's house, to the custody of Hegai, keeper of the women. 
And the maiden pleased him, and she obtained kindness of him; and he speedily gave her her things for purification, with such things as belonged to her, and seven maidens, which were meet to be given her, out of the king's house: and he preferred her and her maids unto the best place of the house of the women. 
Esther had not showed her people nor her kindred: for Mordecai had charged her that she should not show it. 
And Mordecai walked every day before the court of the women's house, to know how Esther did, and what should become of her. 
Now when every maid's turn was come to go in to king Ahasuerus, after that she had been twelve months, according to the manner of the women, (for so were the days of their purifications accomplished, to know, six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with sweet odours, and with other things for the purifying of the women;) 
Then thus came every maiden unto the king; whatsoever she desired was given her to go with her out of the house of the women unto the king's house. 
In the evening she went, and on the next day she returned into the second house of the women, to the custody of Shaashgaz, the king's chamberlain, which kept the concubines: she came in unto the king no more, except the king delighted in her, and that she were called by name. 
Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, was come to go in unto the king, she required nothing but what Hegai the king's chamberlain, the keeper of the women, appointed. And Esther obtained favour in the sight of all them that looked upon her. 
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. 
And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favour in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti. 
Then the king made a great feast unto all his princes and his servants, even Esther's feast; and he made a release to the provinces, and gave gifts, according to the state of the king. 
And when the virgins were gathered together the second time, then Mordecai sat in the king's gate. 
Esther had not yet showed her kindred nor her people; as Mordecai had charged her: for Esther did the commandment of Mordecai, like when she was brought up with him. 
In those days, while Mordecai sat in the king's gate, two of the king's chamberlains, Bigthan and Teresh, of those which kept the door, were angry, and sought to lay hands on the king Ahasuerus. 
And the thing was known to Mordecai, who told it unto Esther the queen; and Esther certified the king thereof in Mordecai's name. 
And when inquisition was made of the matter, it was found out; therefore they were both hanged on a tree: and it was written in the book of the chronicles before the king. 

After these things, when the wrath of King Ahasuerus subsided, he remembered Vashti, what she had done, and what had been decreed against her. 
Then the kings servants who ministered to him said: Let beautiful young virgins be sought for the king; 
and let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom, that they may gather all the beautiful young virgins to Shushan the palace, into the womens house, under the hand of Hegai the kings official, custodian of the women. And let cosmetics be given to them. 
Then let the young woman who pleases the king be queen instead of Vashti. And the thing pleased the king, and he did so. 
Now in Shushan the palace there was a certain Jew whose name was Mordecai the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite. 
Kish had been carried away from Jerusalem with the captives who had been captured with Jeconiah king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away. 
And Mordecai had brought up Hadassah (that is, Esther), his uncles daughter, for she had neither father nor mother. And the young woman was of a beautiful figure and good appearance. At the death of her father and mother Mordecai had taken her as his own daughter. 
So it was, when the kings command and decree were heard, and when many young women were gathered at Shushan the palace, under the hand of Hegai, that Esther also was taken to the kings house, into the hand of Hegai the custodian of the women. 
Now the young woman was good in his eyes, and she obtained his favor; so he rushed to supply her cosmetics, along with her other provisions. And seven choice maidservants were provided for her from the kings house, and he moved her and her maidservants to the best place in the house of the women. 
Esther had not revealed her people or family, for Mordecai had charged her not to reveal it. 
And every day Mordecai walked around in front of the court of the womens house, to learn of Esthers welfare and what was happening with her. 
Each young womans turn came to go in to King Ahasuerus after she had completed twelve months according to the regulations for the women, for thus were the days of their beautification accomplished: six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with perfumes and preparations for beautifying women. 
Thus prepared, each young woman went to the king, and she was given whatever she requested to take with her from the womens house to the kings house. 
In the evening she went, and in the morning she returned to the second house of the women, to the hand of Shaashgaz, the kings official who kept the concubines. She would not go in to the king again unless the king delighted in her and summoned her by name. 
Now when the turn came for Esther (the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her as his daughter), to go in to the king, she requested nothing but what Hegai the kings official, the custodian of the women, commanded. And Esther rose to favor in the eyes of all who saw her. 
So Esther was taken to King Ahasuerus, into his royal house, in the tenth month, which is the month of Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign. 
And the king loved Esther more than all the other women, and she obtained grace and favor in his presence more than all the virgins; so he set the royal crown upon her head and made her queen instead of Vashti. 
And the king made a great feast, the Feast of Esther, for all his rulers and servants; and he instituted a holiday in the provinces and gave gifts according to the hand of the king. 
And when the virgins were gathered together the second time, then Mordecai sat in the kings gate. 
Now Esther had not revealed her kindred nor her people, just as Mordecai had charged her, for Esther obeyed the command of Mordecai as when she was brought up by him. 
In those days, while Mordecai sat in the kings gate, two of the kings officials, Bigthan and Teresh, doorkeepers, became furious and sought to lay hands on King Ahasuerus. 
And the matter became known to Mordecai, who told Queen Esther, and Esther informed the king in Mordecais name. 
And when an inquiry was made into the matter, it was confirmed, and both were hanged on a gallows; and it was written in the book of the chronicles in the presence of the king. 

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. 
Then said the king's servants that ministered to him, Let there be fair young virgins sought for the king: 
And let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom, that they may collect all the fair young virgins to Shushan the palace, to the house of the women, into the custody of Hege the king's chamberlain, keeper of the women; and let their things for purification be given them: 
And let the maiden who pleaseth the king be queen instead of Vashti. And the thing pleased the king; and he did so. 
Now in Shushan the palace there was a certain Jew, whose name was Mordecai, the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjaminite; 
Who had been carried away from Jerusalem with the captivity which had been carried away with Jeconiah king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away. 
And he brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle's daughter: for she had neither father nor mother, and the maid was fair and beautiful; whom Mordecai, when her father and mother were dead, took for his own daughter. 
So it came to pass, when the king's commandment and his decree were heard, and when many maidens were assembled at Shushan the palace, to the custody of Hegai, that Esther was brought also to the king's house, to the custody of Hegai, keeper of the women. 
And the maiden pleased him, and she obtained kindness from him; and he speedily gave her her things for purification, with such things as belonged to her, and seven maidens who were meet to be given her, out of the king's house: and he preferred her and her maids to the best place of the house of the women. 
Esther had not showed her people nor her kindred: for Mordecai had charged her that she should not show it. 
And Mordecai walked every day before the court of the women's house, to know how Esther did, and what would become of her. 
Now when every maid's turn had come to go in to king Ahasuerus, after that she had been twelve months, according to the manner of the women, (for so were the days of their purifications accomplished, to wit, six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with sweet odors, and with other things for the purifying of the women;) 
Then thus came every maiden to the king; whatever she desired was given her to go with her out of the house of the women to the king's house. 
In the evening she went, and on the morrow she returned into the second house of the women, to the custody of Shaashgaz, the king's chamberlain, who kept the concubines: she came in to the king no more, except that the king delighted in her, and she was called by name. 
Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, had come to go in to the king, she required nothing but what Hegai the king's chamberlain, the keeper of the women, appointed. And Esther obtained favor in the sight of all them that looked upon her. 
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. 
And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favor in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti. 
Then the king made a great feast to all his princes and his servants, even Esther's feast; and he made a release to the provinces, and gave gifts, according to the state of the king. 
And when the virgins were assembled the second time, then Mordecai sat in the king's gate. 
Esther had not yet showed her kindred, nor her people; as Mordecai had charged her: for Esther performed the commandment of Mordecai, as when she was brought up with him. 
In those days, while Mordecai sat in the king's gate, two of the king's chamberlains, Bigthan and Teresh, of those who kept the door, were wroth, and sought to lay hand on the king Ahasuerus. 
And the thing was known to Mordecai, who told it to Esther the queen; and Esther certified the king of it in Mordecai's name. 
And when inquisition was made of the matter, it was discovered; therefore they were both hanged on a tree: and it was written in the book of the chronicles before the king. 

After these things, when the wrath of King Ahasuerus was pacified, he remembered Vashti, and what she had done, and what was decreed against her. 2 Then the king’s servants who served him said, "Let beautiful young virgins be sought for the king. 3 Let the king appoint officers in all the provinces 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 eunuch, keeper of the women. Let cosmetics be given them; 4 and let the maiden who pleases the king be queen instead of Vashti." The thing pleased the king, and he did so. 
There was a certain Jew in the citadel of Susa whose name was Mordecai, the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite, 6 who had been carried away from Jerusalem with the captives who had been carried away with Jeconiah king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away. 7 He brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle’s daughter; for she had neither father nor mother. The maiden was fair and beautiful; and when her father and mother were dead, Mordecai took her for his own daughter. 
So, 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, Esther was taken into the king’s house, to the custody of Hegai, keeper of the women. 9 The maiden pleased him, and she obtained kindness from him. He quickly gave her cosmetics and her portions of food, and the seven choice maidens who were to be given her out of the king’s house. He moved her and her maidens to the best place in the women’s house. 10 Esther had not made known her people nor her relatives, because Mordecai had instructed her that she should not make it known. 11 Mordecai walked every day in front of the court of the women’s house, to find out how Esther was doing, and what would become of her. 
Each young woman’s turn came to go in to King Ahasuerus after her purification for twelve months (for so were the days of their purification accomplished, six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with sweet fragrances and with preparations for beautifying women). 13 The young woman then came to the king like this: whatever she desired was given her to go with her out of the women’s house to the king’s house. 14 In the evening she went, and on the next day she returned into the second women’s house, to the custody of Shaashgaz, the king’s eunuch, who kept the concubines. She came in to the king no more, unless the king delighted in her, and she was called by name. 
Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, came to go in to the king, she required nothing but what Hegai the king’s eunuch, the keeper of the women, advised. Esther obtained favor in the sight of all those who looked at her. 
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. 17 The king loved Esther more than all the women, and she obtained favor and kindness in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown on her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti. 
Then the king made a great feast for all his princes and his servants, even Esther’s feast; and he proclaimed a holiday in the provinces, and gave gifts according to the king’s bounty. 
When the virgins were gathered together the second time, Mordecai was sitting in the king’s gate. 20 Esther had not yet made known her relatives nor her people, as Mordecai had commanded her; for Esther obeyed Mordecai, like she did when she was brought up by him. 21 In those days, while Mordecai was sitting in the king’s gate, two of the king’s eunuchs, Bigthan and Teresh, who were doorkeepers, were angry, and sought to lay hands on the King Ahasuerus. 22 This thing became known to Mordecai, who informed Esther the queen; and Esther informed the king in Mordecai’s name. 23 When this matter was investigated, and it was found to be so, they were both hanged on a gallows; and it was written in the book of the chronicles in the king’s presence. 

Domínio Público. Esta tradução bíblica de domínio público é trazida a você por cortesia de eBible.org.

After these things, when the wrath of King Ahasuerus was pacified, he remembered Vashti, and what she had done, and what was decreed against her. 2 Then the king’s servants who served him said, "Let beautiful young virgins be sought for the king. 3 Let the king appoint officers in all the provinces 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 eunuch, keeper of the women. Let cosmetics be given them; 4 and let the maiden who pleases the king be queen instead of Vashti." The thing pleased the king, and he did so. 
There was a certain Jew in the citadel of Susa whose name was Mordecai, the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite, 6 who had been carried away from Jerusalem with the captives who had been carried away with Jeconiah king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away. 7 He brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle’s daughter; for she had neither father nor mother. The maiden was fair and beautiful; and when her father and mother were dead, Mordecai took her for his own daughter. 
So, 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, Esther was taken into the king’s house, to the custody of Hegai, keeper of the women. 9 The maiden pleased him, and she obtained kindness from him. He quickly gave her cosmetics and her portions of food, and the seven choice maidens who were to be given her out of the king’s house. He moved her and her maidens to the best place in the women’s house. 10 Esther had not made known her people nor her relatives, because Mordecai had instructed her that she should not make it known. 11 Mordecai walked every day in front of the court of the women’s house, to find out how Esther was doing, and what would become of her. 
Each young woman’s turn came to go in to King Ahasuerus after her purification for twelve months (for so were the days of their purification accomplished, six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with sweet fragrances and with preparations for beautifying women). 13 The young woman then came to the king like this: whatever she desired was given her to go with her out of the women’s house to the king’s house. 14 In the evening she went, and on the next day she returned into the second women’s house, to the custody of Shaashgaz, the king’s eunuch, who kept the concubines. She came in to the king no more, unless the king delighted in her, and she was called by name. 
Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, came to go in to the king, she required nothing but what Hegai the king’s eunuch, the keeper of the women, advised. Esther obtained favour in the sight of all those who looked at her. 
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. 17 The king loved Esther more than all the women, and she obtained favour and kindness in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown on her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti. 
Then the king made a great feast for all his princes and his servants, even Esther’s feast; and he proclaimed a holiday in the provinces, and gave gifts according to the king’s bounty. 
When the virgins were gathered together the second time, Mordecai was sitting in the king’s gate. 20 Esther had not yet made known her relatives nor her people, as Mordecai had commanded her; for Esther obeyed Mordecai, like she did when she was brought up by him. 21 In those days, while Mordecai was sitting in the king’s gate, two of the king’s eunuchs, Bigthan and Teresh, who were doorkeepers, were angry, and sought to lay hands on the King Ahasuerus. 22 This thing became known to Mordecai, who informed Esther the queen; and Esther informed the king in Mordecai’s name. 23 When this matter was investigated, and it was found to be so, they were both hanged on a gallows; and it was written in the book of the chronicles in the king’s presence. 

Domínio Público. Esta tradução bíblica de domínio público é trazida a você por cortesia de eBible.org.

After these things, when the wrath of King Ahasuerus was pacified, he remembered Vashti, and what she had done, and what was decreed against her. 2 Then the king’s servants who served him said, "Let beautiful young virgins be sought for the king. 3 Let the king appoint officers in all the provinces 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 eunuch, keeper of the women. Let cosmetics be given them; 4 and let the maiden who pleases the king be queen instead of Vashti." The thing pleased the king, and he did so. 
There was a certain Jew in the citadel of Susa, whose name was Mordecai, the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite, 6 who had been carried away from Jerusalem with the captives who had been carried away with Jeconiah king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away. 7 He brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle’s daughter; for she had neither father nor mother. The maiden was fair and beautiful; and when her father and mother were dead, Mordecai took her for his own daughter. 
So, 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, Esther was taken into the king’s house, to the custody of Hegai, keeper of the women. 9 The maiden pleased him, and she obtained kindness from him. He quickly gave her cosmetics and her portions of food, and the seven choice maidens who were to be given her out of the king’s house. He moved her and her maidens to the best place in the women’s house. 10 Esther had not made known her people nor her relatives, because Mordecai had instructed her that she should not make it known. 11 Mordecai walked every day in front of the court of the women’s house, to find out how Esther was doing, and what would become of her. 
Each young woman’s turn came to go in to King Ahasuerus after her purification for twelve months (for so were the days of their purification accomplished, six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with sweet fragrances and with preparations for beautifying women). 13 The young woman then came to the king like this: whatever she desired was given her to go with her out of the women’s house to the king’s house. 14 In the evening she went, and on the next day she returned into the second women’s house, to the custody of Shaashgaz, the king’s eunuch, who kept the concubines. She came in to the king no more, unless the king delighted in her, and she was called by name. 15 Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, came to go in to the king, she required nothing but what Hegai the king’s eunuch, the keeper of the women, advised. Esther obtained favor in the sight of all those who looked at her. 
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. 17 The king loved Esther more than all the women, and she obtained favor and kindness in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown on her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti. 
Then the king made a great feast for all his princes and his servants, even Esther’s feast; and he proclaimed a holiday in the provinces, and gave gifts according to the king’s bounty. 
When the virgins were gathered together the second time, Mordecai was sitting in the king’s gate. 20 Esther had not yet made known her relatives nor her people, as Mordecai had commanded her; for Esther obeyed Mordecai, like she did when she was brought up by him. 21 In those days, while Mordecai was sitting in the king’s gate, two of the king’s eunuchs, Bigthan and Teresh, who were doorkeepers, were angry, and sought to lay hands on the King Ahasuerus. 22 This thing became known to Mordecai, who informed Esther the queen; and Esther informed the king in Mordecai’s name. 23 When this matter was investigated, and it was found to be so, they were both hanged on a gallows; and it was written in the book of the chronicles in the king’s presence. 

Domínio Público. Esta tradução bíblica de domínio público é trazida a você por cortesia de eBible.org.

After these things, when the wrath of King Ahasuerus was pacified, he remembered Vashti, and what she had done, and what was decreed against her. 2 Then the king’s servants who served him said, "Let beautiful young virgins be sought for the king. 3 Let the king appoint officers in all the provinces 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 eunuch, keeper of the women. Let cosmetics be given them; 4 and let the maiden who pleases the king be queen instead of Vashti." The thing pleased the king, and he did so. 
There was a certain Jew in the citadel of Susa, whose name was Mordecai, the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite, 6 who had been carried away from Jerusalem with the captives who had been carried away with Jeconiah king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away. 7 He brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle’s daughter; for she had neither father nor mother. The maiden was fair and beautiful; and when her father and mother were dead, Mordecai took her for his own daughter. 
So, 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, Esther was taken into the king’s house, to the custody of Hegai, keeper of the women. 9 The maiden pleased him, and she obtained kindness from him. He quickly gave her cosmetics and her portions of food, and the seven choice maidens who were to be given her out of the king’s house. He moved her and her maidens to the best place in the women’s house. 10 Esther had not made known her people nor her relatives, because Mordecai had instructed her that she should not make it known. 11 Mordecai walked every day in front of the court of the women’s house, to find out how Esther was doing, and what would become of her. 
Each young woman’s turn came to go in to King Ahasuerus after her purification for twelve months (for so were the days of their purification accomplished, six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with sweet fragrances and with preparations for beautifying women). 13 The young woman then came to the king like this: whatever she desired was given her to go with her out of the women’s house to the king’s house. 14 In the evening she went, and on the next day she returned into the second women’s house, to the custody of Shaashgaz, the king’s eunuch, who kept the concubines. She came in to the king no more, unless the king delighted in her, and she was called by name. 15 Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, came to go in to the king, she required nothing but what Hegai the king’s eunuch, the keeper of the women, advised. Esther obtained favor in the sight of all those who looked at her. 
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. 17 The king loved Esther more than all the women, and she obtained favor and kindness in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown on her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti. 
Then the king made a great feast for all his princes and his servants, even Esther’s feast; and he proclaimed a holiday in the provinces, and gave gifts according to the king’s bounty. 
When the virgins were gathered together the second time, Mordecai was sitting in the king’s gate. 20 Esther had not yet made known her relatives nor her people, as Mordecai had commanded her; for Esther obeyed Mordecai, like she did when she was brought up by him. 21 In those days, while Mordecai was sitting in the king’s gate, two of the king’s eunuchs, Bigthan and Teresh, who were doorkeepers, were angry, and sought to lay hands on the King Ahasuerus. 22 This thing became known to Mordecai, who informed Esther the queen; and Esther informed the king in Mordecai’s name. 23 When this matter was investigated, and it was found to be so, they were both hanged on a gallows; and it was written in the book of the chronicles in the king’s presence. 

Domínio Público. Esta tradução bíblica de domínio público é trazida a você por cortesia de eBible.org.

After these things, at the ceasing of the fury of the king Ahasuerus, he hath remembered Vashti, and that which she did, and that which hath been decreed concerning her; 
and servants of the king, his ministers, say, `Let them seek for the king young women, virgins, of good appearance, 
and the king doth appoint inspectors in all provinces of his kingdom, and they gather every young woman -- virgin, of good appearance -- unto Shushan the palace, unto the house of the women, unto the hand of Hege eunuch of the king, keeper of the women, and to give their purifications, 
and the young woman who is good in the eyes of the king doth reign instead of Vashti;` and the thing is good in the eyes of the king, and he doth so. 
A man, a Jew, there hath been in Shushan the palace, and his name [is] Mordecai son of Jair, son of Shimei, son of Kish, a Benjamite -- 
who had been removed from Jerusalem with the removal that was removed with Jeconiah king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon removed -- 
and he is supporting Hadassah -- she [is] Esther -- daughter of his uncle, for she hath neither father nor mother, and the young woman [is] of fair form, and of good appearance, and at the death of her father and her mother hath Mordecai taken her to him for a daughter. 
And it cometh to pass, in the word of the king, even his law, being heard, and in many young women being gathered unto Shushan the palace, unto the hand of Hegai, that Esther is taken unto the house of the king, unto the hand of Hegai, keeper of the women, 
and the young woman is good in his eyes, and she receiveth kindness before him, and he hasteneth her purifications and her portions -- to give to her, and the seven young women who are provided -- to give to her, from the house of the king, and he changeth her and her young women to a good [place in] the house of the women. 
Esther hath not declared her people, and her kindred, for Mordecai hath laid a charge on her that she doth not declare [it]; 
and during every day Mordecai is walking up and down before the court of the house of the women to know the welfare of Esther, and what is done with her. 
And in the drawing nigh of the turn of each young woman to come in unto the king Ahasuerus, at the end of there being to her -- according to the law of the women -- twelve months, for so they fulfil the days of their purifications; six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with spices, and with the purifications of women, 
and with this the young woman hath come in unto the king, all that she saith is given to her, to go in with her, out of the house of the women, unto the house of the king; 
in the evening she hath gone in, and in the morning she hath turned back unto the second house of the women, unto the hand of Shaashgaz eunuch of the king, keeper of the concubines; she cometh not in any more unto the king except the king hath delighted in her, and she hath been called by name. 
And in the drawing nigh of the turn of Esther -- daughter of Abihail, uncle of Mordecai, whom he had taken to him for a daughter -- to come in unto the king, she hath not sought a thing except that which Hegai eunuch of the king, keeper of the women, saith, and Esther is receiving grace in the eyes of all seeing her. 
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, 
and the king loveth Esther above all the women, and she receiveth grace and kindness before him above all the virgins, and he setteth a royal crown on her head, and causeth her to reign instead of Vashti, 
and the king maketh a great banquet to all his heads and his servants -- the banquet of Esther -- and a release to the provinces hath made, and giveth gifts as a memorial of the king. 
And in the virgins being gathered a second time, then Mordecai is sitting in the gate of the king; 
Esther is not declaring her kindred and her people, as Mordecai hath laid a charge upon her, and the saying of Mordecai Esther is doing as when she was truly with him. 
In those days, when Mordecai is sitting in the gate of the king, hath Bigthan been wroth, and Teresh, (two of the eunuchs of the king, the keepers of the threshold,) and they seek to put forth a hand on king Ahasuerus, 
and the thing is known to Mordecai, and he declareth [it] to Esther the queen, and Esther speaketh to the king in the name of Mordecai, 
and the thing is sought out, and found, and they are hanged both of them on a tree, and it is written in the book of the Chronicles before the king. 

Pasadas estas cosas, reposada ya la ira del rey Asuero, se acordó de Vasti, y de lo que hizo, y de lo que fue sentenciado sobre ella. 
Y dijeron los criados del rey, sus oficiales: Busquen al rey mozas vírgenes de buen parecer; 
y ponga el rey personas en todas las provincias de su reino, que junte todas las jóvenes vírgenes de buen parecer en Susa la capital del reino, en la casa de las mujeres, al cuidado de Hegai, eunuco del rey, guarda de las mujeres, dándoles lo que necesitan para su purificación; 
y la doncella que agradare a los ojos del rey, reine en lugar de Vasti. Y la cosa agradó en ojos del rey, y lo hizo así. 
Había un varón judío en Susa la capital del reino, cuyo nombre era Mardoqueo, hijo de Jair, hijo de Simei, hijo de Cis, del linaje de Benjamín; 
el cual había sido trasportado de Jerusalén con los cautivos que fueron llevados con Jeconías rey de Judá, a quien hizo trasportar Nabucodonosor rey de Babilonia. 
Y había criado a Hadasa, que es Ester, hija de su tío, porque no tenía padre ni madre; y la joven era de hermosa forma y de buen parecer; y como su padre y su madre murieron, Mardoqueo la había tomado por hija suya. 
Sucedió, pues, que cuando se divulgó el mandamiento del rey y su ley, y siendo reunidas muchas jovenes en Susa la capital del reino, a cargo de Hegai, fue tomada también Ester para casa del rey, al cuidado de Hegai, guarda de las mujeres. 
Y aquella joven agradó en sus ojos, y halló gracia delante de él; por lo que hizo darle prestamente lo necesario para su purificación y sus raciones, dándole también siete convenientes doncellas de la casa del rey; y la pasó con sus doncellas a lo mejor de la casa de las mujeres. 
Ester no declaró su pueblo ni su nacimiento; porque Mardoqueo le había mandado que no lo declarase. 
Y cada día Mardoqueo se paseaba delante del patio de la casa de las mujeres, por saber la paz de Ester, y qué se hacía de ella. 
Y cuando llegaba el tiempo de cada una de las jovenes para venir al rey Asuero, al cabo de haber estado ya doce meses conforme a la ley acerca de las mujeres (porque así se cumplía el tiempo de sus purificaciones, esto es, seis meses con óleo de mirra, y seis meses con cosas aromáticas y aceites de mujeres), 
entonces la joven venía así al rey; todo lo que ella decía se le daba, para venir con ello de la casa de las mujeres hasta la casa del rey. 
Ella venía a la tarde, y a la mañana se volvía a la casa segunda de las mujeres, al cargo de Saasgaz eunuco del rey, guarda de las concubinas; no venía más al rey, salvo si el rey la quería, y era llamada por nombre. 
Y cuando le llegó el tiempo de Ester, hija de Abihail tío de Mardoqueo, que él se había tomado por hija, para venir al rey, ninguna cosa procuró sino lo que dijo Hegai eunuco del rey, guarda de las mujeres; y ganaba Ester la gracia de todos los que la veían. 
Fue, pues , Ester llevada al rey Asuero a su casa real en el mes décimo, que es el mes de Tebet, en el año séptimo de su reinado. 
Y el rey amó a Ester sobre todas las mujeres, y halló gracia y misericordia delante de él más que todas las vírgenes; y puso la corona del reino en su cabeza, y la hizo reina en lugar de Vasti. 
Hizo luego el rey un gran banquete a todos sus príncipes y siervos, el banquete de Ester; y reposó a las provincias de sus impuestos , e hizo y dio mercedes conforme a la facultad real. 
Y cuando eran juntadas las vírgenes la segunda vez, Mardoqueo estaba sentado a la puerta del rey. 
Y Ester, según le tenía mandado Mardoqueo, no había declarado su nación ni su pueblo; porque Ester hacía lo que decía Mardoqueo, como cuando estaba en crianza con él. 
En aquellos días, estando Mardoqueo sentado a la puerta del rey, se enojaron Bigtán y Teres, dos eunucos del rey, de la guardia de la puerta, y procuraban poner mano en el rey Asuero. 
Y la cosa fue entendida por Mardoqueo, y él lo denunció a la reina Ester, y Ester lo dijo al rey en nombre de Mardoqueo. 
Y fue inquirida la cosa, y fue hallada cierta ; y ambos ellos fueron colgados en la horca; y fue escrito en el libro de las cosas de los tiempos delante del rey. 

PASADAS estas cosas, sosegada ya la ira del rey Assuero, acordóse de Vasthi, y de lo que hizo, y de lo que fué sentenciado contra ella. 
Y dijeron los criados del rey, sus oficiales: Busquen al rey mozas vírgenes de buen parecer; 
Y ponga el rey personas en todas las provincias de su reino, que junte todas las mozas vírgenes de buen parecer en Susán residencia regia, en la casa de las mujeres, al cuidado de Hegai, eunuco del rey, guarda de las mujeres, dándoles sus atavíos; 
Y la moza que agradare á los ojos del rey, reine en lugar de Vasthi. Y la cosa plugo en ojos del rey, é hízolo así. 
Había un varón Judío en Susán residencia regia, cuyo nombre era Mardochêo, hijo de Jair, hijo de Simi, hijo de Cis, del linaje de Benjamín; 
El cual había sido trasportado de Jerusalem con los cautivos que fueron llevados con Jechônías rey de Judá, á quien hizo trasportar Nabucodonosor rey de Babilonia. 
Y había criado á Hadassa, que es Esther, hija de su tío, porque no tenía padre ni madre; y era moza de hermosa forma y de buen parecer; y como su padre y su madre murieron, Mardochêo la había tomado por hija suya. 
Sucedió pues, que como se divulgó el mandamiento del rey y su acuerdo, y siendo reunidas muchas mozas en Susán residencia regia, á cargo de Hegai, fué tomada también Esther para casa del rey, al cuidado de Hegai, guarda de las mujeres. 
Y la moza agradó en sus ojos, y halló gracia delante de él; por lo que hizo darle prestamente sus atavíos y sus raciones, dándole también siete convenientes doncellas de la casa del rey; y pasóla con sus doncellas á lo mejor de la casa de las mujeres. 
Esther no declaró su pueblo ni su nacimiento; porque Mardochêo le había mandado que no lo declarase. 
Y cada día Mardochêo se paseaba delante del patio de la casa de las mujeres, por saber cómo iba á Esther, y qué se hacía de ella. 
Y como llegaba el tiempo de cada una de las mozas para venir al rey Assuero, al cabo de haber estado ya doce meses conforme á la ley acerca de las mujeres (porque así se cumplía el tiempo de sus atavíos, esto es, seis meses con óleo de mirra, y seis meses con cosas aromáticas y afeites de mujeres), 
Entonces la moza venía así al rey: todo lo que ella decía se le daba, para venir con ello de la casa de las mujeres hasta la casa del rey. 
Ella venía á la tarde, y á la mañana se volvía á la casa segunda de las mujeres, al cargo de Saasgaz eunuco del rey, guarda de las concubinas: no venía más al rey, salvo si el rey la quería, y era llamada por nombre. 
Y llegado que fué el tiempo de Esther, hija de Abihail tío de Mardochêo, que él se había tomado por hija, para venir al rey, ninguna cosa procuró sino lo que dijo Hegai eunuco del rey, guarda de las mujeres: y ganaba Esther la gracia de todos los que la veían. 
Fué pues Esther llevada al rey Assuero á su casa real en el mes décimo, que es el mes de Tebeth, en el año séptimo de su reinado. 
Y el rey amó á Esther sobre todas las mujeres, y halló gracia y benevolencia delante de él más que todas las vírgenes; y puso la corona real en su cabeza, é hízola reina en lugar de Vasthi. 
Hizo luego el rey gran banquete á todos sus príncipes y siervos, el banquete de Esther; y alivió á las provincias, é hizo y dió mercedes conforme á la facultad real. 
Y cuando se juntaban las vírgenes la segunda vez, Mardochêo estaba puesto a la puerta el rey. 
Y Esther, según le tenía mandado Mardochêo, no había declarado su nación ni su pueblo; porque Esther hacía lo que decía Mardochêo, como cuando con él se educaba. 
En aquellos días, estando Mardochêo sentado á la puerta del rey, enojáronse Bigthán y Teres, dos eunucos del rey, de la guardia de la puerta, y procuraban poner mano en el rey Assuero. 
Mas entendido que fué esto por Mardochêo, él lo denunció á la reina Esther, y Esther lo dijo al rey en nombre de Mardochêo. 
Hízose entonces indagación de la cosa, y fué hallada cierta; por tanto, entrambos fueron colgados en una horca. Y escribióse el caso en el libro de las cosas de los tiempos delante del rey. 

Après ces choses, quand la colère du Roi Assuérus fut apaisée, il se souvint de Vasti, et de ce qu'elle avait fait, et de ce qui avait été décrété contr'elle. 
Et les jeunes gens qui servaient le Roi, dirent: Qu'on cherche au Roi des jeunes filles vierges, et belles à voir; 
Et que le Roi établisse des commissaires dans toutes les provinces de son Royaume, qui assemblent toutes les jeunes filles, vierges et belles à voir, dans Susan, la ville capitale, en l'hôtel des femmes sous la charge d'Hégaï, Eunuque du Roi, le gardien des femmes, qu'on leur donne leurs préparatifs. 
Et la jeune fille qui plaira au Roi, régnera en la place de Vasti. Et la chose plut au Roi, et il le fit ainsi. 
Or il y avait à Susan, la ville capitale, un homme Juif, qui avait nom Mardochée, fils de Jaïr, fils de Simhi, fils de Kis, Benjamite; 
Lequel avait été transporté de Jérusalem, avec les prisonniers qui avaient été emmenés captifs avec Jéchonias, Roi de Juda, lesquels Nébuchadnetsar, Roi de Babylone, avait transportés. 
Et il nourrissait Hadassa, qui est Esther, fille de son oncle; car elle n'avait ni père ni mère; et la jeune fille était de belle taille, et très-belle à voir; et après la mort de son père et de sa mère Mardochée l'avait prise pour sa fille. 
Et quand la parole du Roi et son édit fut su, et que plusieurs jeunes filles eurent été assemblées à Susan la ville capitale, sous la charge d'Hégaï, Esther aussi fut amenée dans la maison du Roi, sous la charge d'Hégaï, gardien des femmes. 
Lequel voyant la jeune fille, elle lui plut, et gagna ses bonnes grâces, de sorte qu'il lui fit aussitôt expédier ses préparatifs, et il lui ordonna son état et sept jeunes filles, telles qu'il les lui fallait ordonner de la maison du Roi, et lui fit changer d'appartement, et la logea, elle et toutes les jeunes filles, dans un des plus beaux appartements de l'hôtel des femmes. 
Or Esther ne déclara point son peuple, ni son parentage, car Mardochée lui avait enjoint de n'en rien déclarer. 
Et Mardochée se promenait tous les jours devant le parvis de l'hôtel des femmes, pour savoir comment se portait Esther, et ce qu'on ferait d'elle. 
Or quand le tour de chaque jeune fille était venu pour entrer vers le Roi Assuérus, ayant achevé tout ce qui lui échéait à faire selon ce qui était ordonné touchant les femmes, douze mois durant; (car c'est ainsi que s'accomplissaient les jours de leurs préparatifs, savoir durant six mois, avec de l'huile et de la myrrhe, et durant autres six mois avec des choses aromatiques, et autres préparatifs de femmes; 
Alors dans cet état la jeune fille entrait vers le Roi;) tout ce qu'elle demandait lui était donné pour aller avec elle depuis l'hôtel des femmes jusqu'à l'hôtel du Roi. 
Elle y entrait sur le soir, et sur le matin elle retournait dans le second hôtel des femmes sous la charge de Sahasgaz Eunuque du Roi, gardien des concubines; et elle n'entrait plus vers le Roi, si ce n'est que le Roi la voulût, et qu'elle fût appelée nommément. 
Quand donc le tour d'Esther fille d'Abihaïl, oncle de Mardochée, laquelle Mardochée avait prise pour sa fille, fut venu pour entrer chez le Roi; elle ne demanda rien sinon ce que dirait Hégaï Eunuque du Roi, gardien des femmes; et Esther gagnait la bonne grâce de tous ceux qui la voyaient. 
Ainsi Esther fut amenée au Roi Assuérus, dans son hôtel Royal, le dixième mois, qui est le mois de Tébeth en la septième année de son règne. 
Et le Roi aima plus Esther que toutes les autres femmes, et elle gagna ses bonnes grâces et sa bienveillance plus que toutes les vierges; et il mit la couronne du Royaume sur sa tête, et l'établit pour Reine en la place de Vasti. 
Alors le Roi fit un grand festin à tous les principaux Seigneurs de ses pays, et à ses serviteurs, savoir le festin d'Esther; et il soulagea les provinces, et fit des présents selon l'opulence royale. 
Or pendant qu'on assemblait les vierges pour la seconde fois, et que Mardochée était assis à la porte du Roi; 
Esther ne déclara point son parentage, ni son peuple, selon que Mardochée le lui avait enjoint; car elle exécutait ce que lui disait Mardochée, comme quand elle était nourrie chez lui. 
En ces jours-là, Mardochée étant assis à la porte du Roi, Bigthan et Térès, deux des Eunuques du Roi d'entre ceux qui gardaient l'entrée, se mutinèrent, et ils cherchaient de mettre la main sur le Roi Assuérus. 
Ce que Mardochée ayant appris, il le fit savoir à la Reine Esther; puis Esther le redit au Roi de la part de Mardochée. 
Et on s'enquit de la chose, et on trouva que cela était vrai. Et les Eunuques furent tous deux pendus à un gibet, et cela fut écrit dans le Livre des Chroniques en la présence du Roi. 

Après ces choses, lorsque la colère du roi Assuérus se fut calmée, il repensa à Vasthi, et à ce qu'elle avait fait, et à ce qu'il avait décidé à son sujet. 
Alors les écuyers du roi, qui étaient à son service, dirent : Que l'on cherche pour le roi de jeunes vierges, belles de figure, 
et que le roi prépose des commissaires dans toutes les provinces de son empire, chargés de rassembler toutes les vierges, belles de figure, dans la ville capitale de Suse, à la maison des femmes sous l'autorité de Hégaï, eunuque du roi, gardien des femmes, qui leur donnera leurs cosmétiques, 
et que la jeune fille qui plaira au roi devienne reine à la place de Vasthi. Et l'avis eut l'agrément du roi, qui le suivit. 
Cependant il y avait dans Suse, la ville capitale, un Juif, nommé Mardochée, fils de Jaïr, fils de Siméï, fils de Kis, homme de Benjamin, 
lequel avait été emmené de Jérusalem avec les captifs déportés avec Jéchonias, roi de Juda, qu'avait emmené Nebucadnetsar, roi de Babel. 
Et il était tuteur de Hadassa, c'est-à-dire Esther, fille de son oncle, car elle n'avait plus ni père ni mère. Et la jeune fille était belle de figure et avait bon air. Et à la mort de son père et de sa mère, Mardochée l'avait adoptée pour fille. 
Et lorsque fut publié l'ordre du roi et son édit, et qu'un grand nombre de jeunes filles furent rassemblées dans Suse, la ville capitale, sous la garde de Hégaï, il arriva qu'Esther fut prise et menée au palais du roi, et remise à Hégaï, gardien des femmes. 
Et la jeune fille lui plut et gagna ses bonnes grâces, et il s'empressa de lui fournir ses cosmétiques et ses aliments, et de lui donner sept suivantes d'élite de la maison du roi, et il la transféra, elle et ses femmes, dans le meilleur appartement du logis des femmes. 
Esther n'avait point révélé sa nation, ni sa naissance, car Mardochée lui avait enjoint de n'en pas faire la révélation. 
Et journellement Mardochée allait et venait devant la cour du logis des femmes pour apprendre des nouvelles d'Esther et de ce qui arrivait d'elle. 
Et quand venait le tour pour chaque jeune fille d'être admise chez le roi Assuérus, après s'être traitée selon le régime prescrit aux femmes pendant douze mois (car c'est le temps que durent leurs ablutions, que six mois elles font avec l'huile de myrrhe et six mois avec des baumes et d'autres cosmétiques de femmes), 
alors seulement la jeune fille entrait chez le roi. Et tout ce qu'elle demandait lui était donné pour s'en parer en passant du logis des femmes au palais du roi. 
Le soir elle entrait et le matin elle retournait dans l'autre logis des femmes sous la surveillance de Saasgaz, eunuque du roi, gardien des concubines. Elle ne rentrait point chez le roi à moins d'être désirée par le roi et appelée nominativement. 
Et lorsque vint le tour d'Esther, fille d'Abihaïl, oncle de Mardochée qui l'avait adoptée pour fille, de venir chez le roi, elle ne demanda rien autre que ce que désigna Hégaï, eunuque du roi, gardien des femmes. Et Esther gagnait les bonnes grâces de tous ceux qui la voyaient. 
Et Esther fut amenée chez le roi Assuérus, dans son palais royal, le dixième mois qui est le mois de Tébeth, la septième année de son règne. 
Et le roi éprouva pour Esther plus d'amour que pour toutes les autres femmes, et elle gagna sa faveur et ses bonnes grâces plus que toutes les autres jeunes filles. Et il posa la couronne royale sur sa tête et la fit reine en place de Vasthi. 
Et le roi donna un grand festin à tous ses Grands et serviteurs, le festin d'Esther, et accorda un relâche aux provinces et fit des présents à la façon d'un roi. 
Et lorsque les jeunes filles furent rassemblées pour la seconde fois, Mardochée était assis à la porte du roi. 
Esther n'avait point révélé sa naissance ni son peuple, comme Mardochée le lui avait commandé ; et Esther exécutait les ordres de Mardochée, comme quand elle était sous sa tutelle. 
Dans ce même temps, comme Mardochée était assis à la porte du roi, Bigthan et Thérès, deux eunuques du roi, des gardes du seuil, s'exaspérèrent, et ils tentèrent de porter la main sur le roi Assuérus. 
Et la chose vint à la connaissance de Mardochée qui en informa la reine Esther. Et Esther le redit au roi de la part de Mardochée. 
Et le fait fut soumis à une enquête, et trouvé tel, et ils furent tous les deux pendus à un arbre. Et cela fut consigné dans le livre des annales devant le roi. 

Après ces événements, alors que s'apaisait le courroux du roi Xerxès, il se souvint de Vasthi, de ce qu'elle avait fait, de ce qui avait été décidé contre elle. 
Et les pages du roi, qui étaient de service auprès de lui, s'écrièrent : 
"Que l'on cherche pour le roi des jeunes filles vierges et belles d'aspect ! Que le roi établisse des visiteurs. dans toutes les provinces de- son royaume, pour qu'ils amènent toute jeune fille vierge et belle de visage à la citadelle de Suse dans la maison des femmes, sous la surveillance d'Egée, eunuque du roi, gardien des femmes : il pourvoira à leur toilette. 
Et la jeune fille dont la beauté frappera le roi régnera au lieu de Vasthi." L'avis plut au roi et il s'y conforma. 
Il y avait un Juif, à la citadelle de Suse. Il s'appelait Mardochée. Il était fils de Jaïr, fils de Séméï, fils de Lis. C'était un Benjamite. 
Il fut déporté de Jérusalem en même temps que les bannis qui accompagnaient Jéchonias, roi de Juda, qu'exila, Nabuchodonosor, roi de Babylone. 
Il élevait Hadassa (c'est-à-dire Esther), fille de son oncle : car elle n'avait. plus ni père ni mère. La jeune fille. avait grand air et bel aspect. A la mort de son père et de sa mère, Mardochée l'avait adoptée pour fille. 
A la publication du décret et de l'édit du roi, lors du rassemblement de nombreuses jeunes filles à la citadelle de Suse, sous la surveillance d'Egée, Esther fut mise dans la maison du roi sous la tutelle d'Egée, le gardien des femmes. 
La jeune fille lui plut : elle éprouva sa faveur. Il se hâta de lui fournir parfums et vivres, de lui procurer aussi sept jeunes filles choisies, prises dans la maison du roi. Et il la transféra avec ses suivantes à l'endroit le plus agréable de la maison des. femmes. 
Esther ne l'informa ni de sa race ni de son origine, car Mardochée lui avait prescrit de n'en rien dire. 
Et jour après jour, sans exception, Mardochée allait et venait devant la cour de la maison des femmes pour s'enquérir de sa santé et du traitement dont elle était l'objet. 
Le tour, pour chaque jeune fille, d'aller jusqu'au roi Xerxès n'arrivait qu'après qu'elle eût satisfait pendant douze mois au code des femmes que voici : Le temps de leur purification s'accomplira ainsi : six mois à l'huile de myrrhe et six mois aux aromates et aux parfums destinés aux femmes. 
Au moment où la jeune fille allait jusqu'au roi, on lui permettait d'emporter tout ce qu'elle demandait de la maison des femmes à la maison du roi. 
Le soir, elle allait ; le matin, elle revenait, mais dans la seconde maison des femmes, sous la surveillance de Saasgaz, eunuque du roi, gardien des concubines. Elle ne retournait plus vers le roi : sauf si le roi la désirait et qu'on l'appelât nommément. 
Quand arriva le tour d'Esther, fille d'Abigaïl, oncle de Mardochée qui l'avait adoptée pour fille, d'aller jusqu'au roi, elle ne demanda rien : sauf ce que lui conseilla Egée, eunuque du roi, gardien des femmes. Et Esther plut aux regards de tous ceux qui la virent. 
Esther fut conduite au roi Xerxès dans son palais royal, le, mois de tébeth, la septième année de son règne. 
Le roi préféra Esther à toutes les femmes. Elle trouva grâce et faveur devant lui plus que toutes les adolescentes. Il posa le diadème royal sur son front, il la fit reine à la place de Vasthi. 
Le roi offrit alors un grand festin à tous ses chefs et dignitaires ; le festin d'Esther. Il accorda une relâche aux provinces. Il fit des largesses avec une munificence royale. 
Quand furent rassemblés pour la seconde fois' des jeunes filles, Mardochée siégeait à la Porte du roi. 
Esther n'avait révélé ni son origine ni sa race, comme Mardochée lui en avait intimé l'ordre. Esther se conformait aux préceptes de Mardochée, comme elle le faisait au temps où il l'élevait. 
A cette époque, alors que Mardochée siégeait à la Porte du roi, Biguethan et Thérès, deux eunuques du roi, gardes du seuil, cherchèrent dans leur courroux à porter la main sur le roi Xerxès. 
Mardochée l'apprit. Il l'annonça à la reine Esther, et Esther le dit au roi de la part de Mardochée. 
L'enquête fut menée, le fait confirmé : et ces deux furent pendus au bois. On l'écrivit dans le livre des Annales, en présence du roi. 

Après ces choses, quand la colère du roi Assuérus se fut calmée, il se souvint de Vasthi, de ce qu'elle avait fait et de ce qu'on avait décidé à son sujet. 
Et les gens du roi, ses serviteurs, dirent : Qu'on cherche pour le roi des jeunes filles vierges et belles ; 
que le roi envoie des messagers dans toutes les provinces de son royaume et qu'on rassemble toutes les jeunes filles vierges et belles dans Suse, la forteresse, dans la maison des femmes, sous la direction d'Hégué, eunuque du roi, gardien des femmes, et qu'on leur donne leurs cosmétiques, 
et que la jeune fille qui plaira au roi soit reine à la place de Vasthi. Cet avis plut au roi et il fit ainsi. 
Il y avait dans Suse, la forteresse, un Juif nommé Mardochée, fils de Jaïr, fils de Siméi, fils de Kis, benjamite, 
qui avait été emmené de Jérusalem avec les captifs qui furent emmenés avec Jéconias, roi de Juda, par Nébucadnetsar, roi de Babylone. 
Il était le tuteur de Hadassa, qui est Esther, fille de son oncle, car elle n'avait ni père ni mère ; la jeune fille était belle de taille et belle de visage. A la mort de son père et de sa mère, Mardochée l'avait prise pour sa fille. 
Et quand l'ordre du roi et son décret eurent été publiés et que de nombreuses jeunes filles furent rassemblées dans Suse, la forteresse, et confiées à Hégaï, fut aussi amenée dans la maison du roi et confiée à Hégaï, gardien des femmes. 
Et la jeune fille lui plut et gagna sa faveur, et il s'empressa de lui donner ses cosmétiques et ses portions, ainsi que sept jeunes filles choisies dans la maison du roi, et il la transféra, elle et ses jeunes filles, dans le meilleur appartement de la maison des femmes. 
ne fit pas connaître sa nation et sa parenté, car Mardochée lui avait défendu de les faire connaître. 
Et chaque jour Mardochée passait devant la cour de la maison des femmes pour savoir comment allait et ce qui advenait d'elle. 
Et quand venait le tour d'une jeune fille d'aller, vers le roi Assuérus, à la fin des douze mois prescrits aux femmes pour leurs préparatifs, car c'était là le temps que duraient les jours de leurs préparatifs : six mois avec de l'huile de myrrhe, et six mois avec les aromates et des cosmétiques à l'usage des femmes, 
alors la jeune fille était admise auprès du roi. Tout ce qu'elle demandait lui était donné pour aller de la maison des femmes dans celle du roi. 
Elle y allait le soir, et le matin elle retournait dans la seconde maison des femmes sous la direction de Saasgaz, eunuque du roi, gardien des concubines ; elle ne revenait pas vers le roi, à moins que le roi n'eût trouvé plaisir en elle et qu'elle ne fùt expressément appelée. 
Quand vint le tour d'Esther, fille d'Abihaïl, oncle de Mardochée qui l'avait prise pour sa fille, d'aller vers le roi, elle ne demanda rien, sinon ce que lui indiqua Hégaï, eunuque du roi, gardien des femmes. Et gagnait la faveur de tous ceux qui la voyaient. 
Et fut conduite au roi Assuérus dans sa maison royale, au dixième mois, qui est le mois de Tébeth, la septième année de son règne. 
Et le roi aima plus que toutes les autres femmes et elle gagna sa faveur et ses bonnes grâces plus que toutes les vierges ; et il posa le diadème royal sur sa tête et la fit reine à la place de Vasthi. 
Et le roi fit un grand festin à tous ses princes et à tous ses serviteurs, le festin d'; il donna du repos aux provinces et il fit des présents d'une magnificence royale. 
Et quand on rassembla des vierges pour la seconde fois, Mardochée était assis à la porte du roi. 
n'avait pas fait connaître sa parenté et sa nation, selon l'ordre que lui avait donné Mardochée, et exécutait les ordres de Mardochée comme quand elle était sous sa tutelle. 
En ces jours-là Mardochée était assis à la porte du roi. Deux eunuques du roi d'entre les gardiens du seuil, Bigthan et Théresch, s'irritèrent et cherchèrent à porter la main sur le roi Assuérus. 
Et le complot parvint à la connaissance de Mardochée, qui le dit à la reine Esther, et l'annonça au roi au nom de Mardochée. 
Et la chose fut examinée et constatée, et les deux eunuques furent pendus à un bois. Et cela fut écrit dans le livre des chroniques en présence du roi. 

Après ces choses, quand la colère du roi Assuérus se fut calmée, il se souvint de Vasthi et de ce qu'elle avait fait, et de ce qui avait été décrété contre elle. 
Et les serviteurs du roi qui le servaient dirent: Qu'on cherche pour le roi des jeunes filles vierges, belles de figure; 
et que le roi prépose des commissaires dans toutes les provinces de son royaume, et qu'ils rassemblent toutes les jeunes filles vierges, belles de figure, à Suse, la capitale, dans la maison des femmes, sous la surveillance d'Hégaï, eunuque du roi, gardien des femmes; et qu'on leur donne les parfums nécessaires pour leur purification; 
et que la jeune fille qui plaira au roi soit reine à la place de Vasthi. Et la chose fut bonne aux yeux du roi. Et il fit ainsi. 
Il y avait à Suse, la capitale, un homme juif, et son nom était Mardochée, fils de Jaïr, fils de Shimhi, fils de Kis, Benjaminite; 
il avait été transporté de Jérusalem avec les captifs qui avaient été transportés avec Jéconias, roi de Juda, que Nebucadnetsar, roi de Babylone, avait transportés. 
Et il élevait Hadassa (qui est Esther), fille de son oncle, car elle n'avait ni père ni mère. Et la jeune fille était belle de taille et belle de figure. Et à la mort de son père et de sa mère, Mardochée la prit pour fille. 
Et il arriva que, lorsque la parole du roi et son édit furent connus et que beaucoup de jeunes filles furent rassemblées à Suse, la capitale, sous la surveillance d'Hégaï, Esther aussi fut amenée dans la maison du roi, sous la surveillance d'Hégaï, gardien des femmes. 
Et la jeune fille lui plut et trouva faveur devant lui; et il se hâta de lui donner les parfums nécessaires pour sa purification, et ses portions, et de lui donner les sept jeunes filles choisies de la maison du roi; et il la transféra avec ses jeunes filles dans le meilleur appartement de la maison des femmes. 
Esther n'avait pas fait connaître son peuple et sa naissance, car Mardochée lui avait commandé de ne pas les faire connaître. 
Et chaque jour Mardochée se promenait devant la cour de la maison des femmes, pour savoir comment Esther se trouvait et ce qu'on faisait à son égard. 
Et quand venait le tour pour chaque jeune fille d'entrer auprès du roi Assuérus, après qu'il lui avait été fait pendant douze mois selon la règle établie pour les femmes (car c'est ainsi que se complétaient les jours de leur purification: six mois avec de l'huile de myrrhe, et six mois avec des aromates, et les parfums nécessaires à la purification des femmes: 
et ainsi la jeune fille entrait auprès du roi), tout ce qu'elle demandait lui était donné pour passer avec elle de la maison des femmes dans la maison du roi. 
Le soir elle allait, et le matin elle s'en revenait à la seconde maison des femmes, sous la surveillance de Shaashgaz, eunuque du roi, gardien des concubines. Elle n'entrait plus auprès du roi, à moins que le roi ne trouvât plaisir en elle, et qu'elle ne fût appelée par son nom. 
Et quand arriva le tour d'Esther, fille d'Abikhaïl, oncle de Mardochée, qui l'avait prise pour fille, d'entrer auprès du roi, elle ne demanda rien, sauf ce que dit Hégaï, eunuque du roi, gardien des femmes. Et Esther trouvait faveur aux yeux de tous ceux qui la voyaient. 
Et Esther fut conduite auprès du roi Assuérus, dans sa maison royale, au dixième mois (c'est le mois de Tébeth), la septième année de son règne. 
Et le roi aima Esther plus que toutes les femmes, et elle trouva grâce et faveur devant lui plus que toutes les vierges, et il mit la couronne du royaume sur sa tête et la fit reine à la place de Vasthi. 
Et le roi fit un grand festin à tous ses princes et ses serviteurs, le festin d'Esther; et il octroya un dégrèvement aux provinces et fit des dons selon la puissance du roi. 
Et lorsque les vierges furent rassemblées pour la seconde fois, Mardochée était assis à la porte du roi. 
Esther, ainsi que le lui avait commandé Mardochée, n'avait pas fait connaître sa naissance et son peuple; et Esther faisait ce que Mardochée disait, comme lorsqu'elle était élevée chez lui. 
-En ces jours-là, Mardochée étant assis à la porte du roi, deux des eunuques du roi, d'entre les gardiens du seuil, Bigthan et Théresh, se mirent en colère et cherchèrent à porter la main sur le roi Assuérus. 
Et la chose vint à la connaissance de Mardochée, et il la rapporta à la reine Esther, et Esther la dit au roi au nom de Mardochée. 
Et on fit une enquête sur la chose, et elle fut trouvée telle, et les deux eunuques furent pendus à un bois. Et cela fut écrit dans le livre des chroniques en présence du roi. 

Après ces choses, lorsque la colère du roi Assuérus se fut calmée, il pensa à Vasthi, à ce qu'elle avait fait, et à la décision qui avait été prise à son sujet. 
Alors ceux qui servaient le roi dirent: Qu'on cherche pour le roi des jeunes filles, vierges et belles de figure; 
que le roi établisse dans toutes les provinces de son royaume des commissaires chargés de rassembler toutes les jeunes filles, vierges et belles de figure, à Suse, la capitale, dans la maison des femmes, sous la surveillance d'Hégué, eunuque du roi et gardien des femmes, qui leur donnera les choses nécessaires pour leur toilette; 
et que la jeune fille qui plaira au roi devienne reine à la place de Vasthi. Cet avis eut l'approbation du roi, et il fit ainsi. 
Il y avait dans Suse, la capitale, un Juif nommé Mardochée, fils de Jaïr, fils de Schimeï, fils de Kis, homme de Benjamin, 
qui avait été emmené de Jérusalem parmi les captifs déportés avec Jeconia, roi de Juda, par Nebucadnetsar, roi de Babylone. 
Il élevait Hadassa, qui est Esther, fille de son oncle; car elle n'avait ni père ni mère. La jeune fille était belle de taille et belle de figure. A la mort de son père et de sa mère, Mardochée l'avait adoptée pour fille. 
Lorsqu'on eut publié l'ordre du roi et son édit, et qu'un grand nombre de jeunes filles furent rassemblées à Suse, la capitale, sous la surveillance d'Hégaï, Esther fut aussi prise et conduite dans la maison du roi, sous la surveillance d'Hégaï, gardien des femmes. 
La jeune fille lui plut, et trouva grâce devant lui; il s'empressa de lui fournir les choses nécessaires pour sa toilette et pour sa subsistance, lui donna sept jeunes filles choisies dans la maison du roi, et la plaça avec ses jeunes filles dans le meilleur appartement de la maison des femmes. 
Esther ne fit connaître ni son peuple ni sa naissance, car Mardochée lui avait défendu d'en parler. 
Et chaque jour Mardochée allait et venait devant la cour de la maison des femmes, pour savoir comment se portait Esther et comment on la traitait. 
Chaque jeune fille allait à son tour vers le roi Assuérus, après avoir employé douze mois à s'acquitter de ce qui était prescrit aux femmes; pendant ce temps, elles prenaient soin de leur toilette, six mois avec de l'huile de myrrhe, et six mois avec des aromates et des parfums en usage parmi les femmes. 
C'est ainsi que chaque jeune fille allait vers le roi; et, quand elle passait de la maison des femmes dans la maison du roi, on lui laissait prendre avec elle tout ce qu'elle voulait. 
Elle y allait le soir; et le lendemain matin elle passait dans la seconde maison des femmes, sous la surveillance de Schaaschgaz, eunuque du roi et gardien des concubines. Elle ne retournait plus vers le roi, à moins que le roi n'en eût le désir et qu'elle ne fût appelée par son nom. 
Lorsque son tour d'aller vers le roi fut arrivé, Esther, fille d'Abichaïl, oncle de Mardochée qui l'avait adoptée pour fille, ne demanda que ce qui fut désigné par Hégaï, eunuque du roi et gardien des femmes. Esther trouvait grâce aux yeux de tous ceux qui la voyaient. 
Esther fut conduite auprès du roi Assuérus, dans sa maison royale, le dixième mois, qui est le mois de Tébeth, la septième année de son règne. 
Le roi aima Esther plus que toutes les autres femmes, et elle obtint grâce et faveur devant lui plus que toutes les autres jeunes filles. Il mit la couronne royale sur sa tête, et la fit reine à la place de Vasthi. 
Le roi donna un grand festin à tous ses princes et à ses serviteurs, un festin en l'honneur d'Esther; il accorda du repos aux provinces, et fit des présents avec une libéralité royale. 
La seconde fois qu'on assembla les jeunes filles, Mardochée était assis à la porte du roi. 
Esther n'avait fait connaître ni sa naissance ni son peuple, car Mardochée le lui avait défendu, et elle suivait les ordres de Mardochée aussi fidèlement qu'à l'époque où elle était sous sa tutelle. 
Dans ce même temps, comme Mardochée était assis à la porte du roi, Bigthan et Théresch, deux eunuques du roi, gardes du seuil, cédèrent à un mouvement d'irritation et voulurent porter la main sur le roi Assuérus. 
Mardochée eut connaissance de la chose et en informa la reine Esther, qui la redit au roi de la part de Mardochée. 
Le fait ayant été vérifié et trouvé exact, les deux eunuques furent pendus à un bois. Et cela fut écrit dans le livre des Chroniques en présence du roi. 

Après ces choses, lorsque la colère du roi Ahasuerus (Assuérus) fut apaisée, il se souvint de Vasthi, et de ce qu’elle avait fait, et de ce qui avait été décrété contre elle. 
Alors les serviteurs du roi qui le servaient dirent: Qu’on cherche pour le roi des jeunes filles belles et vierges; 
Et que le roi établisse des officiers dans toutes les provinces de son royaume, afin qu’ils puissent rassembler toutes les jeunes et belles vierges dans Shushan le palais, dans la maison des femmes, sous la surveillance d’Hege, le chambellan du roi et gardien des femmes; et qu’on leur donne les choses [nécessaires] pour [leur] purification. 
Et que la jeune fille qui plaira au roi soit reine à la place de Vasthi. Et la chose plut au roi, et il fit ainsi. 
Or il y avait à Shushan au palais, un certain Juif, dont le nom était Mordecai (Mardochée), le fils de Jair, fils de Shimei, fils de Kis, un Benjamite, 
Lequel avait été transporté de Jérusalem avec la captivité qui avait été emmenée avec Jeconiah, roi de Judah (Juda), que Nebuchadnezzar le roi de Babylone, avait transportée. 
Et il élevait Hadassah (Hadassa), qui est Esther, la fille de son oncle; car elle n’avait ni père ni mère, et la jeune fille était belle de taille, et belle de figure; et après la mort de son père et de sa mère, Mordecai (Mardochée) l’avait prise pour sa propre fille. 
Ainsi il arriva, lorsque l’ordre du roi et son décret furent connus, et que beaucoup de jeunes filles furent rassemblées à Shushan au palais, sous la charge d’Hege, Esther fut aussi amenée dans la maison du roi, sous la charge d’Hege, le gardien des femmes. 
Et la jeune fille lui plut, et elle reçu de la bonté de sa part; et il s’empressa de lui donner les choses [nécessaires] pour sa purification, les choses dont elle avait besoin, ainsi que sept jeunes filles qui furent choisies pour lui être données, de la maison du roi, et il la plaça avec ses jeunes filles dans le meilleur appartement de la maison des femmes. 
Esther n’avait pas fait connaître ni son peuple ni sa parenté; car Mordecai (Mardochée) lui avait recommandé de ne pas les faire connaître. 
Et chaque jour Mordecai (Mardochée) se promenait devant la cour de la maison des femmes, pour savoir comment se portait Esther, et ce qui lui arriverait. 
Or quand venait le tour pour chaque jeune fille d’entrer chez le roi Ahasuerus (Assuérus) après s’être conformée pendant douze mois selon ce qui était requis des femmes (car c’est ainsi que s’accomplissaient les jours de leur purification, c’est-à-dire six mois avec de l’huile de myrrhe, et six mois avec [des parfums] d’odeur agréable et d’autres choses pour la purification des femmes), 
Ainsi venait chaque jeune fille vers le roi; tout ce qu’elle désirait lui était donné pour aller avec elle de la maison des femmes à la maison du roi. 
Le soir elle allait, et le matin, elle retournait dans la seconde maison des femmes, sous la charge de Shaashgaz, le chambellan du roi, gardien des concubines elle ne venait plus vers le roi, à moins que le roi n’en ait le désir, et qu’elle ne soit appelée par son nom. 
Quand donc le tour d’Esther, la fille d’Abihail, oncle de Mordecai (Mardochée) qui l’avait prise pour sa fille, fut venu, pour entrer vers le roi, elle ne demanda rien, seulement ce qu’avait fixé Hegai, le chambellan du roi, gardien des femmes. Et Esther obtint la faveur de tous ceux qui la voyaient. 
Ainsi Esther fut emmenée vers le roi Ahasuerus (Assuérus), dans sa maison royale, au dixième mois, qui est le mois de Tebeth, en la septième année de son règne. 
Et le roi aima Esther plus que toutes les (autres) femmes, et elle obtint grâce et faveur devant lui plus que toutes les vierges; et il mit la couronne royale sur sa tête, et la fit reine à la place de Vasthi. 
Puis le roi fit un grand festin à tous ses princes et ses serviteurs, savoir le festin d’Esther; et il fit une réduction [d’impôts] aux provinces, et fit des présents, selon la générosité du roi. 
Et lorsque les vierges furent rassemblées pour la seconde fois, alors Mordecai (Mardochée) était assis à la porte du roi. 
Esther n’avait pas encore fait connaître ni sa parenté ni son peuple, ainsi que Mordecai (Mardochée) le lui avait recommandé; car Esther faisait ce que Mordecai (Mardochée) lui avait commandé, comme lorsqu’elle était élevée chez lui. 
En ces jours-là, Mordecai (Mardochée) étant assis à la porte du roi, Bigthan et Teresh, deux des chambellans du roi, parmi les gardiens du seuil, se mirent en colère, et cherchèrent à mettre la main sur le roi Ahasuerus (Assuérus). 
Et la chose vint à la connaissance de Mordecai (Mardochée), qui le fit savoir à la reine Esther, et Esther la apporta au roi au nom de Mordecai (Mardochée). 
Et lorsqu’on fit une enquête sur la chose, et elle fut trouvée telle, c’est pourquoi les deux [chambellans] furent pendus à un arbre; et cela fut écrit dans le livre des chroniques devant le roi. 

Après ces choses, quand la colère du roi Assuérus se fut calmée, il se rappela Vasthi, ce qu`elle avait fait de la décision qui avait été prise à son sujet. 
Alors les serviteurs du roi, qui étaient en fonctions près de lui, dirent : " Qu`on cherche pour le roi des jeunes filles vierges et belles de figure; 
que le roi établisse dans toutes les provinces de son royaume des officiers chargés de rassembler toutes les jeunes filles, vierges et belles de figure à Suse, la capitale, dans la maison des femmes, sous la surveillance d`Egée, eunuque du roi et gardien des femmes, qui pourvoira à leur toilette; 
et que la jeune fille qui plaira au roi devienne reine à la place de Vasthi. " Le roi approuva cet avis, et il fit 
Il y avait à Suse, la capitale, un Juif nommé Mardochée, fils de Jaïr, fils de Séméi, fils de Cis, de la race de Benjamin, 
qui avait été emmené de Jérusalem parmi les captifs déportés avec Jéchonias, roi de Juda, par Nabuchodonosor, roi de Babylone. 
Il élevait Edissa, qui est Esther, fille de son oncle; car elle n`avait ni père ni mère. La jeune fille était belle de forme et d`un gracieux visage; à la mort de son père et de sa mère, Mardochée l`avait adoptée pour fille. 
Lorsqu`on eut publié l`ordre du roi et son édit, et que de nombreuses jeunes filles furent rassemblées à Suse, la capitale, sous la surveillance d`Egée, Esther fut prise aussi et amenée dans la maison du roi, sous la surveillance d`Egée, gardien des femmes. 
La jeune fille lui plut et gagna sa faveur; il s`empressa de lui fournir les choses nécessaires à sa toilette et à sa subsistance, de lui donner sept jeunes filles choisies dans la maison du roi, et il la fit passer avec elles dans le meilleur appartement de la maison des femmes. 
Esther ne fit connaître ni son peuple ni sa naissance, car Mardochée lui avait défendu d`en parler. 
Chaque jour Mardochée se promenait devant la cour de la maison des femmes, pour savoir comment se portait Esther et comment on la traitait. 
Et quand arrivait pour chaque jeune fille le tour d`aller vers le Roi Assuérus, après avoir passé douze mois à accomplir ce qui était prescrit aux femmes, - et voici ce que comportait le temps de leur purification : pendant six mois, elles se purifiaient avec de l`huile de myrrhe, et pendant six mois avec des aromates et des parfums en usage parmi les femmes, - 
et que la jeune fille allait vers le roi, on lui permettait de prendre avec elle ce qu`elle voulait, pour aller de la maison des femmes dans la maison du roi. 
Elle s`y rendait le soir, et le lendemain matin elle passait dans la seconde maison des femmes, sous la surveillance de Susagaz, eunuque du roi et gardien des concubines. Elle ne retournait plus vers le roi, à moins que le roi ne la désirât et qu`elle ne fût appelée nommément. 
Lorsque son tour d`aller vers le roi fut arrivé, Esther, fille d`Abihaïl, oncle de Mardochée qui l`avait adoptée pour fille, ne demanda pas autre chose que ce que désigna Egée, eunuque du roi et gardien des femmes; mais Esther plut aux yeux de tous ceux qui la virent. 
Esther fut conduite auprès du roi Assuérus, dans sa maison royale, ledixième mois, qui est le mois de Tébeth, la septième année de son règne. 
Le roi aima Esther plus que toutes les femmes, et elle obtint grâce et faveur auprès de lui plus que toutes les jeunes filles. Il mit le diadème royal sur sa tête, et la fit reine à la place de Vasthi. 
Le roi donna un grand festin à tous ses princes et à ses serviteurs, le festin d`Esther; il accorda du repos aux provinces et fit des largesses avec une munificence royale. 
La seconde fois qu`on rassembla des jeunes filles, Mardochée était assis à la porte du roi. 
Esther n`avait fait connaître ni sa naissance ni son peuple, selon que Mardochée le lui avait ordonné; et Esther suivait les ordres de Mardochée, comme lorsqu`elle était élevée par lui. 
En ces jours-là, comme Mardochée était assis à la porte du roi, Bagathan et Tharès, deux eunuques du roi, gardes du palais, poussés par la colère, voulurent porter la main sur le roi Assuérus. 
Mardochée eut connaissance du complot et il en informa la reine Esther, qui le redit au roi de la part de Mardochée. 
Le fait ayant été examiné et trouvé exact, les deux eunuques furent pendus à un bois, et cela fut écrit dans le livre des Chroniques en présence du roi. 

Après ces choses, lorsque la colère du roi Assuérus fut apaisée, il se souvint de Vasthi, de ce qu'elle avait fait, et de ce qui avait été décrété à son égard. 
Et les jeunes gens qui servaient le roi, dirent: Qu'on cherche pour le roi des jeunes filles, vierges et belles de figure; 
Et que le roi établisse des commissaires, dans toutes les provinces de son royaume, qui assemblent toutes les jeunes filles, vierges et belles de figure, à Suse, la capitale, dans la maison des femmes, sous la surveillance d'Hégaï, eunuque du roi et gardien des femmes; et qu'on leur donne ce qu'il leur faut pour se préparer. 
Et la jeune fille qui plaira au roi régnera à la place de Vasthi. La chose plut au roi, et il le fit ainsi. 
Or il y avait à Suse, la capitale, un Juif, nommé Mardochée, fils de Jaïr, fils de Shimeï, fils de Kis, Benjamite, 
Qui avait été transporté de Jérusalem avec les prisonniers qui avaient été emmenés captifs avec Jéconia, roi de Juda, que Nébucadnetsar, roi de Babylone, avait transporté. 
Il élevait Hadassa, qui est Esther, fille de son oncle; car elle n'avait ni père ni mère. Et la jeune fille était belle de taille, et belle de figure; et, après la mort de son père et de sa mère, Mardochée l'avait prise pour sa fille. 
Quand la parole du roi et son édit furent connus, et que des jeunes filles en grand nombre eurent été assemblées à Suse, la capitale, sous la garde d'Hégaï, Esther fut aussi amenée dans la maison du roi, sous la garde d'Hégaï, gardien des femmes. 
Et la jeune fille lui plut, et gagna ses bonnes grâces; il s'empressa de lui fournir ce qu'il fallait pour ses apprêts et son entretien; et il lui donna sept jeunes filles choisies de la maison du roi, et la plaça avec ses jeunes filles dans le meilleur appartement de la maison des femmes. 
Esther ne déclara point son peuple ni sa naissance; car Mardochée lui avait enjoint de n'en rien déclarer. 
Mais chaque jour Mardochée se promenait devant la cour de la maison des femmes, pour savoir comment se portait Esther, et ce qu'on ferait d'elle. 
Or quand arrivait pour chaque jeune fille le tour d'entrer chez le roi Assuérus, après s'être conformée au décret concernant les femmes pendant douze mois (car c'est ainsi que s'accomplissaient les jours de leurs préparatifs, six mois avec de l'huile de myrrhe, et six mois avec des aromates et d'autres apprêts de femmes), 
Alors la jeune fille entrait vers le roi; on lui donnait tout ce qu'elle demandait, pour l'emporter avec elle de la maison des femmes à la maison du roi. 
Elle y entrait le soir; et sur le matin elle retournait dans la seconde maison des femmes, sous la garde de Shaashgaz, eunuque du roi, gardien des concubines. Elle n'entrait plus vers le roi, à moins que le roi n'en eût le désir, et qu'elle ne fût appelée par son nom. 
Quand donc le tour d'Esther, fille d'Abichaïl, oncle de Mardochée, qui l'avait prise pour sa fille, fut venu d'entrer vers le roi, elle ne demanda rien, sinon ce que dirait Hégaï, eunuque du roi, gardien des femmes. Or Esther gagnait les bonnes grâces de tous ceux qui la voyaient. 
Ainsi Esther fut amenée vers le roi Assuérus, dans sa maison royale, au dixième mois, qui est le mois de Tébeth, dans la septième année de son règne. 
Et le roi aima Esther plus que toutes les autres femmes, et elle gagna ses bonnes grâces et sa faveur plus que toutes les vierges; il mit la couronne royale sur sa tête, et il l'établit reine à la place de Vasthi. 
Alors le roi fit un grand festin, le festin d'Esther, à tous ses seigneurs, et à ses serviteurs; il soulagea les provinces, et fit des présents, selon la puissance royale. 
Or, comme on rassemblait des vierges pour la seconde fois, Mardochée était assis à la porte du roi. 
Esther n'avait fait connaître ni sa naissance ni son peuple, selon que Mardochée le lui avait recommandé; car elle faisait ce que Mardochée lui ordonnait, comme lorsqu'elle était élevée chez lui. 
En ces jours-là, Mardochée étant assis à la porte du roi, Bigthan et Thérèsh, deux eunuques du roi, d'entre les gardes du seuil, s'étant pris de colère, cherchaient à mettre la main sur le roi Assuérus. 
Mardochée, l'ayant appris, le fit savoir à la reine Esther, et Esther le redit au roi, de la part de Mardochée. 
On s'enquit de la chose, qui fut constatée, et les eunuques furent tous deux pendus au bois; et cela fut écrit dans le livre des Chroniques, devant le roi. 

Ces choses s'étant passées de la sorte, lorsque la colère du roi Assuérus fut calmée, il se ressouvint de Vasthi, et de ce qu'elle avoit fait, et de la peine qu'elle avoit subie; et il en eut du chagrin. 
Alors les serviteurs et les officiers du roi lui dirent : Qu'on cherche, pour le roi, des filles qui soient vierges et belles; 
Et qu'on envoie dans toutes les provinces des gens qui considèrent les plus belles d'entre les jeunes filles qui sont vierges, pour les amener dans la ville de Suse, et les mettre dans le palais des femmes, sous la conduite de l'eunuque Égée, qui a soin de garder les femmes du roi; là on leur donnera tout ce qui est nécessaire, tant pour leur parure que pour les autres besoins; 
Et celle qui plaira davantage aux veux du roi, sera reine à la place de Vasthi. Cet avis plut au roi ; et il leur commandade faire ce qu'ils lui avoient conseillé, 
Il y avait alors dans la ville de Suse un homme juif, nommé Mardochée, fils de Jair, fils de Séméi, fils de Cis, de la race de Jémini, 
Qui avoit été amené de Jérusalem au temps où Nabuchodonosor, roi de Babylone, y avoit transporté Jéchonias, roi de Juda. 
Il avoit élevé la fille de son frère, Edisse, appelée autrement Esther ; elle avoit perdu son père et sa mère; elle étoit admirable de beauté et de bonne grâce. Son père et sa mère étant morts, Mardochée l'adopta pour sa fille. 
Cette ordonnance du roi ayant donc été publiée partout, lorsqu'on amenoit à Suse plusieurs filles belles, et qu'on les mettoit entre les mains de l'eunuque Égée, on lui amena aussi Esther, entre les autres, afin qu'elle fût gardée avec les femmes destinées pour le roi. 
Esther plut à Égée, et trouva gràce devant lui; et il commanda à un eunuque de lui préparer promptement tous ses ornements, et de lui donner tout ce qui devoit lui être accordé, avec sept filles, parfaitement belles, de la maison du roi, pour la servir, et d'avoir grand soin de tout ce qui pouvoit contribuer à la parer et à l'embellir, elle et ses filles. 
Esther ne voulut point lui dire de quel pays et de quelle nation elle étoit, parce que Mardochée lui avoit ordonné de garder là-dessus le silence. 
Inquiet de l'état d'Esther, et voulant savoir ce qui lui arriveroit, il se promenoit tous les jours devant le vestibule de la maison où étoient gardées les vierges choisies. 
Lorsque le temps de ces filles étoit venu, elles étoient présentées au roi, en leur rang, après qu'on eut fait tout ce qui étoit nécessaire pour augmenter leur beauté pendant l'espace de douze mois, se servant pour cela, pendant six mois, d'une onction d'huile de myrrhe, et pendant les six autres, de parfums et d'aromates. 
Lorsqu'elles se rendoient auprès du roi, on leur donnoit tout ce qu'elles demandoient pour se parer; et elles passoient de la chambre des femmes à celle du roi, avec tous les ornements qu'elles avoient désirés. 
Celle qui étoit entrée le soir, sortoit le matin ; et elle étoit conduite de là dans d'autres appartements, lesquels étoient sous la main de l'eunuque Susagazi, qui veilloit sur les concubines du roi; et elle ne pouvoit plus se présenter devant le roi, à moins que lui-même ne le voulût, et qu'il ne l'eût commandé expressément, en la désignant par son nom. 
Après donc que le temps se fut passé selon son rang, le jour approchoit auquel Esther, fille 
Elle fut donc menée à la chambre du roi Assuérus, au dixième mois appelé tébeth, la septième année son règne. 
Et le roi l'aima plus que toutes les autres femmes, et elle trouva grâce et faveur devant lui au-dessus de toutes les femmes, et il lui mit sur la tête le diadème royal, et la fit reine à la place de Vasthi. 
Et il commanda qu'on fit un festin très-magnifique à tous les grands et à tous ses serviteurs, pour le mariage et les noces d'Esther. Il soulagea les peuples de toutes les provinces, en diminuant les impôts, et il fit des largesses dignes de la magnificence d'un prince. 
Et lorsqu'on cherchoit des filles pour la seconde fois, et qu'on les assembloit, Mardochée demeura toujours à la porte du roi; 
Esther n'avoit encore découvert ni son pays, ni son peuple, selon l'ordre que Mardochée lui en avoit donné; car Esther observoit tout ce qu'il lui ordonnoit, et elle faisoit toutes choses comme lorsqu'il la nourrissoit auprès de lui, étant encore toute petite. 
Lors donc que Mardochée demeuroit à la porte du roi, Bagathan et Tharès, deux eunuques du roi, qui commandoient à la première entrée du palais, mécontents, résolurent de se soulever contre le roi, et de le tuer. 
Mais Mardochée, ayant eu connoissance de leur dessein, en avertit aussitôt la reine Esther ; la reine en avertit le roi, au nom de Mardochée dont elle avoit reçu l'avis. 
On fit les recherches ; et le complot ayant été reconnu, l'un et l'autre furent pendus; et tout ceci fut écrit dans les histoires, et marqué dans les annales, par ordre du roi. 

Après ces événements, quand la colère du roi Assuérus fut tombée, il se souvint de Vasthi, de ce qu'elle avait fait et de la sentence prononcée contre elle. 
Alors les courtisans du roi, attachés à son service, dirent: "Qu'on recherche pour le roi des jeunes filles vierges, belles de visage, 
et que le roi institue des fonctionnaires dans toutes les provinces de son royaume, chargés de rassembler toutes les jeunes filles vierges, d'un bel extérieur, à Suse, la capitale, dans le palais des femmes, sous la direction de Hêghé, eunuque du roi, gardien des femmes, pour que celui-ci leur fournisse les apprêts de leur toilette; 
et la jeune fille qui plaira le plus au roi, qu'elle devienne reine à la place de Vasthi!" La chose fut approuvée par le roi, et il en décida ainsi. 
Or, à Suse, la capitale, vivait un homme originaire de Judée, portant le nom de Mardochée, fils de Yair, fils de Séméi, fils de Kich, de la tribu de Benjamin. 
II avait été déporté de Jérusalem avec les captifs emmenés de Jérusalem en même temps que Ieconia, roi de Juda, par Nabuchodonosor, roi de Babylone. 
Il était le tuteur de Hadassa, c'est-à-dire d'Esther, fille de son oncle, qui n'avait plus ni père ni mère; cette jeune fille était belle de taille et belle de visage. A la mort de son père et de sa mère, Mardochée l'avait adoptée comme sa fille. 
Lors donc que furent publiés l'ordre du roi et son édit et qu'on réunit nombre de jeunes filles à Suse, la capitale, sous la direction de Hêgaï, Esther fut, elle aussi, emmenée au palais du roi et confiée à la direction de Hêgaï, gardien des femmes. 
La jeune fille lui plut beaucoup et gagna ses bonnes grâces; aussi s'empressa-t-il de lui procurer les objets nécessaires à sa toilette et à son entretien, ainsi que les sept suivantes que devait lui fournir la maison du roi, et il lui témoigna, à elle et à ses suivantes, une faveur exceptionnelle dans le harem. 
Esther n'avait fait connaître ni son peuple, ni son origine, Mardochée lui ayant recommandé de n'en rien faire. 
Et chaque jour Mardochée arpentait les abords de la cour du harem, pour s'informer du bien-être d'Esther et de ce qui advenait d'elle. 
Or, quand arrivait le tour d'une des jeunes filles de se présenter devant le roi Assuérus, après le délai réglementaire assigné aux femmes, c'est-à-dire après douze mois révolus, car ce temps était pris par les soins de leur toilette, dont six mois pour l'emploi de l'huile de myrrhe et six mois pour l'emploi des aromates et des essences à l'usage des femmes 
alors la jeune fille se rendait auprès du roi, et tout ce qu'elle demandait à emporter avec elle du harem dans la maison du roi lui était accordé. 
Le soir elle venait et le matin elle rentrait dans un autre harem, confié à la surveillance de Chaachgaz, eunuque du roi, gardien des concubines. Elle ne retournait plus chez le roi, à moins que celui-ci ne voulût d'elle, auquel cas elle était mandée nominativement. 
Lorsque le tour d'Esther, fille d'Abihaïl, oncle de Mardochée, lequel l'avait adoptée comme sa fille, fut venu de paraître devant le roi, elle ne demanda rien en dehors de ce que proposait Hêgaï, eunuque du roi, gardien des femmes; et Esther s'attira les sympathies de tous ceux qui la voyaient. 
Esther fut donc conduite au roi Assuérus, dans son palais royal, le dixième mois, qui est le mois de Tébêt, la septième année de son règne. 
Le roi se prit d'affection pour Esther plus que pour toutes les autres femmes; mieux que toutes les jeunes filles elle gagna ses bonnes grâces et sa bienveillance. Il posa la couronne royale sur sa tête et la proclama reine à la place de Vasthi. 
Puis le roi donna un grand festin à tous ses grands et officiers, festin en l'honneur d'Esther; il accorda des allégements aux provinces et distribua des cadeaux, dignes de la munificence royale. 
Lors du second rassemblement des jeunes filles, Mardochée était assis à la porte du roi. 
Esther ne révéla ni son peuple ni son origine, comme le lui avait recommandé Mardochée, Esther se conformant aux instructions de Mardochée, tout comme si elle était encore sous sa tutelle. 
A cette époque, alors que Mardochée se tenait à la porte du roi, Bigtân et Térech, deux des eunuques du roi, préposés à la garde du seuil, conçurent un violent ressentiment et cherchèrent à attenter à la vie du roi Assuérus. 
Mardochée eut connaissance du complot et en informa la reine Esther, qui en fit part au roi au nom de Mardochée. 
Une enquête fut ouverte, qui confirma la chose; les deux [coupables] furent pendus à une potence, et le fait fut consigné dans le livre des annales, en présence du roi. 

Ces choses s'étant ainsi passées, lorsque la colère du roi Assuérus se fut calmée, il se ressouvint de Vasthi, et de ce qu'elle avait fait, et de ce qu'elle avait souffert. 
Alors les serviteurs et les ministres du roi lui dirent: Qu'on cherche pour le roi des jeunes filles, vierges et belles, 
et qu'on envoie dans toutes les provinces des officiers qui découvriront les plus belles d'entre les jeunes filles vierges, pour les amener dans la ville de Suse, et les mettre dans le palais des femmes sous la conduite de l'eunuque Egée, qui est chargé de garder les femmes du roi; là elles recevront tout ce qui leur est nécessaire, tant pour leur parure que pour leurs autres besoins; 
et celle qui plaira davantage aux yeux du roi sera reine à la place de Vasthi. Cet avis plut au roi, et il leur ordonna de faire ce qu'ils lui avaient conseillé. 
Il y avait alors dans la ville de Suse un Juif, nommé Mardochée, fils de Jaïr, fils de Séméi, fils de Cis, de la race de Jémini, 
qui avait été emmené de Jérusalem au temps où Nabuchodonosor, roi de Babylone, avait déporté Jéchonias, roi de Juda. 
Il avait élevé auprès de lui la fille de son frère, Edissa, qui portait aussi le nom d'Esther. Elle avait perdu son père et sa mère. Elle était parfaitement belle et avait un visage très gracieux. Après la mort de son père et de sa mère, Mardochée l'avait adoptée pour sa fille. 
Lorsqu'on eut publié cette ordonnance du roi, et que, d'après cet dit, beaucoup de belles jeunes filles eussent été amenées à Suse et confiées à l'eunuque Egée, Esther lui fut aussi confiée avec les autres jeunes filles, afin qu'elle fût mise au nombre des femmes destinées au roi. 
Elle lui plut, et trouva gârce devant lui. Et il ordonna à l'eunuque de lui préparer promptement sa parure, et de lui donner sa part d'aliments et sept jeunes filles très belles de la maison du roi, et de la parer et de la soigner, elle et ses suivantes. 
Elle ne voulut point lui indiquer son pays et sa patrie, parce que Mardochée lui avait ordonné de tenir ces détails très secrets. 
Il se promenait tous les jours devant le vestibule de la maison où étaient gardées les vierges choisies, se mettant en peine de l'état d'Esther, et voulant savoir ce qui lui arriverait. 
Or, lorsque le temps de ces jeunes filles était venu, elles étaient présentées au roi chacune à son tour, après avoir accompli, pendant l'espace de douze mois, tout ce qui concernait leur parure; durant les six premiers mois elles employaient une onction d'huile de myrrhe, et pendant les six autres, divers parfums et aromates. 
Et lorsqu'elles entraient auprès du roi, on leur donnait tout ce qu'elles demandaient pour se parer, et elles passaient de l'appartement des femmes à la chambre du roi ornées comme elles l'avaient désiré. 
Celle qui y était entrée le soir en sortait le matin, et, de là, elle était conduite dans d'autres appartements, ou demeuraient les concubines du roi, sous la surveillance de l'eunuque Susagazi; et elle ne pouvait plus revenir auprès du roi, à moins que lui-même ne le voulût, et qu'il ne l'eût demandée nommément. 
Après donc qu'il se fut écoulé quelque temps, le jour vint où Esther, fille d'Abihaïl, frère de Mardochée, que celui-ci avait adoptée pour sa fille, devait être à son tour présentée au roi. Elle ne demanda rien pour se parer; mais l'eunuque Egée, gardien des jeunes filles, lui donna comme parure tout ce qu'il voulut. Car elle était très bien faite, et son incroyable beauté la rendait aimable et agréable aux yeux de tous. 
Elle fut donc conduite à la chambre du roi Assuérus, au dixième mois, nommé tébeth, la septième année de son règne. 
Et le roi l'aima plus que toutes ses femmes, et elle obtient grâce et faveur devant lui plus que toutes ses femmes. Et il mit sur sa tête le diadème royal, et il la fit reine à la place de Vasthi. 
Et le roi ordonna qu'on fît un festin très magnifique à tous les princes et à tous ses serviteurs pour le mariage et les noces d'Esther. Et il accorda du repos à toutes ses provinces, et il fit des présents d'une magnificence princière. 
Et lorsqu'on chercha et qu'on rassembla pour la seconde fois des jeunes filles, Mardochée était encore à la porte du roi. 
Et Esther n'avait révélé ni son pays ni son peuple, selon l'ordre de Mardochée. Car Esther observait tout ce qu'il lui ordonnait, et elle agissait en tout comme elle avait coutume de faire au temps où il la nourrissait petite enfant. 
Au temps donc où Mardoochée demeurait à la porte du roi, Bagathan et Tharès, deux eunuques du roi, gardiens des portes et qui commandaient à la première entre du palais, voulurent dans un mouvement de colère, s'insurger contre le roi et le tuer. 
Mardochée en eut connaissance, et il l'annonça aussitôt à la reine Esther, et celle-ci au roi, au nom de Mardochée, de qui elle l'avait appris. 
On fit l'instruction, et la chose fut prouvée; et ils furent l'un et l'autre pendus à la potence, et ceci fut écrit dans les histoires et marqué dans les annales en présence du roi. 

Après ces choses, lorsque la colère du roi Assuérus fut apaisée, il se souvint de Vasthi, de ce qu'elle avait fait, et de ce qui avait été décrété à son égard. 
Et les jeunes gens qui servaient le roi, dirent: Qu'on cherche pour le roi des jeunes filles, vierges et belles de figure; 
Et que le roi établisse des commissaires, dans toutes les provinces de son royaume, qui assemblent toutes les jeunes filles, vierges et belles de figure, à Suse, la capitale, dans la maison des femmes, sous la surveillance d'Hégaï, eunuque du roi et gardien des femmes; et qu'on leur donne ce qu'il leur faut pour se préparer. 
Et la jeune fille qui plaira au roi régnera à la place de Vasthi. La chose plut au roi, et il le fit ainsi. 
Or il y avait à Suse, la capitale, un Juif, nommé Mardochée, fils de Jaïr, fils de Shimeï, fils de Kis, Benjamite, 
Qui avait été transporté de Jérusalem avec les prisonniers qui avaient été emmenés captifs avec Jéconia, roi de Juda, que Nébucadnetsar, roi de Babylone, avait transporté. 
Il élevait Hadassa, qui est Esther, fille de son oncle; car elle n'avait ni père ni mère. Et la jeune fille était belle de taille, et belle de figure; et, après la mort de son père et de sa mère, Mardochée l'avait prise pour sa fille. 
Quand la parole du roi et son édit furent connus, et que des jeunes filles en grand nombre eurent été assemblées à Suse, la capitale, sous la garde d'Hégaï, Esther fut aussi amenée dans la maison du roi, sous la garde d'Hégaï, gardien des femmes. 
Et la jeune fille lui plut, et gagna ses bonnes grâces; il s'empressa de lui fournir ce qu'il fallait pour ses apprêts et son entretien; et il lui donna sept jeunes filles choisies de la maison du roi, et la plaça avec ses jeunes filles dans le meilleur appartement de la maison des femmes. 
Esther ne déclara point son peuple ni sa naissance; car Mardochée lui avait enjoint de n'en rien déclarer. 
Mais chaque jour Mardochée se promenait devant la cour de la maison des femmes, pour savoir comment se portait Esther, et ce qu'on ferait d'elle. 
Or quand arrivait pour chaque jeune fille le tour d'entrer chez le roi Assuérus, après s'être conformée au décret concernant les femmes pendant douze mois (car c'est ainsi que s'accomplissaient les jours de leurs préparatifs, six mois avec de l'huile de myrrhe, et six mois avec des aromates et d'autres apprêts de femmes), 
Alors la jeune fille entrait vers le roi; on lui donnait tout ce qu'elle demandait, pour l'emporter avec elle de la maison des femmes à la maison du roi. 
Elle y entrait le soir; et sur le matin elle retournait dans la seconde maison des femmes, sous la garde de Shaashgaz, eunuque du roi, gardien des concubines. Elle n'entrait plus vers le roi, à moins que le roi n'en eût le désir, et qu'elle ne fût appelée par son nom. 
Quand donc le tour d'Esther, fille d'Abichaïl, oncle de Mardochée, qui l'avait prise pour sa fille, fut venu d'entrer vers le roi, elle ne demanda rien, sinon ce que dirait Hégaï, eunuque du roi, gardien des femmes. Or Esther gagnait les bonnes grâces de tous ceux qui la voyaient. 
Ainsi Esther fut amenée vers le roi Assuérus, dans sa maison royale, au dixième mois, qui est le mois de Tébeth, dans la septième année de son règne. 
Et le roi aima Esther plus que toutes les autres femmes, et elle gagna ses bonnes grâces et sa faveur plus que toutes les vierges; il mit la couronne royale sur sa tête, et il l'établit reine à la place de Vasthi. 
Alors le roi fit un grand festin, le festin d'Esther, à tous ses seigneurs, et à ses serviteurs; il soulagea les provinces, et fit des présents, selon la puissance royale. 
Or, comme on rassemblait des vierges pour la seconde fois, Mardochée était assis à la porte du roi. 
Esther n'avait fait connaître ni sa naissance ni son peuple, selon que Mardochée le lui avait recommandé; car elle faisait ce que Mardochée lui ordonnait, comme lorsqu'elle était élevée chez lui. 
En ces jours-là, Mardochée étant assis à la porte du roi, Bigthan et Thérèsh, deux eunuques du roi, d'entre les gardes du seuil, s'étant pris de colère, cherchaient à mettre la main sur le roi Assuérus. 
Mardochée, l'ayant appris, le fit savoir à la reine Esther, et Esther le redit au roi, de la part de Mardochée. 
On s'enquit de la chose, qui fut constatée, et les eunuques furent tous deux pendus au bois; et cela fut écrit dans le livre des Chroniques, devant le roi. 

Après ces choses, lorsque la colère du roi Assuérus se fut calmée, il pensa à Vasthi, à ce qu'elle avait fait, et à la décision qui avait été prise à son sujet. 
Alors ceux qui servaient le roi dirent: Qu'on cherche pour le roi des jeunes filles, vierges et belles de figure; 
que le roi établisse dans toutes les provinces de son royaume des commissaires chargés de rassembler toutes les jeunes filles, vierges et belles de figure, à Suse, la capitale, dans la maison des femmes, sous la surveillance d'Hégué, eunuque du roi et gardien des femmes, qui leur donnera les choses nécessaires pour leur toilette; 
et que la jeune fille qui plaira au roi devienne reine à la place de Vasthi. Cet avis eut l'approbation du roi, et il fit ainsi. 
Il y avait dans Suse, la capitale, un Juif nommé Mardochée, fils de Jaïr, fils de Schimeï, fils de Kis, homme de Benjamin, 
qui avait été emmené de Jérusalem parmi les captifs déportés avec Jeconia, roi de Juda, par Nebucadnetsar, roi de Babylone. 
Il élevait Hadassa, qui est Esther, fille de son oncle; car elle n'avait ni père ni mère. La jeune fille était belle de taille et belle de figure. A la mort de son père et de sa mère, Mardochée l'avait adoptée pour fille. 
Lorsqu'on eut publié l'ordre du roi et son édit, et qu'un grand nombre de jeunes filles furent rassemblées à Suse, la capitale, sous la surveillance d'Hégaï, Esther fut aussi prise et conduite dans la maison du roi, sous la surveillance d'Hégaï, gardien des femmes. 
La jeune fille lui plut, et trouva grâce devant lui; il s'empressa de lui fournir les choses nécessaires pour sa toilette et pour sa subsistance, lui donna sept jeunes filles choisies dans la maison du roi, et la plaça avec ses jeunes filles dans le meilleur appartement de la maison des femmes. 
Esther ne fit connaître ni son peuple ni sa naissance, car Mardochée lui avait défendu d'en parler. 
Et chaque jour Mardochée allait et venait devant la cour de la maison des femmes, pour savoir comment se portait Esther et comment on la traitait. 
Chaque jeune fille allait à son tour vers le roi Assuérus, après avoir employé douze mois à s'acquitter de ce qui était prescrit aux femmes; pendant ce temps, elles prenaient soin de leur toilette, six mois avec de l'huile de myrrhe, et six mois avec des aromates et des parfums en usage parmi les femmes. 
C'est ainsi que chaque jeune fille allait vers le roi; et, quand elle passait de la maison des femmes dans la maison du roi, on lui laissait prendre avec elle tout ce qu'elle voulait. 
Elle y allait le soir; et le lendemain matin elle passait dans la seconde maison des femmes, sous la surveillance de Schaaschgaz, eunuque du roi et gardien des concubines. Elle ne retournait plus vers le roi, à moins que le roi n'en eût le désir et qu'elle ne fût appelée par son nom. 
Lorsque son tour d'aller vers le roi fut arrivé, Esther, fille d'Abichaïl, oncle de Mardochée qui l'avait adoptée pour fille, ne demanda que ce qui fut désigné par Hégaï, eunuque du roi et gardien des femmes. Esther trouvait grâce aux yeux de tous ceux qui la voyaient. 
Esther fut conduite auprès du roi Assuérus, dans sa maison royale, le dixième mois, qui est le mois de Tébeth, la septième année de son règne. 
Le roi aima Esther plus que toutes les autres femmes, et elle obtint grâce et faveur devant lui plus que toutes les autres jeunes filles. Il mit la couronne royale sur sa tête, et la fit reine à la place de Vasthi. 
Le roi donna un grand festin à tous ses princes et à ses serviteurs, un festin en l'honneur d'Esther; il accorda du repos aux provinces, et fit des présents avec une libéralité royale. 
La seconde fois qu'on assembla les jeunes filles, Mardochée était assis à la porte du roi. 
Esther n'avait fait connaître ni sa naissance ni son peuple, car Mardochée le lui avait défendu, et elle suivait les ordres de Mardochée aussi fidèlement qu'à l'époque où elle était sous sa tutelle. 
Dans ce même temps, comme Mardochée était assis à la porte du roi, Bigthan et Théresch, deux eunuques du roi, gardes du seuil, cédèrent à un mouvement d'irritation et voulurent porter la main sur le roi Assuérus. 
Mardochée eut connaissance de la chose et en informa la reine Esther, qui la redit au roi de la part de Mardochée. 
Le fait ayant été vérifié et trouvé exact, les deux eunuques furent pendus à un bois. Et cela fut écrit dans le livre des Chroniques en présence du roi. 

Après ces choses, quand la colère du Roi Assuérus fut apaisée, il se souvint de Vasti, et de ce qu'elle avait fait, et de ce qui avait été décrété contr'elle. 
Et les jeunes gens qui servaient le Roi, dirent : Qu'on cherche au Roi des jeunes filles vierges, et belles à voir; 
Et que le Roi établisse des commissaires dans toutes les provinces de son Royaume, qui assemblent toutes les jeunes filles, vierges et belles à voir, dans Susan, la ville capitale, en l'hôtel des femmes sous la charge d'Hégaï, Eunuque du Roi, le gardien des femmes, qu'on leur donne leurs préparatifs. 
Et la jeune fille qui plaira au Roi, régnera en la place de Vasti. Et la chose plut au Roi, et il le fit ainsi. 
[Or] il y avait à Susan, la ville capitale, un homme Juif, qui avait nom Mardochée, fils de Jaïr, fils de Simhi, fils de Kis, Benjamite; 
Lequel avait été transporté de Jérusalem, avec les prisonniers qui avaient été emmenés captifs avec Jéchonias, Roi de Juda, lesquels Nébuchadnetsar, Roi de Babylone, avait transportés. 
Et il nourrissait Hadassa, qui est Esther, fille de son oncle; car elle n'avait ni père ni mère; et la jeune fille était de belle taille, et très-belle à voir; et après la mort de son père et de sa mère Mardochée l'avait prise pour sa fille. 
Et quand la parole du Roi et son édit fut su, et que plusieurs jeunes filles eurent été assemblées à Susan la ville capitale, sous la charge d'Hégaï, Esther aussi fut amenée dans la maison du Roi, sous la charge d'Hégaï, gardien des femmes. 
Lequel voyant la jeune fille, elle lui plut, et gagna ses bonnes grâces, de sorte qu'il lui fit aussitôt expédier ses préparatifs, et il lui ordonna son état et sept jeunes filles, telles qu'il les lui fallait ordonner de la maison du Roi, et lui fit changer [d'appartement, et la logea], elle et toutes les jeunes filles, dans un des plus beaux appartements de l'hôtel des femmes. 
[Or] Esther ne déclara point son peuple, ni son parentage, car Mardochée lui avait enjoint de n'en rien déclarer. 
Et Mardochée se promenait tous les jours devant le parvis de l'hôtel des femmes, pour savoir comment se portait Esther, et ce qu'on ferait d'elle. 
Or quand le tour de chaque jeune fille était venu pour entrer vers le Roi Assuérus, ayant achevé tout ce qui lui échéait à faire selon ce qui était ordonné touchant les femmes, douze mois durant; (car c'est ainsi que s'accomplissaient les jours de leurs préparatifs, [savoir] durant six mois, avec de l'huile et de la myrrhe, et durant [autres] six mois avec des choses aromatiques, et [autres] préparatifs de femmes; 
Alors dans cet état la jeune fille entrait vers le Roi;) tout ce qu'elle demandait lui était donné pour aller avec elle depuis l'hôtel des femmes jusqu'à l'hôtel du Roi. 
Elle y entrait sur le soir, et sur le matin elle retournait dans le second hôtel des femmes sous la charge de Sahasgaz Eunuque du Roi, gardien des concubines; [et] elle n'entrait plus vers le Roi, si ce n'est que le Roi la voulût, et qu'elle fût appelée nommément. 
Quand donc le tour d'Esther fille d'Abihaïl, oncle de Mardochée, laquelle [Mardochée] avait prise pour sa fille, fut venu pour entrer chez le Roi; elle ne demanda rien sinon ce que dirait Hégaï Eunuque du Roi, gardien des femmes; et Esther gagnait la bonne grâce de tous ceux qui la voyaient. 
Ainsi Esther fut amenée au Roi Assuérus, dans son hôtel Royal, le dixième mois, qui est le mois de Tébeth en la septième année de son règne. 
Et le Roi aima plus Esther que toutes les [autres] femmes, et elle gagna ses bonnes grâces et sa bienveillance plus que toutes les vierges; et il mit la couronne du Royaume sur sa tête, et l'établit pour Reine en la place de Vasti. 
Alors le Roi fit un grand festin à tous les principaux Seigneurs de ses pays, et à ses serviteurs, [savoir] le festin d'Esther; et il soulagea les provinces, et fit des présents selon l'opulence royale. 
Or pendant qu'on assemblait les vierges pour la seconde fois, et que Mardochée était assis à la porte du Roi; 
Esther ne déclara point son parentage, ni son peuple, selon que Mardochée le lui avait enjoint; car elle exécutait ce que lui disait Mardochée, comme quand elle était nourrie chez lui. 
En ces jours-là, Mardochée étant assis à la porte du Roi, Bigthan et Térès, deux des Eunuques du Roi d'entre ceux qui gardaient l'entrée, se mutinèrent, et ils cherchaient de mettre la main sur le Roi Assuérus. 
Ce que Mardochée ayant appris, il le fit savoir à la Reine Esther; puis Esther le redit au Roi de la part de Mardochée. 
Et on s'enquit de la chose, et on trouva [que cela était vrai]. Et les Eunuques furent tous deux pendus à un gibet, et cela fut écrit dans le Livre des Chroniques en la présence du Roi. 

Après ces choses, lorsque la colère du roi Assuérus fut apaisée, il se souvint de Vasthi, de ce qu'elle avait fait, et de ce qui avait été décrété à son égard. 
Et les jeunes gens qui servaient le roi, dirent: Qu'on cherche pour le roi des jeunes filles, vierges et belles de figure; 
Et que le roi établisse des commissaires, dans toutes les provinces de son royaume, qui assemblent toutes les jeunes filles, vierges et belles de figure, à Suse, la capitale, dans la maison des femmes, sous la surveillance d'Hégaï, eunuque du roi et gardien des femmes; et qu'on leur donne ce qu'il leur faut pour se préparer. 
Et la jeune fille qui plaira au roi régnera à la place de Vasthi. La chose plut au roi, et il le fit ainsi. 
Or il y avait à Suse, la capitale, un Juif, nommé Mardochée, fils de Jaïr, fils de Shimeï, fils de Kis, Benjamite, 
Qui avait été transporté de Jérusalem avec les prisonniers qui avaient été emmenés captifs avec Jéconia, roi de Juda, que Nébucadnetsar, roi de Babylone, avait transporté. 
Il élevait Hadassa, qui est Esther, fille de son oncle; car elle n'avait ni père ni mère. Et la jeune fille était belle de taille, et belle de figure; et, après la mort de son père et de sa mère, Mardochée l'avait prise pour sa fille. 
Quand la parole du roi et son édit furent connus, et que des jeunes filles en grand nombre eurent été assemblées à Suse, la capitale, sous la garde d'Hégaï, Esther fut aussi amenée dans la maison du roi, sous la garde d'Hégaï, gardien des femmes. 
Et la jeune fille lui plut, et gagna ses bonnes grâces; il s'empressa de lui fournir ce qu'il fallait pour ses apprêts et son entretien; et il lui donna sept jeunes filles choisies de la maison du roi, et la plaça avec ses jeunes filles dans le meilleur appartement de la maison des femmes. 
Esther ne déclara point son peuple ni sa naissance; car Mardochée lui avait enjoint de n'en rien déclarer. 
Mais chaque jour Mardochée se promenait devant la cour de la maison des femmes, pour savoir comment se portait Esther, et ce qu'on ferait d'elle. 
Or quand arrivait pour chaque jeune fille le tour d'entrer chez le roi Assuérus, après s'être conformée au décret concernant les femmes pendant douze mois (car c'est ainsi que s'accomplissaient les jours de leurs préparatifs, six mois avec de l'huile de myrrhe, et six mois avec des aromates et d'autres apprêts de femmes), 
Alors la jeune fille entrait vers le roi; on lui donnait tout ce qu'elle demandait, pour l'emporter avec elle de la maison des femmes à la maison du roi. 
Elle y entrait le soir; et sur le matin elle retournait dans la seconde maison des femmes, sous la garde de Shaashgaz, eunuque du roi, gardien des concubines. Elle n'entrait plus vers le roi, à moins que le roi n'en eût le désir, et qu'elle ne fût appelée par son nom. 
Quand donc le tour d'Esther, fille d'Abichaïl, oncle de Mardochée, qui l'avait prise pour sa fille, fut venu d'entrer vers le roi, elle ne demanda rien, sinon ce que dirait Hégaï, eunuque du roi, gardien des femmes. Or Esther gagnait les bonnes grâces de tous ceux qui la voyaient. 
Ainsi Esther fut amenée vers le roi Assuérus, dans sa maison royale, au dixième mois, qui est le mois de Tébeth, dans la septième année de son règne. 
Et le roi aima Esther plus que toutes les autres femmes, et elle gagna ses bonnes grâces et sa faveur plus que toutes les vierges; il mit la couronne royale sur sa tête, et il l'établit reine à la place de Vasthi. 
Alors le roi fit un grand festin, le festin d'Esther, à tous ses seigneurs, et à ses serviteurs; il soulagea les provinces, et fit des présents, selon la puissance royale. 
Or, comme on rassemblait des vierges pour la seconde fois, Mardochée était assis à la porte du roi. 
Esther n'avait fait connaître ni sa naissance ni son peuple, selon que Mardochée le lui avait recommandé; car elle faisait ce que Mardochée lui ordonnait, comme lorsqu'elle était élevée chez lui. 
En ces jours-là, Mardochée étant assis à la porte du roi, Bigthan et Thérèsh, deux eunuques du roi, d'entre les gardes du seuil, s'étant pris de colère, cherchaient à mettre la main sur le roi Assuérus. 
Mardochée, l'ayant appris, le fit savoir à la reine Esther, et Esther le redit au roi, de la part de Mardochée. 
On s'enquit de la chose, qui fut constatée, et les eunuques furent tous deux pendus au bois; et cela fut écrit dans le livre des Chroniques, devant le roi. 

Nach diesen Begebenheiten, als der Zorn des Königs Ahasveros sich gelegt hatte, gedachte er an Vasti und an das, was sie getan, und was über sie beschlossen worden war. 
Da sprachen die Diener {Eig. Knaben, Knappen} des Königs, die ihn bedienten: Man suche dem König jungfräuliche Dirnen schön von Ansehen; 
und der König bestellte Beamte in allen Landschaften seines Königreiches, damit sie alle jungfräuliche Dirnen, die schön von Ansehen sind, nach der Burg Susan in das Frauenhaus zusammenbringen unter die Aufsicht Heges, des königlichen Kämmerers, des Hüters der Frauen; und man gebe ihnen Reinigungssalben. 
Und die Dirne, welche dem König gefallen wird, werde Königin an Vastis Statt. Und das Wort {O. die Sache} gefiel dem König; und er tat also. 
Es war ein jüdischer Mann in der Burg Susan, sein Name war Mordokai, der Sohn Jairs, des Sohnes Simeis, des Sohnes Kis', 
ein Benjaminiter, der aus Jerusalem weggeführt worden war mit den Weggeführten, die mit Jekonja, dem König von Juda, weggeführt wurden, welche Nebukadnezar, der König von Babel, weggeführt hatte. 
Und er erzog Hadassa, {Myrte} das ist Esther, {Stern, Glücksstern} die Tochter seines Oheims; denn sie hatte weder Vater noch Mutter. Und die Dirne war schön von Gestalt und schön von Angesicht. {O. von Ansehen} Und als ihr Vater und ihre Mutter gestorben waren, hatte Mordokai sie als seine Tochter angenommen. 
Und es geschah, als das Wort des Königs und sein Befehl gehört, und als viele Dirnen in die Burg Susan unter die Aufsicht Hegais zusammengebracht wurden, da wurde auch Esther in das Haus des Königs aufgenommen, unter die Aufsicht Hegais, des Hüters der Frauen. 
Und die Dirne gefiel ihm und erlangte Gunst vor ihm. Und er beeilte sich, ihre Reinigungssalben und ihre Teile {d.h. Portionen, Gerichte} ihr zu geben, und ihr die sieben Dirnen zu geben, welche aus dem Hause des Königs ausersehen waren; und er versetzte sie mit ihren Dirnen in die besten Gemächer {W. in das Beste} des Frauenhauses. 
Esther hatte ihr Volk und ihre Abstammung nicht kundgetan; denn Mordokai hatte ihr geboten, daß sie es nicht kundtun sollte. 
Und Tag für Tag wandelte Mordokai vor dem Hofe des Frauenhauses, um das Wohlergehen Esthers zu erfahren, und was mit ihr geschähe. 
Und wenn die Reihe an eine jede Dirne kam, zum König Ahasveros zu kommen, nachdem ihr zwölf Monate lang nach der Vorschrift für die Weiber geschehen war (denn also wurden die Tage ihrer Reinigung erfüllt, nämlich sechs Monate mit Myrrhenöl, und sechs Monate mit Gewürzen und mit Reinigungssalben der Weiber), 
und wenn alsdann die Dirne zu dem König kam, {O. der Weiber, und alsdann kam die Dirne zu dem König} so wurde ihr alles gegeben, was sie verlangte, um es aus dem Frauenhause in das Haus des Königs mitzunehmen. 
Am Abend kam sie, und am Morgen kehrte sie in das zweite Frauenhaus zurück, unter die Aufsicht Schaaschgas', des königlichen Kämmerers, des Hüters der Kebsweiber. Sie kam nicht wieder zu dem König, es sei denn, daß der König Gefallen an ihr hatte, und sie mit Namen gerufen wurde. 
Und als die Reihe an Esther kam, die Tochter Abichails, des Oheims Mordokais, welche er als seine Tochter angenommen hatte, daß sie zu dem König kommen sollte, verlangte sie nichts, außer was Hegai, der königliche Kämmerer, der Hüter der Frauen, sagte. Und Esther erlangte Gnade in den Augen aller, die sie sahen. 
Und Esther wurde zu dem König Ahasveros in sein königliches Haus geholt im zehnten Monat, das ist der Monat Tebeth, im siebten Jahre seiner Regierung. 
Und der König gewann Esther lieb, mehr als alle Weiber, und sie erlangte Gnade und Gunst vor ihm, mehr als alle die Jungfrauen. Und er setzte die königliche Krone auf ihr Haupt und machte sie zur Königin an Vastis Statt. 
Und der König machte allen seinen Fürsten und Knechten ein großes Gastmahl, das Gastmahl Esthers; und er gab den Landschaften einen Steuererlaß {O. Arbeitserlaß} und gab Geschenke nach der Freigebigkeit {S. die Anm. zu Kap. 1,7} des Königs. 
Und als zum zweiten Male Jungfrauen zusammengebracht wurden, und Mordokai im Tore des Königs saß 
(Esther tat ihre Abstammung und ihr Volk nicht kund, wie Mordokai ihr geboten hatte; und Esther tat, was Mordokai sagte, wie zur Zeit, da sie bei ihm erzogen wurde), 
in selbigen Tagen, als Mordokai im Tore des Königs saß, ergrimmten Bigthan und Teresch, zwei Kämmerer des Königs, von denen, welche die Schwelle hüteten, und trachteten danach, Hand an den König Ahasveros zu legen. 
Und die Sache wurde dem Mordokai kund, und er berichtete es der Königin Esther; und Esther sagte es dem König im Namen Mordokais. 
Und die Sache wurde untersucht und wahr gefunden; und sie wurden beide an ein Holz gehängt. Und es wurde vor dem König in das Buch der Chroniken {Eig. der Zeitbegebenheiten} eingeschrieben. 

Nach diesen Begebenheiten, als der Zorn des Königs Ahasveros sich gelegt hatte, gedachte er an Vasti und an das, was sie getan, und was über sie beschlossen worden war. 
Da sprachen die Diener Eig. Knaben, Knappen des Königs, die ihn bedienten: Man suche dem König Mädchen, die Jungfrauen sind und schön von Ansehen; 
und der König bestellte Beamte in allen Landschaften seines Königreiches, damit sie alle Mädchen, die Jungfrauen sind und schön von Ansehen, nach der Burg Susan in das Frauenhaus zusammenbringen unter die Aufsicht Heges, des königlichen Kämmerers, des Hüters der Frauen; und man gebe ihnen Reinigungssalben. 
Und das Mädchen, welches dem König gefallen wird, werde Königin an Vastis Statt. Und das Wort O. die Sache gefiel dem König; und er tat also. 
Es war ein jüdischer Mann in der Burg Susan, sein Name war Mordokai, der Sohn Jairs, des Sohnes Simeis, des Sohnes Kis', ein Benjaminiter, 
der aus Jerusalem weggeführt worden war mit den Weggeführten, die mit Jekonja, dem König von Juda, weggeführt wurden, welche Nebukadnezar, der König von Babel, weggeführt hatte. 
Und er erzog Hadassa, Myrte das ist Esther, Stern, Glücksstern die Tochter seines Oheims; denn sie hatte weder Vater noch Mutter. Und das Mädchen war schön von Gestalt und schön von Angesicht. O. von Ansehen Und als ihr Vater und ihre Mutter gestorben waren, hatte Mordokai sie als seine Tochter angenommen. 
Und es geschah, als das Wort des Königs und sein Befehl gehört, und als viele Mädchen in die Burg Susan unter die Aufsicht Hegais zusammengebracht wurden, da wurde auch Esther in das Haus des Königs aufgenommen, unter die Aufsicht Hegais, des Hüters der Frauen. 
Und das Mädchen gefiel ihm und erlangte Gunst vor ihm. Und er beeilte sich, ihre Reinigungssalben und ihre Teile dh. Portionen, Gerichte ihr zu geben, und ihr die sieben Mägde zu geben, welche aus dem Hause des Königs ausersehen waren; und er versetzte sie mit ihren Mägden in die besten Gemächer W. in das Beste des Frauenhauses. 
Esther hatte ihr Volk und ihre Abstammung nicht kundgetan; denn Mordokai hatte ihr geboten, daß sie es nicht kundtun sollte. 
Und Tag für Tag wandelte Mordokai vor dem Hofe des Frauenhauses, um das Wohlergehen Esthers zu erfahren, und was mit ihr geschähe. 
Und wenn die Reihe an ein jedes Mädchen kam, zum König Ahasveros zu kommen, nachdem ihr zwölf Monate lang nach der Vorschrift für die Weiber geschehen war (denn also wurden die Tage ihrer Reinigung erfüllt, nämlich sechs Monate mit Myrrhenöl, und sechs Monate mit Gewürzen und mit Reinigungssalben der Weiber), 
und wenn alsdann das Mädchen zu dem König kam, O. der Weiber, und alsdann kam das Mädchen zu dem König so wurde ihr alles gegeben, was sie verlangte, um es aus dem Frauenhause in das Haus des Königs mitzunehmen. 
Am Abend kam sie, und am Morgen kehrte sie in das zweite Frauenhaus zurück, unter die Aufsicht Schaaschgas', des königlichen Kämmerers, des Hüters der Kebsweiber. Sie kam nicht wieder zu dem König, es sei denn, daß der König Gefallen an ihr hatte, und sie mit Namen gerufen wurde. 
Und als die Reihe an Esther kam, die Tochter Abichails, des Oheims Mordokais, welche er als seine Tochter angenommen hatte, daß sie zu dem König kommen sollte, verlangte sie nichts, außer was Hegai, der königliche Kämmerer, der Hüter der Frauen, sagte. Und Esther erlangte Gnade in den Augen aller, die sie sahen. 
Und Esther wurde zu dem König Ahasveros in sein königliches Haus geholt im zehnten Monat, das ist der Monat Tebeth, im siebten Jahre seiner Regierung. 
Und der König gewann Esther lieb, mehr als alle Weiber, und sie erlangte Gnade und Gunst vor ihm, mehr als alle die Jungfrauen. Und er setzte die königliche Krone auf ihr Haupt und machte sie zur Königin an Vastis Statt. 
Und der König machte allen seinen Fürsten und Knechten ein großes Gastmahl, das Gastmahl Esthers; und er gab den Landschaften einen Steuererlaß O. Arbeitserlaß und gab Geschenke nach der Freigebigkeit S. die Anm. zu [Kap. 1,7] des Königs. 
Und als zum zweiten Male Jungfrauen zusammengebracht wurden, und Mordokai im Tore des Königs saß 
(Esther tat ihre Abstammung und ihr Volk nicht kund, wie Mordokai ihr geboten hatte; und Esther tat, was Mordokai sagte, wie zur Zeit, da sie bei ihm erzogen wurde), 
in selbigen Tagen, als Mordokai im Tore des Königs saß, ergrimmten Bigthan und Teresch, zwei Kämmerer des Königs, von denen, welche die Schwelle hüteten, und trachteten danach, Hand an den König Ahasveros zu legen. 
Und die Sache wurde dem Mordokai kund, und er berichtete es der Königin Esther; und Esther sagte es dem König im Namen Mordokais. 
Und die Sache wurde untersucht und wahr gefunden; und sie wurden beide an ein Holz gehängt. Und es wurde vor dem König in das Buch der Chroniken Eig. der Zeitbegebenheiten eingeschrieben. 

Nach diesen Begebenheiten, als der Zorn des Königs Ahasveros sich gelegt hatte, gedachte er an Vasti und an das, was sie getan, und was über sie beschlossen worden war. 
Da sprachen die Diener {Eig. Knaben, Knappen} des Königs, die ihn bedienten: Man suche dem König Mädchen, die Jungfrauen sind und schön von Ansehen; 
und der König bestellte Beamte in allen Landschaften seines Königreiches, damit sie alle Mädchen, die Jungfrauen sind und schön von Ansehen, nach der Burg Susan in das Frauenhaus zusammenbringen unter die Aufsicht Heges, des königlichen Kämmerers, des Hüters der Frauen; und man gebe ihnen Reinigungssalben. 
Und das Mädchen, welches dem König gefallen wird, werde Königin an Vastis Statt. Und das Wort {O. die Sache} gefiel dem König; und er tat also. 
Es war ein jüdischer Mann in der Burg Susan, sein Name war Mordokai, der Sohn Jairs, des Sohnes Simeis, des Sohnes Kis', ein Benjaminiter, 
der aus Jerusalem weggeführt worden war mit den Weggeführten, die mit Jekonja, dem König von Juda, weggeführt wurden, welche Nebukadnezar, der König von Babel, weggeführt hatte. 
Und er erzog Hadassa {Myrte}, das ist Esther {Stern, Glücksstern}, die Tochter seines Oheims; denn sie hatte weder Vater noch Mutter. Und das Mädchen war schön von Gestalt und schön von Angesicht {O. von Ansehen}. Und als ihr Vater und ihre Mutter gestorben waren, hatte Mordokai sie als seine Tochter angenommen. 
Und es geschah, als das Wort des Königs und sein Befehl gehört, und als viele Mädchen in die Burg Susan unter die Aufsicht Hegais zusammengebracht wurden, da wurde auch Esther in das Haus des Königs aufgenommen, unter die Aufsicht Hegais, des Hüters der Frauen. 
Und das Mädchen gefiel ihm und erlangte Gunst vor ihm. Und er beeilte sich, ihre Reinigungssalben und ihre Teile {d.h. Portionen, Gerichte} ihr zu geben, und ihr die sieben Mägde zu geben, welche aus dem Hause des Königs ausersehen waren; und er versetzte sie mit ihren Mägden in die besten Gemächer {W. in das Beste} des Frauenhauses. 
Esther hatte ihr Volk und ihre Abstammung nicht kundgetan; denn Mordokai hatte ihr geboten, dass sie es nicht kundtun sollte. 
Und Tag für Tag wandelte Mordokai vor dem Hofe des Frauenhauses, um das Wohlergehen Esthers zu erfahren, und was mit ihr geschähe. 
Und wenn die Reihe an ein jedes Mädchen kam, zum König Ahasveros zu kommen, nachdem ihr zwölf Monate lang nach der Vorschrift für die Weiber geschehen war (denn also wurden die Tage ihrer Reinigung erfüllt, nämlich sechs Monate mit Myrrhenöl, und sechs Monate mit Gewürzen und mit Reinigungssalben der Weiber), 
und wenn alsdann das Mädchen zu dem König kam {O. der Weiber, und alsdann kam das Mädchen zu dem König}, so wurde ihr alles gegeben, was sie verlangte, um es aus dem Frauenhause in das Haus des Königs mitzunehmen. 
Am Abend kam sie, und am Morgen kehrte sie in das zweite Frauenhaus zurück, unter die Aufsicht Schaaschgas', des königlichen Kämmerers, des Hüters der Kebsweiber. Sie kam nicht wieder zu dem König, es sei denn, dass der König Gefallen an ihr hatte, und sie mit Namen gerufen wurde. 
Und als die Reihe an Esther kam, die Tochter Abichails, des Oheims Mordokais, welche er als seine Tochter angenommen hatte, dass sie zu dem König kommen sollte, verlangte sie nichts, ausser was Hegai, der königliche Kämmerer, der Hüter der Frauen, sagte. Und Esther erlangte Gnade in den Augen aller, die sie sahen. 
Und Esther wurde zu dem König Ahasveros in sein königliches Haus geholt im zehnten Monat, das ist der Monat Tebeth, im siebten Jahre seiner Regierung. 
Und der König gewann Esther lieb, mehr als alle Weiber, und sie erlangte Gnade und Gunst vor ihm, mehr als alle die Jungfrauen. Und er setzte die königliche Krone auf ihr Haupt und machte sie zur Königin an Vastis Statt. 
Und der König machte allen seinen Fürsten und Knechten ein grosses Gastmahl, das Gastmahl Esthers; und er gab den Landschaften einen Steuererlass {O. Arbeitserlass} und gab Geschenke nach der Freigebigkeit {S. die Anm. zu Kap. 1,7} des Königs. 
Und als zum zweiten Male Jungfrauen zusammengebracht wurden, und Mordokai im Tore des Königs sass 
(Esther tat ihre Abstammung und ihr Volk nicht kund, wie Mordokai ihr geboten hatte; und Esther tat, was Mordokai sagte, wie zur Zeit, da sie bei ihm erzogen wurde), 
in selbigen Tagen, als Mordokai im Tore des Königs sass, ergrimmten Bigthan und Teresch, zwei Kämmerer des Königs, von denen, welche die Schwelle hüteten, und trachteten danach, Hand an den König Ahasveros zu legen. 
Und die Sache wurde dem Mordokai kund, und er berichtete es der Königin Esther; und Esther sagte es dem König im Namen Mordokais. 
Und die Sache wurde untersucht und wahr gefunden; und sie wurden beide an ein Holz gehängt. Und es wurde vor dem König in das Buch der Chroniken {Eig. der Zeitbegebenheiten} eingeschrieben. 

Nach diesen Dingen, als sich der Zorn des Königs Ahasverus gelegt hatte, dachte er wieder an Vasthi, und an das, was sie gethan, und was über sie beschlossen worden. 
Da sprachen die Knaben des Königs, seine Diener: Man suche dem König Mädchen, die Jungfrauen (und) schön von Gestalt sind. 
Und der König beauftragte Beamte in allen Ländern seines Reiches, daß sie jedes Mädchen, welches eine Jungfrau ist, (und) schön von Gestalt, nach der Burg Susan, in das Frauenhaus bringen unter die Aufsicht Hegai's, des Verschnittenen, des Königs, des Hüters der Frauen, und man gebe ihnen Reinigungsmittel; 
und das Mädchen, welches gut ist in den Augen des Königs, werde Königin an Vasthi's Statt. Und diese Rede war gut in den Augen des Königs; und er that also. 
Es war ein jüdischer Mann in der Burg Susan, und sein Name war Mardechai, der Sohn Jairs, des Sohnes Schimei's, des Sohnes des Kis, eines Benjaminiters, 
welcher aus Jerusalem weggeführt worden war mit den Gefangenen, welche mit Jechonias, dem Könige von Juda, weggeführt wurden, den Nebukadnezar, der König von Babel, wegführte. 
Und er war der Pflegevater der Hadassa, das ist, der Esther, der Tochter seines Vaters Bruders; denn sie hatte weder Vater noch Mutter. Und das Mädchen war schön von Ansehen, und schön von Gestalt. Und als ihr Vater, und ihre Mutter gestorben waren, nahm sie Mardechai als Tochter an. 
Und es geschah, als man den Behl des Königs, und sein Gesetz hörte, und viele Mädchen in die Burg Susan unter die Aufsicht Hegai's brachte, da wurde auch Esther in das Haus des Königs gebracht unter die Aufsicht Hegai's, des Hüters der Frauen. 
Und das Mädchen war gut in seinen Augen, und fand Gnade vor ihm, und er ließ ihr schnell Reinigungsmittel und Geschenke geben, und sieben angesehene Mädchen, aus dem Hause des Königs, und that sie und ihre Mädchen in die schönste (Wohnung) des Frauenhauses. 
Esther entdeckte ihm ihr Volk und ihre Abkunft nicht; denn Mardechai hatte ihr geboten, daß sie es nicht entdecken sollte. 
Und Tag für Tag wandelte Mardechai vor dem Hofe des Frauenhauses, um zu erfahren, ob es Esther wohl ginge, und was mit ihr geschähe. 
Und wann die Reihe das einzelne Mädchen traf, zum Könige Ahasverus zu kommen, nachdem ihr zwölf Monate lang nach dem Gebrauche der Weiber geschehen war; (denn so viele Zeit wurde auf ihre Reinigung verwendet, sechs Monate mit Myrrhenöl und sechs Monate mit Gewürzen und mit (andern) Reinigungsmitteln der Frauen); 
alsdann ging das Mädchen zum Könige. Alles, was sie verlangte, wurde ihr gegeben, um es mit sich zu nehmen, aus dem Frauenhause in das Haus des Königs. 
Des Abends kam sie, und des Morgens ging sie wieder in das zweite Frauenhaus unter die Aufsicht des Schaaschgas, des Verschnittenen des Königs, des Hüters der Nebenfrauen. Sie kamen nicht mehr zum Könige, außer, wenn sie der König verlangte, und sie mit Namen gerufen wurden. 
Und als die Reihe Esther traf, die Tochter Abihails, des Vaters Bruders Mardechai's, der sie als Tochter angenommen hatte, zum König zu kommen, da begehrte sie nichts, außer, was Hegai, der Verschnittene des Königs, der Hüter der Frauen, sagte; und Esther fand Gnade in den Augen Aller, die sie sahen. 
Esther wurde also zum Könige Ahasverus, in sein königliches Haus gebracht, im zehnten Monate, das ist der Monat Thebeth, im siebenten Jahre seiner Herrschaft. 
Und der König liebte Esther mehr, als alle Frauen; und sie fand Huld und Gnade vor ihm mehr, als alle Jungfrauen; und er setzte die königliche Krone auf ihr Haupt, und machte sie zur Königin an Vasthi's Statt. 
Und der König gab ein großes Gastmahl allen seinen Fürsten, und seinen Dienern, das Gastmahl Esthers; und gewährte den Ländern einen Nachlaß, und gab Geschenke nach königlicher Weise. 
Und als zum zweiten Male Jungfrauen zusammengebracht wurden, saß Mardechai im Thore des Königs. 
Esther hatte ihre Abkunft und ihr Volk noch nicht entdeckt, wie ihr Mardechai geboten; und den Befehl Mardechais that Esther, als wie sie bei ihm in der Pflege war. 
In jenen Tagen, als Mardechai im Thore des Königs saß, wurden Bigthan und Theresch, zwei Hofleute des Königs von den Hütern der Schwelle, zornig, und suchten an den König Ahasverus Hand zu legen. 
Und es wurde die Sache Mardechai kund; und er entdeckte es Esther, der Königin; und Esther sagte es dem Könige im Namen Mardechai's. 
Und die Sache wurde untersucht, und gefunden; und Beide wurden an einen Pfahl aufgehängt; und es wurde vor dem Könige in das Buch der Tagesgeschichte eingeschrieben. 

Nach diesen Geschichten, da der Grimm des Königs Ahasveros sich gelegt hatte, gedachte er an Vasthi, was sie getan hatte, und was über sie beschlossen wäre. 
Da sprachen die Knaben des Königs, die ihm dieneten: Man suche dem Könige junge schöne Jungfrauen; 
und der König bestelle Schauer in allen Landen seines Königreichs, daß sie allerlei junge schöne Jungfrauen zusammenbringen gen Schloß Susan, ins Frauenzimmer, unter die Hand Hegais, des Königs Kämmerers, der der Weiber wartet, und gebe ihnen ihren Schmuck; 
und welche Dirne dem Könige gefällt, die werde Königin an Vasthis Statt. Das gefiel dem Könige und tat also. 
Es war aber ein jüdischer Mann zu Schloß Susan, der hieß Mardachai, ein Sohn Jairs, des Sohns Simeis, des Sohns Kis, des Sohns Jeminis, 
der mit weggeführet war von Jerusalem, da Jechanja, der König Judas, weggeführet ward, welchen Nebukadnezar, der König zu Babel, wegführete. 
Und er war ein Vormund Hadassas, die ist Esther, eine Tochter seines Vetters; denn sie hatte weder Vater noch Mutter. Und sie war eine schöne und feine Dirne. Und da ihr Vater und Mutter starb, nahm sie Mardachai auf zur Tochter. 
Da nun das Gebot und Gesetz des Königs laut ward, und viel Dirnen zu Hause gebracht wurden gen Schloß Susan unter die Hand Hegais, ward Esther auch genommen zu des Königs Haus unter die Hand Hegais, des Hüters der Weiber. 
Und die Dirne gefiel ihm, und sie fand Barmherzigkeit vor ihm. Und er eilete mit ihrem Schmuck, daß er ihr ihren Teil gäbe, und sieben feine Dirnen von des Königs Hause dazu. Und er tat sie mit ihren Dirnen an den besten Ort im Frauenzimmer. 
Und Esther sagte ihm nicht an ihr Volk und ihre Freundschaft; denn Mardachai hatte ihr geboten, sie sollte es nicht ansagen. 
Und Mardachai wandelte alle Tage vor dem Hofe am Frauenzimmer, daß er erführe, ob es Esther wohlginge, und was ihr geschehen würde. 
Wenn aber die bestimmte Zeit einer jeglichen Dirne kam, daß sie zum Könige Ahasveros kommen sollte, nachdem sie zwölf Monden im Frauenschmücken gewesen war (denn ihr Schmücken mußte so viel Zeit haben, nämlich sechs Monden mit Balsam und Myrrhen und sechs Monden mit guter Spezerei, so waren denn die Weiber geschmückt), 
alsdann ging eine Dirne zum Könige, und welche sie wollte, mußte man ihr geben, die mit ihr vom Frauenzimmer zu des Königs Hause ginge. 
Und wenn eine des Abends hineinkam, die ging des Morgens von ihm in das andere Frauenzimmer unter die Hand Saasgas, des Königs Kämmerers, der Kebsweiber Hüters. Und sie mußte nicht wieder zum Könige kommen, es lüstete denn den König und ließe sie mit Namen rufen. 
Da nun die Zeit Esthers herzukam, der Tochter Abihails, des Vetters Mardachais (die er zur Tochter hatte aufgenommen), daß sie zum Könige kommen sollte, begehrete sie nichts, denn was Hegai, des Königs Kämmerer, der Weiber Hüter, sprach. Und Esther fand Gnade vor allen, die sie ansahen. 
Es ward aber Esther genommen zum Könige Ahasveros ins königliche Haus im zehnten Monden, der da heißet Tebeth, im siebenten Jahr seines Königreichs. 
Und der König gewann Esther lieb über alle Weiber, und sie fand Gnade und Barmherzigkeit vor ihm vor allen Jungfrauen. Und er setzte die königliche Krone auf ihr Haupt und machte sie zur Königin an Vasthis Statt. 
Und der König machte ein groß Mahl allen seinen Fürsten und Knechten (das war ein Mahl um Esthers willen) und ließ die Länder ruhen und gab königliche Geschenke aus. 
Und da man das andere Mal Jungfrauen versammelte, saß Mardachai im Tor des Königs. 
Und Esther hatte noch nicht angesagt ihre Freundschaft noch ihr Volk, wie ihr denn Mardachai geboten hatte. Denn Esther tat nach dem Wort Mardachais, gleich als da er ihr Vormund war. 
Zur selbigen Zeit, da Mardachai im Tor des Königs saß, wurden zween Kämmerer des Königs, Bigthan und Theres, die der Tür hüteten, zornig und trachteten, ihre Hände an den König Ahasveros zu legen. 
Das ward Mardachai kund, und er sagte es an der Königin Esther, und Esther sagte es dem Könige in Mardachais Namen. 
Und da man solches forschete, ward es funden. Und sie wurden beide an Bäume gehängt, und ward geschrieben in die Chronik vor dem Könige. 

NAch diesen Geschichten / da der grim des königs Ahasueros sich geleget hatte / gedacht er an Vasthi / was sie gethan hatte / vnd was vber sie beschlossen were. 
Da sprachen die knaben des Königes die jm dieneten / Man suche dem Könige junge schöne Jungfrawen / 
vnd der könig bestelle Schawer in allen Landen seines Königreichs / das sie allerley junge schöne Jungfrawen zusamen bringen gen schlos Susan ins Frawenzimmer / vnter die hand Hege des königs Kemerer / der der Weiber wartet / vnd gebe jnen jren Geschmuck / 
vnd welche Dirne dem könige gefellet / die werde Königin an Vasthi stat. Das gefiel dem Könige / vnd thet also. 
ES war aber ein Jüdischer man zu schlos Susan / der hies Mardachai / ein son Jair / des sons Simei / des sons Kis / des sons Jemini / 
der mit weggefürt war von Jerusalem / da Jechanja der könig Juda weggefürt ward / welchen NebucadNezar der könig zu Babel wegfüret. 
Vnd er war ein vormünd Hadassa / die ist Esther / eine tochter seines vettern / Denn sie hatte weder vater noch mutter / vnd sie war eine schöne vnd feine Dirne. Vnd da jr vater vnd mutter starb / nam sie Mardachai auff zur Tochter. 
DA nu das gebot vnd gesetz des Königes laut ward / vnd viel Dirne zu hauffe bracht wurden gen schlos Susan / vnter die hand Hegai / ward Esther auch genomen zu des königes hause / vnter die hand Hegai des Hüters der weiber. 
Vnd die Dirne gefiel jm / vnd sie fand barmhertzigkeit fur jm. Vnd er eilet mit jrem Geschmuck / das er jr jren teil gebe / vnd sieben feine Dirnen / von des Königes hause dazu / Vnd er thet sie mit jren Dirnen an den besten ort im Frawenzimmer. 
Vnd Esther saget jm nicht an jr Volck vnd jre Freundschafft / Denn Mardachai hatte jr geboten / sie solts nicht ansagen. 
Vnd Mardachai wandelte alle tage fur dem Hofe am Frawenzimmer / das er erfüre / obs Esther wolgienge / vnd was jr geschehen würde. 
WEnn aber die bestimpte zeit einer jglichen Dirnen kam / das sie zum könige Ahasueros komen solt / nach dem sie zwelff monden im Frawenschmücken gewesen war (Denn jr schmücken muste so viel zeit haben / nemlich / sechs monden mit Balsam vnd Myrren / vnd sechs monden mit guter Specerey / so waren denn die weiber geschmückt) 
als denn gieng eine Dirne zum Könige / vnd welche sie wolte / muste man jr geben / die mit jr vom Frawenzimmer zu des Königes hause gienge. 
Vnd wenn eine des abends hin ein kam / die gienge des morgens von jm in das ander Frawenzimmer / vnter die hand Saasgas des königes Kemerer / der kebsweiber Hütter / Vnd sie muste nicht wider zum Könige komen / es lüstete denn den König / vnd liesse sie mit namen ruffen. 
DA nu die zeit Esther erzu kam / der tochter Abihail / des vettern Mardachai (die er zur Tochter hatte auffgenomen) das sie zum könig komen solt / begerte sie nichts / denn was Hegai des Königes kemerer der weiber Hüter sprach / Vnd Esther fand gnade fur allen die sie ansahen. 
Es ward aber Esther genomen zum könige Ahasueros / ins königliche Haus / im zehenden monden / der da heisst Tebeth / im siebenden jar seines Königreichs. 
Vnd der König gewan Esther lieb vber alle Weiber / vnd sie fand gnade vnd barmhertzigkeit fur jm / fur allen Jungfrawen / Vnd er setzte die königliche Kron auff jr heubt / vnd machte sie zur Königen an Vasthi stat. 
Vnd der König machte ein gros Mal allen seinen Fürsten vnd Knechten / das war ein Mal vmb Esthers willen. Vnd lies die Lender rugen / vnd gab königliche Geschencke aus. 
VND da man das ander mal Jungfrawen versamlet / sas Mardachai im thor des Königes. 
Vnd Esther hatte noch nicht angesagt jre Freundschafft noch jr Volck / wie jr denn Mardachai geboten hatte / Denn Esther thet nach dem wort Mardachai / gleich als da er jr Vormund war. 
ZVR selbigen zeit / da Mardachai im thor des Königes sas / wurden zween Kemerer des Königes / Bigthan vnd Theres / die der thür hüteten / zornig vnd trachten jre hende an den könig Ahasueros zu legen. 
Das ward Mardachai kund / vnd sagts an der könig Esther / vnd Esther sagets dem Könige in Mardachai namen. 
Vnd da man solchs forschet / wards funden / Vnd sie wurden beide an Bewme gehenget. Vnd ward geschrieben in die Chronica fur dem Könige. 

Nach diesen Geschichten, da der Grimm des Königs Ahasveros sich gelegt hatte, gedachte er an Vasthi, was sie getan hatte und was über sie beschlossen war. 
Da sprachen die Diener des Königs, die ihm dienten: Man suche dem König junge, schöne Jungfrauen, 
und der König bestellte Männer in allen Landen seines Königreichs, daß sie allerlei junge, schöne Jungfrauen zusammenbringen gen Schloß Susan ins Frauenhaus unter der Hand Hegais, des Königs Kämmerers, der der Weiber wartet, und man gebe ihnen ihren Schmuck; 
und welche Dirne dem König gefällt, die werde Königin an Vasthis Statt. Das gefiel dem König, und er tat also. 
Es war aber ein jüdischer Mann zu Schloß Susan, der hieß Mardochai, ein Sohn Jairs, des Sohnes Simeis, des Sohnes des Kis, ein Benjaminiter, 
der mit weggeführt war von Jerusalem, da Jechonja, der König Juda's, weggeführt ward, welchen Nebukadnezar, der König zu Babel, wegführte. 
Und er war ein Vormund der Hadassa, das ist Esther, eine Tochter seines Oheims; denn sie hatte weder Vater noch Mutter. Und sie war eine schöne und feine Dirne. Und da ihr Vater und ihre Mutter starb, nahm sie Mardochai auf zur Tochter. 
Da nun das Gebot und Gesetz des Königs laut ward und viel Dirnen zuhaufe gebracht wurden gen Schloß Susan unter die Hand Hegais, ward Esther auch genommen zu des Königs Hause unter die Hand Hegais, des Hüters der Weiber. 
Und die Dirne gefiel ihm, und sie fand Barmherzigkeit vor ihm. Und er eilte mit ihrem Schmuck, daß er ihr ihren Teil gäbe und sieben feine Dirnen von des Königs Hause dazu. Und er tat sie mit ihren Dirnen an den besten Ort im Frauenhaus. 
Und Esther sagte ihm nicht an ihr Volk und ihre Freundschaft; denn Mardochai hatte ihr geboten, sie sollte es nicht ansagen. 
Und Mardochai wandelte alle Tage vor dem Hofe am Frauenhaus, daß er erführe, ob's Esther wohl ginge und was ihr geschehen würde. 
Wenn aber die bestimmte Zeit einer jeglichen Dirne kam, daß sie zum König Ahasveros kommen sollte, nachdem sie zwölf Monate im Frauen-Schmücken gewesen war (denn ihr Schmücken mußte soviel Zeit haben, nämlich sechs Monate mit Balsam und Myrrhe und sechs Monate mit guter Spezerei, so waren denn die Weiber geschmückt): 
alsdann ging die Dirne zum König und alles, was sie wollte, mußte man ihr geben, daß sie damit vom Frauenhaus zu des Königs Hause ginge. 
Und wenn eine des Abends hineinkam, die ging des Morgens von ihm in das andere Frauenhaus unter die Hand des Saasgas, des Königs Kämmerers, des Hüters der Kebsweiber Und sie durfte nicht wieder zum König kommen, es lüstete denn den König und er ließ sie mit Namen rufen. 
Da nun die Zeit Esthers herankam, der Tochter Abihails, des Oheims Mardochais (die er zur Tochter hatte aufgenommen), daß sie zum König kommen sollte, begehrte sie nichts, denn was Hegai, des Königs Kämmerer, der Weiber Hüter, sprach. Und Esther fand Gnade vor allen, die sie ansahen. 
Es ward aber Esther genommen zum König Ahasveros ins königliche Haus im zehnten Monat, der da heißt Tebeth Dezember, Januar, im siebenten Jahr seines Königreichs. 
Und der König gewann Esther lieb über alle Weiber, und sie fand Gnade und Barmherzigkeit vor ihm vor allen Jungfrauen. Und er setzte die königliche Krone auf ihr Haupt und machte sie zur Königin an Vasthis Statt. 
Und der König machte ein großes Mahl allen seinen Fürsten und Knechten, das war ein Mahl um Esthers willen, und ließ die Länder ruhen und gab königliche Geschenke aus. 
Und da man das anderemal Jungfrauen versammelte, saß Mardochai im Tor des Königs. 
Und Esther hatte noch nicht angesagt ihre Freundschaft noch ihr Volk, wie ihr Mardochai geboten hatte; denn Esther tat nach den Worten Mardochais, gleich als da er ihr Vormund war. 
Zur selben Zeit, da Mardochai im Tor des Königs saß, wurden zwei Kämmerer des Königs, Bigthan und Theres, die die Tür hüteten, zornig und trachteten ihre Hände an den König Ahasveros zu legen. 
Das ward Mardochai kund, und er sagte es der Königin Esther, und Esther sagte es dem König in Mardochais Namen. 
Und da man nachforschte, ward's gefunden, und sie wurden beide an Bäume gehängt. Und es ward geschrieben in die Chronik vor dem König. 

Nach diesen Geschichten, da der Grimm des Königs Ahasveros sich gelegt hatte, gedachte er an Vasthi, was sie getan hatte und was über sie beschlossen war. 
Da sprachen die Diener des Königs, die ihm dienten: Man suche dem König junge, schöne Jungfrauen, 
und der König bestellte Männer in allen Landen seines Königreichs, daß sie allerlei junge, schöne Jungfrauen zusammenbringen gen Schloß Susan ins Frauenhaus unter der Hand Hegais, des Königs Kämmerers, der der Weiber wartet, und man gebe ihnen ihren Schmuck; 
und welche Dirne dem König gefällt, die werde Königin an Vasthis Statt. Das gefiel dem König, und er tat also. 
Es war aber ein jüdischer Mann zu Schloß Susan, der hieß Mardochai, ein Sohn Jairs, des Sohnes Simeis, des Sohnes des Kis, ein Benjaminiter, 
der mit weggeführt war von Jerusalem, da Jechonja, der König Juda's, weggeführt ward, welchen Nebukadnezar, der König zu Babel, wegführte. 
Und er war ein Vormund der Hadassa, das ist Esther, eine Tochter seines Oheims; denn sie hatte weder Vater noch Mutter. Und sie war eine schöne und feine Dirne. Und da ihr Vater und ihre Mutter starb, nahm sie Mardochai auf zur Tochter. 
Da nun das Gebot und Gesetz des Königs laut ward und viel Dirnen zuhaufe gebracht wurden gen Schloß Susan unter die Hand Hegais, ward Esther auch genommen zu des Königs Hause unter die Hand Hegais, des Hüters der Weiber. 
Und die Dirne gefiel ihm, und sie fand Barmherzigkeit vor ihm. Und er eilte mit ihrem Schmuck, daß er ihr ihren Teil gäbe und sieben feine Dirnen von des Königs Hause dazu. Und er tat sie mit ihren Dirnen an den besten Ort im Frauenhaus. 
Und Esther sagte ihm nicht an ihr Volk und ihre Freundschaft; denn Mardochai hatte ihr geboten, sie sollte es nicht ansagen. 
Und Mardochai wandelte alle Tage vor dem Hofe am Frauenhaus, daß er erführe, ob's Esther wohl ginge und was ihr geschehen würde. 
Wenn aber die bestimmte Zeit einer jeglichen Dirne kam, daß sie zum König Ahasveros kommen sollte, nachdem sie zwölf Monate im Frauen-Schmücken gewesen war (denn ihr Schmücken mußte soviel Zeit haben, nämlich sechs Monate mit Balsam und Myrrhe und sechs Monate mit guter Spezerei, so waren denn die Weiber geschmückt): 
alsdann ging die Dirne zum König und alles, was sie wollte, mußte man ihr geben, daß sie damit vom Frauenhaus zu des Königs Hause ginge. 
Und wenn eine des Abends hineinkam, die ging des Morgens von ihm in das andere Frauenhaus unter die Hand des Saasgas, des Königs Kämmerers, des Hüters der Kebsweiber Und sie durfte nicht wieder zum König kommen, es lüstete denn den König und er ließ sie mit Namen rufen. 
Da nun die Zeit Esthers herankam, der Tochter Abihails, des Oheims Mardochais (die er zur Tochter hatte aufgenommen), daß sie zum König kommen sollte, begehrte sie nichts, denn was Hegai, des Königs Kämmerer, der Weiber Hüter, sprach. Und Esther fand Gnade vor allen, die sie ansahen. 
Es ward aber Esther genommen zum König Ahasveros ins königliche Haus im zehnten Monat, der da heißt Tebeth Dezember, Januar, im siebenten Jahr seines Königreichs. 
Und der König gewann Esther lieb über alle Weiber, und sie fand Gnade und Barmherzigkeit vor ihm vor allen Jungfrauen. Und er setzte die königliche Krone auf ihr Haupt und machte sie zur Königin an Vasthis Statt. 
Und der König machte ein großes Mahl allen seinen Fürsten und Knechten, das war ein Mahl um Esthers willen, und ließ die Länder ruhen und gab königliche Geschenke aus. 
Und da man das anderemal Jungfrauen versammelte, saß Mardochai im Tor des Königs. 
Und Esther hatte noch nicht angesagt ihre Freundschaft noch ihr Volk, wie ihr Mardochai geboten hatte; denn Esther tat nach den Worten Mardochais, gleich als da er ihr Vormund war. 
Zur selben Zeit, da Mardochai im Tor des Königs saß, wurden zwei Kämmerer des Königs, Bigthan und Theres, die die Tür hüteten, zornig und trachteten ihre Hände an den König Ahasveros zu legen. 
Das ward Mardochai kund, und er sagte es der Königin Esther, und Esther sagte es dem König in Mardochais Namen. 
Und da man nachforschte, ward's gefunden, und sie wurden beide an Bäume gehängt. Und es ward geschrieben in die Chronik vor dem König. 

Als nach diesen Vorkommnissen die Aufregung des Königs Ahasveros sich gelegt hatte und er an Wasthi und ihr Verhalten und an den gegen sie gefaßten Beschluß zurückdachte, 
sagten die Höflinge, die den König persönlich zu bedienen hatten: »Man sollte für den König junge Mädchen, Jungfrauen von besonderer Schönheit, suchen. 
Der König möge also in allen Provinzen seines Reiches Beamte bestellen, welche alle jungen Mädchen, Jungfrauen von besonderer Schönheit, im Frauenhause der Residenz Susa zusammenbringen sollen unter die Obhut des königlichen Kammerherrn Hegai, des Aufsehers über die Frauen. Man lasse ihnen dann die zur Schönheitspflege erforderliche Behandlung zuteil werden, 
und das Mädchen, das dem König am meisten gefällt, soll als Königin an Wasthis Stelle treten.« Dieser Vorschlag fand den Beifall des Königs, und er brachte ihn zur Ausführung. 
Nun lebte in der Residenz Susa ein jüdischer Mann namens Mardochai, der Sohn Jairs, des Sohnes Simeis, des Sohnes des Kis, aus dem Stamme Benjamin; 
er war aus Jerusalem mitweggeführt worden mit den Gefangenen (oder: Verbannten), die zusammen mit dem jüdischen Könige Jechonja (= Jojachin; vgl. 2.Kön 24,10-16) von Nebukadnezar, dem Babylonierkönige, in die Gefangenschaft (oder: Verbannung) geführt worden waren. 
Er war der Pflegevater (oder: Vormund) der Hadassa (= Myrte), das ist Esther (= Stern), der Tochter seines Oheims; denn sie hatte weder Vater noch Mutter, war aber ein Mädchen von herrlicher Gestalt und außerordentlicher Schönheit; und nach dem Tode ihrer beiden Eltern hatte Mardochai sie als Tochter angenommen. 
Als nun der Erlaß und Befehl des Königs bekanntgemacht war und viele junge Mädchen in der Residenz Susa zusammengebracht und unter die Obhut Hegais gestellt wurden, da wurde auch Esther in den königlichen Palast aufgenommen und kam unter die Aufsicht Hegais, des Hüters der Frauen (= des Haremsaufsehers). 
Weil nun das junge Mädchen ihm gefiel und seine Gunst gewann, war er eifrig darauf bedacht, ihr die wirksamsten Schönheitsmittel und eine passende Kost zukommen zu lassen und ihr die sieben auserlesensten Dienerinnen aus dem königlichen Schlosse zu überweisen und sie mit ihren Dienerinnen im schönsten Teile des Frauenhauses unterzubringen. 
Esther teilte aber niemandem etwas von ihrer jüdischen Herkunft und ihren Familienverhältnissen mit, weil Mardochai ihr verboten hatte, etwas davon zu verraten. 
Mardochai ging aber Tag für Tag vor dem Hofe am Frauenhause auf und ab, um sich zu erkundigen, ob es der Esther wohl erginge und was mit ihr geschähe. 
Wenn aber die Reihe an irgendein junges Mädchen kam, sich zum König Ahasveros zu begeben, nachdem sie zwölf Monate lang nach den für die Frauen geltenden Verordnungen gelebt hatte – denn so lange Zeit erforderte ihre Schönheitspflege, nämlich sechs Monate lang eine Behandlung mit Myrrhenöl und sechs Monate mit Spezereien und anderen Schönheitsmitteln der Frauen –, 
und wenn sich das junge Mädchen alsdann zum Könige hineinbegab, so wurde ihr alles, was sie verlangte, aus dem Frauenhause in den königlichen Palast mitgegeben; 
am Abend ging sie hinein, und am Morgen kehrte sie zurück, und zwar in das zweite Frauenhaus unter die Aufsicht des königlichen Kammerherrn Saasgas, des Hüters der Nebenfrauen; sie durfte dann nicht wieder zum König kommen, außer wenn der König Gefallen an ihr gefunden hatte und sie ausdrücklich berufen wurde. 
Als nun Esther, die Tochter Abihails, des Oheims Mardochais, der sie als Tochter angenommen hatte, an der Reihe war, sich zum König zu begeben, da verlangte sie nichts, als was Hegai, der königliche Kammerherr, der Hüter der Frauen, ihr riet; denn Esther hatte sich die Zuneigung aller erworben, die sie sahen. 
Als nun Esther zum König Ahasveros in seinen königlichen Palast im zehnten Monat – das ist der Monat Tebeth – im siebten Jahre seiner Regierung gebracht war, 
gewann der König sie lieber als alle anderen Frauen, und sie erlangte seine Gunst und Zuneigung in höherem Grade als alle übrigen Jungfrauen, so daß er ihr die Königskrone aufs Haupt setzte und sie zur Königin an Wasthis Stelle erhob. 
Darauf veranstaltete der König für alle seine Würdenträger und Beamten ein großes Festmahl zu Ehren der Esther, gewährte den Provinzen einen Steuererlaß und bewilligte eine Getreidespende mit königlicher Freigebigkeit. 
Als dann zum zweitenmal Jungfrauen zusammengeholt wurden, während Mardochai sich gerade im Tor des Königs(palastes) aufhielt – 
Esther hatte aber von ihrer Familie und ihrer jüdischen Herkunft nichts kundwerden lassen, wie Mardochai ihr geboten hatte; sie tat überhaupt alles, was Mardochai ihr auftrug, gerade wie früher, als sie noch in Pflege bei ihm war –, 
in jenen Tagen also, während Mardochai sich gerade im Tor des Königs(palastes) aufhielt, gerieten Bigthan und Theres, zwei königliche Kammerherren aus der Zahl der Schwellenhüter, in solchen Zorn, daß sie dem König Ahasveros nach dem Leben trachteten. 
Aber Mardochai erhielt Kunde von der Sache und machte der Königin Esther Mitteilung davon; Esther aber erstattete dem Könige Anzeige im Auftrage Mardochais. 
Als nun die Sache untersucht wurde und sich als wahr herausstellte, wurden jene beiden ans Kreuz geschlagen und das Vorkommnis ins Buch der Zeitgeschichte (oder: in die Reichschronik) für den König eingetragen. 

Einige Zeit nach diesem Geschehen hatte sich der Zorn des Königs gelegt. Er dachte an das, was Waschti getan hatte und wie sie von ihm getrennt worden war. 
Seine jungen Diener bemerkten es und schlugen ihm vor: "Man sollte für den König schöne, unberührte junge Mädchen suchen. 
Der König könnte Beamte in allen Provinzen seines Reiches beauftragen, diese Mädchen in seinen Harem nach Susa zu bringen. Der königliche Eunuch Hegai, der für die Frauen des Königs verantwortlich ist, kann sie in seine Obhut nehmen und dafür sorgen, dass sie alle Mittel zur Schönheitspflege bekommen. 
Das Mädchen, das dem König am besten gefällt, sollte dann an Waschtis Stelle Königin werden." Der König fand den Vorschlag gut und gab die entsprechenden Anordnungen. 
Nun lebte im Palastbezirk von Susa ein jüdischer Mann namens Mordechai Ben-Jaďr aus dem Stamm Benjamin. Er war ein Nachkomme von Schimi und Kisch. 
Seine Vorfahren waren unter den Verschleppten gewesen, die vom babylonischen König Nebukadnezzar mit König Jojachin von Juda in die Verbannung geführt worden waren. 
Mordechai hatte nun die Tochter seines Onkels nach dem Tod ihrer Eltern als Pflegetochter angenommen. Sie hieß Hadassa, wurde aber auch Ester genannt und war außerordentlich schön. 
Als der königliche Erlass bekannt gemacht war und viele Mädchen in den Palastbezirk von Susa gebracht wurden, war auch Ester unter ihnen. Sie wurde in den königlichen Harem aufgenommen und dem Eunuchen Hegai übergeben. 
Das Mädchen fiel ihm auf und gewann seine Gunst. Er sorgte dafür, dass ihre Schönheitspflege sofort begann und sie die beste Ernährung erhielt. Sieben ausgewählte Dienerinnen aus dem königlichen Haushalt stellte er ihr zur Verfügung und ließ sie in die schönsten Räume des Frauenpalastes umziehen. 
Ester verschwieg jedoch ihre jüdische Herkunft, wie Mordechai es ihr eingeschärft hatte. 
Jeden Tag ging Mordechai vor dem Hof des Frauenpalastes vorbei, um zu erfahren, wie es Ester ging und was mit ihr geschah. 
Wenn nun eins der Mädchen an die Reihe kam, zum König zu gehen, nachdem es ein Jahr lang darauf vorbereitet worden war - denn so lange dauerte ihre Schönheitspflege: sechs Monate mit Myrrhenöl und sechs Monate mit Balsamöl und anderen Pflegemitteln -, 
wenn es also dann zum König ging, wurde ihm alles, was es verlangte, aus dem Frauenhaus mitgegeben. 
Am Abend ging es in den Palast des Königs, und am Morgen kehrte die junge Frau in den zweiten Frauenpalast zurück und kam unter die Aufsicht des königlichen Eunuchen Schaaschgas. Keine von ihnen durfte noch einmal zum König kommen, es sei denn, sie hatte dem König besonders gefallen und wurde namentlich gerufen. 
Als nun die Reihe an Ester Bat-Abihajil kam - Abihajil war der Onkel von Mordechai, der sie später als Tochter angenommen hatte -, verlangte sie nur das, was Hegai, der königliche Eunuch, ihr empfahl. Ester gewann die Zuneigung von allen, die sie sahen. 
Es war im Januar des siebenten Regierungsjahres von Xerxes, als Ester zum König gebracht wurde. 
Und sie erlangte seine Gunst; der König gewann sie einfach lieb. Seine Zuneigung zu ihr war größer als zu allen anderen jungen Frauen. Deshalb setzte er ihr die Krone auf und machte sie an Waschtis Stelle zur Königin. 
Dann veranstaltete er zu Ehren von Ester für alle seine Fürsten und Beamten ein großes Festmahl. Den Provinzen gewährte er einen Steuernachlass und teilte mit königlicher Großzügigkeit Geschenke aus. 
Als die jungen Frauen in das zweite Frauenhaus gebracht worden waren, hatte Mordechai einen Posten am Königshof inne. 
Und wie er es Ester eingeschärft hatte, erzählte sie niemand von ihrer jüdischen Herkunft. Sie gehorchte ihm noch genauso wie damals, als sie seine Pflegetochter war. 
Zu dieser Zeit verschworen sich Bigtan und Teresch, zwei königliche Eunuchen, die die Torwache befehligten, gegen Xerxes. Sie planten einen Anschlag auf den König. 
Mordechai hörte davon und teilte es der Königin Ester mit, die es in seinem Auftrag sofort dem König meldete. 
Die Sache wurde untersucht und für richtig befunden. Daraufhin wurden beide Eunuchen gepfählt. Den Vorfall trug man in die königliche Chronik ein. 

Als nach jenen Ereignissen sich der Grimm des Königs Achaschwerosch gelegt hatte, gedachte er der Waschti, was sie getan und was über sie beschlossen wurde. 
Da meinten die Diener des Königs, die ihm aufwarteten: "Man suche für den König nach jungfräulichen Mädchen, die gut aussehen! 
Der König schicke in alle Provinzen seines Reiches Beauftragte; diese sollen alle jungfräulichen Mädchen von schönem Aussehen in die Burg Susa ins Frauenhaus unter der Aufsicht des königlichen Hofbeamten Hegaj, des Frauenaufsehers, bringen. Man lasse ihnen die erforderliche Schönheitspflege angedeihen. 
Das Mädchen aber, das dem König gefällt, sei Königin an Waschtis Stelle!" Der Vorschlag sagte dem König zu, und er ließ danach verfahren. 
In der Burg Susa lebte ein jüdischer Mann mit Namen Mordekaj; er war der Sohn des Jaïr, der Enkel des Schimi, der Urenkel des Kisch, aus dem Stamm Benjamin. 
Er war von Jerusalem mit den Gefangenen weggeführt worden, die mit Jechonja, dem König von Juda, in die Verbannung gehen mußten, den Nebukadnezar, der König von Babel, wegführte. 
Er war der Pflegevater der Hadassa, das ist Ester, der Tochter seines Oheims. Denn sie hatte keinen Vater und keine Mutter mehr. Das Mädchen aber war schön von Gestalt und anmutsvoll, und nach dem Tod ihrer Eltern hatte Mordekaj sie als Tochter angenommen. 
Da wurden der Wille und das Gesetz des Königs verkündet; viele Mädchen kamen unter die Aufsicht des Hegaj in der Burg Susa zusammen; so wurde denn auch Ester in den Königspalast gebracht unter die Aufsicht Hegajs, des Aufsehers über die Frauen. 
Das Mädchen gefiel ihm, und es erfreute sich seiner Huld. Er stellte ihr eiligst Schönheitsmittel und die ihr zuträglichen Speisen zur Verfügung und gab ihr die sieben auserlesensten Dienerinnen aus dem Königspalast bei. Ihr und ihren Dienerinnen wies er die besten Räume im Frauenhaus zu. 
Ester hatte ihr Volk und ihre Herkunft nicht angegeben; denn Mordekaj hatte ihr eingeschärft, nichts mitzuteilen. 
Tagtäglich wandelte Mordekaj vor dem Hof des Frauenhauses auf und ab, um etwas über das Wohlergehen und die Behandlung der Ester zu erfahren. 
Wenn aber die Reihenfolge an jedes einzelne Mädchen kam, zum König Achaschwerosch zu gehen, nachdem es zwölf Monate lang nach den für die Frauen geltenden Vorschriften behandelt worden war - denn so wurde die Zeit ihrer Schönheitspflege ausgefüllt: sechs Monate mit Myrrhenöl und sechs Monate mit Balsam und den übrigen weiblichen Schönheitsmitteln -, 
wenn also dann das Mädchen zum König ging, wurde ihm alles, was es verlangte, mitgegeben, daß sie es aus dem Frauenhaus in den Königspalast bringe. 
Am Abend ging es hinein, und am Morgen kehrte es in das andere Frauenhaus zurück, das unter der Aufsicht des königlichen Hofbeamten Schaaschgas stand, der Aufseher über die Nebenfrauen war. Zum König durfte es nicht mehr kommen, es sei denn, daß der König an ihm Gefallen fand und es mit Namen rief. 
Als nun Ester, die Tochter Abichajils, des Oheims des Mordekaj, welche dieser als Tochter angenommen hatte, an der Reihe war, zum König zu gehen, begehrte sie nichts weiter, als was Hegaj, der königliche Hofbeamte, der Frauenaufseher, ihr angab. Ester aber erregte das Wohlgefallen aller, die sie erblickten. 
Ester wurde zum König Achaschwerosch in den königlichen Palast im zehnten Monat - das ist der Monat Tebet -, im siebten Jahre seiner Herrschaft, gebracht. 
Der König gewann Ester mehr lieb als alle anderen Frauen; sie fand Gunst und Wohlgefallen vor ihm mehr als alle Jungfrauen. Er setzte ihr den Königsschmuck aufs Haupt und ernannte sie an Waschtis Stelle zur Königin. 
Der König ließ allen seinen Fürsten und Beamten ein großes Festmahl herrichten, ein Mahl zu Ehren Esters. Den Provinzen gewährte er Steuernachlaß und verteilte Geschenke, wie es nur dem König möglich war. 
Als die Mädchen sich zum zweitenmal versammelten, saß Mordekaj am Königstor. 
Ester aber hatte ihre Herkunft und ihr Volk nicht angegeben, wie es ihr Mordekaj geboten hatte. Den Befehl Mordekajs befolgte Ester wie damals, als sie noch bei ihm in Pflege war. 
In jenen Tagen, da Mordekaj am Königstor saß, grollten Bigtan und Teresch, die beiden Höflinge des Königs im Rang der Schwellenhüter, und suchten eine Gelegenheit, an den König Achaschwerosch Hand anzulegen. 
Der Anschlag aber wurde dem Mordekaj bekannt, er berichtete ihn der Königin Ester, und diese meldete es im Auftrag Mordekajs dem König. 
Die Sache wurde untersucht und richtig befunden. Die beiden wurden am Holzpfahl aufgehängt. Das wurde im Buch der Chronik für den König aufgezeichnet. 

Nach diesen Begebenheiten, als sich der Grimm des Königs Ahasveros gelegt hatte, dachte er an Vasti und daran, was sie getan hatte und was über sie beschlossen worden war. 
Da sprachen die Knappen des Königs, die ihm dienten: Man suche für den König Mädchen, Jungfrauen von schöner Gestalt; 
und der König bestellte Beamte in allen Provinzen seines Königreichs, damit sie alle Mädchen, Jungfrauen von schöner Gestalt, in das Schloß Susan zusammenbringen, in das Frauenhaus, unter die Obhut Hegais, des königlichen Kämmerers, des Hüters der Frauen; und man lasse ihnen ihre Reinigungssalben geben; 
und welche Jungfrau dem König gefällt, die werde Königin an Vastis Statt! Dieser Vorschlag gefiel dem König, und er tat also. 
Es war aber ein jüdischer Mann im Schloß Susan, der hieß Mardochai, ein Sohn Jairs, des Sohnes Simeis, des Sohnes des Kis, 
ein Benjaminiter, der von Jerusalem weggeführt worden war mit den Gefangenen, die mit Jechonja, dem König von Juda, hinweggeführt worden waren, welche Nebukadnezar, der König von Babel, gefangen weggeführt hatte. 
Und dieser war Pflegevater der Hadassa (das ist Esther), der Tochter seines Oheims; denn sie hatte weder Vater noch Mutter. Diese Jungfrau aber war von schöner Gestalt und lieblichem Aussehen. Und als ihr Vater und ihre Mutter gestorben waren, hatte Mardochai sie als seine Tochter angenommen. 
Als nun das Gebot des Königs und das Gesetz bekanntgemacht war und viele Jungfrauen in das Schloß Susan unter die Obhut Hegais zusammengebracht wurden, da ward auch Esther in des Königs Haus geholt, unter die Obhut Hegais, des Hüters der Frauen. 
Und die Jungfrau gefiel ihm, und sie fand Gunst bei ihm. Und er sorgte dafür, daß sie ihre Reinigungssalben und ihre Gerichte bald erhielt; auch gab er ihr sieben auserlesene Mägde aus des Königs Hause. Und er wies ihr samt ihren Mägden den besten Ort im Frauenhause an. 
Esther aber zeigte ihr Volk und ihre Herkunft nicht an; denn Mardochai hatte ihr geboten, es nicht zu sagen. 
Und Mardochai ging alle Tage vor dem Hof am Frauenhause auf und ab, um zu erfahren, ob es Esther wohlgehe und was mit ihr geschehe. 
Wenn die Reihe an eine jede Jungfrau kam, zum König Ahasveros zu kommen, nachdem sie zwölf Monate lang gemäß der Verordnung für die Frauen, behandelt worden war (denn damit wurden die Tage ihrer Reinigung ausgefüllt: sechs Monate wurden sie mit Myrrhenöl und sechs Monate mit Balsam und mit den Reinigungssalben der Frauen behandelt); 
alsdann kam die Jungfrau zum König; dann gab man ihr alles, was sie begehrte, um damit von dem Frauenhause zu des Königs Hause zu gehen. 
Am Abend ging sie hinein, und am Morgen kam sie zurück, in das andere Frauenhaus, unter die Obhut Schaaschgas, des Kämmerers des Königs, des Hüters der Nebenfrauen; sie kam nicht wieder zum König, außer wenn der König nach ihr verlangte; alsdann wurde sie mit Namen gerufen. 
Als nun Esther, die Tochter Abichails, des Oheims Mardochais, die er als Tochter angenommen hatte, an die Reihe kam, zum König zu kommen, begehrte sie nichts, als was Hegai, der Kämmerer des Königs, der Hüter der Frauen, ihr riet. Und Esther fand Gnade vor allen, die sie sahen. 
Und Esther ward zum König Ahasveros, in sein königliches Haus genommen, im zehnten Monat, das ist der Monat Thebet, im siebenten Jahre seiner Regierung. 
Und der König gewann Esther lieber als alle andern Frauen. Sie fand Gnade und Gunst vor ihm, mehr als alle Jungfrauen; und er setzte die königliche Krone auf ihr Haupt und machte sie zur Königin an Vastis Statt. 
Und der König machte allen seinen Fürsten ein großes Mahl, das Mahl der Esther. Und er veranstaltete eine Feier in den Provinzen und teilte Gaben aus mit königlicher Hand. 
Und als man zum zweitenmal Jungfrauen zusammenbrachte, saß Mardochai im Tore des Königs. 
Esther aber hatte weder ihre Herkunft noch ihr Volk angezeigt, wie ihr Mardochai geboten hatte. Denn Esther tat nach der Weisung Mardochais, wie zu der Zeit, als sie von ihm erzogen wurde. 
In jenen Tagen, als Mardochai im Tore des Königs saß, waren zwei Kämmerer des Königs, Bigtan und Teres, welche die Schwelle hüteten, unzufrieden und trachteten, Hand an den König Ahasveros zu legen. 
Das ward dem Mardochai bekannt, und er sagte es der Königin Esther; Esther aber sagte es dem König in Mardochais Namen. 
Da wurde die Sache untersucht und richtig befunden, und die beiden wurden an das Holz gehängt; und solches ward vor dem König in das Buch der Chronik geschrieben. 

Nach diesen Begebenheiten, als sich der Zorn des Königs Ahasveros gelegt hatte, gedachte er der Vasthi und dessen, was sie gethan hatte, und dessen, was über sie beschlossen worden war. 
Da sprachen die Höflinge des Königs, die ihn bedienten: Man suche für den König nach jugendlich schönen Jungfrauen, 
und der König bestelle Beamte in allen Provinzen seines Königreichs, daß sie alle jugendlich schönen Jungfrauen zusammenbringen nach der Burg Susa ins Frauenhaus unter die Obhut Hegais, des königlichen Kämmerers, des Aufsehers über die Frauen, und nehme die nötigen Vorbereitungen mit ihnen vor; 
und das Mädchen, welches dem Könige gefällt, soll Königin werden an Stelle Vasthis. Dieser Vorschlag gefiel dem König und er that also. 
Es war aber in der Burg Susa ein jüdischer Mann, Namens Mardachai, ein Sohn Jairs, des Sohnes Simeis, des Sohnes Kis', ein Benjaminit, 
der aus Jerusalem weggeführt worden war zugleich mit den Weggeführten, die mit Jechonja, dem Könige von Juda, weggeführt wurden, die Nebukadnezar, der König von Babel, wegführte. 
Und er war der PflegeVater Hadassas - das ist Esther -, der Tochter seines Oheims, da sie weder Vater noch Mutter hatte. Das Mädchen war von herrlicher Gestalt und schönem Ansehen, und als ihr Vater und ihre Mutter starben, hatte sie Mardachai als Tochter angenommen. 
Als nun der Erlaß des Königs und sein Gesetz kund wurde, und man viele Mädchen nach der Burg Susa unter die Obhut Hegais zusammenbrachte, da wurde auch Esther in den Palast des Königs unter die Obhut Hegais, des Aufsehers über die Frauen, geholt. 
Und das Mädchen gefiel ihm und sie fand Gnade vor ihm; daher beeilte er sich, sie vorzubereiten, ihr die geignete Kost zu reichen und ihr die sieben ihr zukommenden Dienerinnen aus dem königlichen Palaste zu verschaffen; und er versetzte sie und ihre Dienerinnen in die besten Gemächer des Frauenhauses. 
Esther hatte ihr Volk und ihre Herkunft nicht verraten; denn Mardachai hatte ihr anbefohlen, es nicht zu verraten. 
Mardachai aber ging Tag für Tag vor dem Hofe des Frauenhauses umher, um zu erkunden, ob es Esther wohlgehe, und was mit ihr geschehen werde. 
Und jedesmal, wenn die Reihe an ein Mädchen kam, sich zum Könige Ahasveros hineinzubegeben, nach Ablauf der zwölfmonatlichen Frist, in der sie gemäß den für die Frauen geltenden Vorschriften behandelt worden war, - denn so viel Zeit verging über ihrer Vorbereitung: sechs Monate über der vermittelst Balsamöl und sechs Monate über der vermittelst Spezereien und anderen Mitteln zur Vorbereitung der Frauen -: 
wenn sich also das Mädchen zum Könige hineinbegab, so mußte man ihr alles, was sie verlangte, geben, daß es mit ihr aus dem Frauenhause in den königlichen Palast gelange. 
Am Abend begab sie sich hinein und am Morgen kehrte sie zurück, nunmehr ins zweite Frauenhaus, unter die Obhut Saasgas', des königlichen Kämmerers, des Aufsehers über die Kebsweiber; sie durfte dann nicht wieder zum Könige kommen, außer wenn der König Gefallen an ihr gefunden hatte, und sie ausdrücklich berufen wurde. 
Als nun an Esther, die Tochter Abihails, des Oheims Mardachais, der sie als Tochter angenommen hatte, die Reihe kam, daß sie sich zum Könige hineinbegeben sollte, verlangte sie nichts, außer was Hegai, der Kämmerer des Königs, der Aufseher über die Frauen angab. Und Esther erwarb sich Gunst bei allen, die sie sahen. 
Und so ward Esther zum König Ahasveros in seinen königlichen Palast geholt, im zehnten Monate - das ist der Monat Thebet -, im siebenten Jahre seiner Regierung. 
Und der König gewann Esther lieb, mehr als alle die anderen Frauen, und sie erwarb sich Gunst und Gnade vor ihm, mehr als alle die anderen Jungfrauen. Und er setzte das königliche Diadem auf ihr Haupt und machte sie an Stelle Vasthis zur Königin. 
Sodann veranstaltete der König ein großes Gastmahl für alle seine Fürsten und Diener, das Gastmahl zu Ehren Esthers, und auch für die Provinzen veranstaltete er eine Lustbarkeit und bewilligte dazu eine Spende mit königlicher Freigebigkeit. 
Als man nun ein zweites Mal Jungfrauen zusammenbrachte, während Mardachai gerade im Thore des Königs verweilte - 
Esther aber hatte ihre Herkunft und ihr Volk nicht verraten, wie Mardachai ihr anbefohlen hatte, indem Esther den Befehl des Mardachai ausführte, ebenso wie damals, als sie noch in Pflege bei ihm war -: 
in jenen Tagen also, während Mardachai gerade im Thore des Königs verweilte, gerieten Bigthan und Theres, zwei Kämmerer des Königs, die zu den Schwellenhütern gehörten, in Zorn, und trachteten darnach, Hand an den König Ahasveros zu legen. 
Aber die Sache wurde Mardachai kund, und er teilte es der Königin Esther mit, und Esther sagte es im Namen Mardachais dem Könige. 
Als nun die Sache untersucht und richtig befunden ward, wurden beide an den Galgen gehängt. Und der Hergang wurde im Buche der Zeitgeschichte für den König aufgezeichnet. 

Nach diesen Begebenheiten, als sich der Zorn des Königs Ahasveros gelegt hatte, gedachte er der Vasthi und dessen, was sie gethan hatte, und dessen, was über sie beschlossen worden war. 
Da sprachen die Höflinge des Königs, die ihn bedienten: Man suche für den König nach jugendlich schönen Jungfrauen, 
und der König bestelle Beamte in allen Provinzen seines Königreichs, daß sie alle jugendlich schönen Jungfrauen zusammenbringen nach der Burg Susa ins Frauenhaus unter die Obhut Hegais, des königlichen Kämmerers, des Aufsehers über die Frauen, und nehme die nötigen Vorbereitungen mit ihnen vor; 
und das Mädchen, welches dem Könige gefällt, soll Königin werden an Stelle Vasthis. Dieser Vorschlag gefiel dem König und er that also. 
Es war aber in der Burg Susa ein jüdischer Mann, Namens Mardachai, ein Sohn Jairs, des Sohnes Simeis, des Sohnes Kis', ein Benjaminit, 
der aus Jerusalem weggeführt worden war zugleich mit den Weggeführten, die mit Jechonja, dem Könige von Juda, weggeführt wurden, die Nebukadnezar, der König von Babel, wegführte. 
Und er war der PflegeVater Hadassas - das ist Esther -, der Tochter seines Oheims, da sie weder Vater noch Mutter hatte. Das Mädchen war von herrlicher Gestalt und schönem Ansehen, und als ihr Vater und ihre Mutter starben, hatte sie Mardachai als Tochter angenommen. 
Als nun der Erlaß des Königs und sein Gesetz kund wurde, und man viele Mädchen nach der Burg Susa unter die Obhut Hegais zusammenbrachte, da wurde auch Esther in den Palast des Königs unter die Obhut Hegais, des Aufsehers über die Frauen, geholt. 
Und das Mädchen gefiel ihm und sie fand Gnade vor ihm; daher beeilte er sich, sie vorzubereiten, ihr die geignete Kost zu reichen und ihr die sieben ihr zukommenden Dienerinnen aus dem königlichen Palaste zu verschaffen; und er versetzte sie und ihre Dienerinnen in die besten Gemächer des Frauenhauses. 
Esther hatte ihr Volk und ihre Herkunft nicht verraten; denn Mardachai hatte ihr anbefohlen, es nicht zu verraten. 
Mardachai aber ging Tag für Tag vor dem Hofe des Frauenhauses umher, um zu erkunden, ob es Esther wohlgehe, und was mit ihr geschehen werde. 
Und jedesmal, wenn die Reihe an ein Mädchen kam, sich zum Könige Ahasveros hineinzubegeben, nach Ablauf der zwölfmonatlichen Frist, in der sie gemäß den für die Frauen geltenden Vorschriften behandelt worden war, - denn so viel Zeit verging über ihrer Vorbereitung: sechs Monate über der vermittelst Balsamöl und sechs Monate über der vermittelst Spezereien und anderen Mitteln zur Vorbereitung der Frauen -: 
wenn sich also das Mädchen zum Könige hineinbegab, so mußte man ihr alles, was sie verlangte, geben, daß es mit ihr aus dem Frauenhause in den königlichen Palast gelange. 
Am Abend begab sie sich hinein und am Morgen kehrte sie zurück, nunmehr ins zweite Frauenhaus, unter die Obhut Saasgas', des königlichen Kämmerers, des Aufsehers über die Kebsweiber; sie durfte dann nicht wieder zum Könige kommen, außer wenn der König Gefallen an ihr gefunden hatte, und sie ausdrücklich berufen wurde. 
Als nun an Esther, die Tochter Abihails, des Oheims Mardachais, der sie als Tochter angenommen hatte, die Reihe kam, daß sie sich zum Könige hineinbegeben sollte, verlangte sie nichts, außer was Hegai, der Kämmerer des Königs, der Aufseher über die Frauen angab. Und Esther erwarb sich Gunst bei allen, die sie sahen. 
Und so ward Esther zum König Ahasveros in seinen königlichen Palast geholt, im zehnten Monate - das ist der Monat Thebet -, im siebenten Jahre seiner Regierung. 
Und der König gewann Esther lieb, mehr als alle die anderen Frauen, und sie erwarb sich Gunst und Gnade vor ihm, mehr als alle die anderen Jungfrauen. Und er setzte das königliche Diadem auf ihr Haupt und machte sie an Stelle Vasthis zur Königin. 
Sodann veranstaltete der König ein großes Gastmahl für alle seine Fürsten und Diener, das Gastmahl zu Ehren Esthers, und auch für die Provinzen veranstaltete er eine Lustbarkeit und bewilligte dazu eine Spende mit königlicher Freigebigkeit. 
Als man nun ein zweites Mal Jungfrauen zusammenbrachte, während Mardachai gerade im Thore des Königs verweilte - 
Esther aber hatte ihre Herkunft und ihr Volk nicht verraten, wie Mardachai ihr anbefohlen hatte, indem Esther den Befehl des Mardachai ausführte, ebenso wie damals, als sie noch in Pflege bei ihm war -: 
in jenen Tagen also, während Mardachai gerade im Thore des Königs verweilte, geriethen Bigthan und Theres, zwei Kämmerer des Königs, die zu den Schwellenhütern gehörten, in Zorn, und trachteten darnach, Hand an den König Ahasveros zu legen. 
Aber die Sache wurde Mardachai kund, und er teilte es der Königin Esther mit, und Esther sagte es im Namen Mardachais dem Könige. 
Als nun die Sache untersucht und richtig befunden ward, wurden beide an den Galgen gehängt. Und der Hergang wurde im Buche der Zeitgeschichte für den König aufgezeichnet. 

א אחר הדברים האלה כשך חמת המלך אחשורוש--זכר את ושתי ואת אשר עשתה ואת אשר נגזר עליה 
ב ויאמרו נערי המלך משרתיו  יבקשו למלך נערות בתולות טובות מראה 
ג ויפקד המלך פקידים בכל מדינות מלכותו ויקבצו את כל נערה בתולה טובת מראה אל שושן הבירה אל בית הנשים אל יד הגא סריס המלך שמר הנשים ונתון תמרקיהן 
ד והנערה אשר תיטב בעיני המלך--תמלך תחת ושתי וייטב הדבר בעיני המלך ויעש כן  {ס} 
ה איש יהודי היה בשושן הבירה ושמו מרדכי בן יאיר בן שמעי בן קיש--איש ימיני 
ו אשר הגלה מירושלים עם הגלה אשר הגלתה עם יכניה מלך יהודה--אשר הגלה נבוכדנצר מלך בבל 
ז ויהי אמן את הדסה היא אסתר בת דדו--כי אין לה אב ואם והנערה יפת תאר וטובת מראה ובמות אביה ואמה לקחה מרדכי לו לבת 
ח ויהי בהשמע דבר המלך ודתו ובהקבץ נערות רבות אל שושן הבירה אל יד הגי ותלקח אסתר אל בית המלך אל יד הגי שמר הנשים 
ט ותיטב הנערה בעיניו ותשא חסד לפניו ויבהל את תמרוקיה ואת מנותה לתת לה ואת שבע הנערות הראיות לתת לה מבית המלך וישנה ואת נערותיה לטוב בית הנשים 
י לא הגידה אסתר את עמה ואת מולדתה  כי מרדכי צוה עליה אשר לא תגיד 
יא ובכל יום ויום--מרדכי מתהלך לפני חצר בית הנשים  לדעת את שלום אסתר ומה יעשה בה 
יב ובהגיע תר נערה ונערה לבוא אל המלך אחשורוש מקץ היות לה כדת הנשים שנים עשר חדש--כי כן ימלאו ימי מרוקיהן  ששה חדשים בשמן המר וששה חדשים בבשמים ובתמרוקי הנשים 
יג ובזה הנערה באה אל המלך--את כל אשר תאמר ינתן לה לבוא עמה מבית הנשים עד בית המלך 
יד בערב היא באה ובבקר היא שבה אל בית הנשים שני אל יד שעשגז סריס המלך שמר הפילגשים  לא תבוא עוד אל המלך כי אם חפץ בה המלך ונקראה בשם 
טו ובהגיע תר אסתר בת אביחיל דד מרדכי אשר לקח לו לבת לבוא אל המלך לא בקשה דבר--כי אם את אשר יאמר הגי סריס המלך שמר הנשים ותהי אסתר נשאת חן בעיני כל ראיה 
טז ותלקח אסתר אל המלך אחשורוש אל בית מלכותו בחדש העשירי הוא חדש טבת--בשנת שבע למלכותו 
יז ויאהב המלך את אסתר מכל הנשים ותשא חן וחסד לפניו מכל הבתולות וישם כתר מלכות בראשה וימליכה תחת ושתי 
יח ויעש המלך משתה גדול לכל שריו ועבדיו--את משתה אסתר והנחה למדינות עשה ויתן משאת כיד המלך 
יט ובהקבץ בתולות שנית ומרדכי ישב בשער המלך 
כ אין אסתר מגדת מולדתה ואת עמה כאשר צוה עליה מרדכי ואת מאמר מרדכי אסתר עשה כאשר היתה באמנה אתו  {ס} 
כא בימים ההם ומרדכי יושב בשער המלך קצף בגתן ותרש שני סריסי המלך משמרי הסף ויבקשו לשלח יד במלך אחשורש 
כב ויודע הדבר למרדכי ויגד לאסתר המלכה ותאמר אסתר למלך בשם מרדכי 
כג ויבקש הדבר וימצא ויתלו שניהם על עץ ויכתב בספר דברי הימים--לפני המלך  {ס} 

אַחַר הַדְּבָרִים הָאֵלֶּה כְּשֹׁךְ חֲמַת הַמֶּלֶךְ אֲחַשְׁוֵרוֹשׁ זָכַר אֶת־וַשְׁתִּי וְאֵת אֲשֶׁר־עָשָׂתָה וְאֵת אֲשֶׁר־נִגְזַר עָלֶיהָ ׃ 
וַיֹּאמְרוּ נַעֲרֵי־הַמֶּלֶךְ מְשָׁרְתָיו יְבַקְשׁוּ לַמֶּלֶךְ נְעָרוֹת בְּתוּלוֹת טוֹבוֹת מַרְאֶה ׃ 
וְיַפְקֵד הַמֶּלֶךְ פְּקִידִים בְּכָל־מְדִינוֹת מַלְכוּתוֹ וְיִקְבְּצוּ אֶת־כָּל־נַעֲרָה־בְתוּלָה טוֹבַת מַרְאֶה אֶל־שׁוּשַׁן הַבִּירָה אֶל־בֵּית הַנָּשִׁים אֶל־יַד הֵגֶא סְרִיס הַמֶּלֶךְ שֹׁמֵר הַנָּשִׁים וְנָתוֹן תַּמְרוּקֵיהֶן ׃ 
וְהַנַּעֲרָה אֲשֶׁר תִּיטַב בְּעֵינֵי הַמֶּלֶךְ תִּמְלֹךְ תַּחַת וַשְׁתִּי וַיִּיטַב הַדָּבָר בְּעֵינֵי הַמֶּלֶךְ וַיַּעַשׂ כֵּן ׃ 
ס אִישׁ יְהוּדִי הָיָה בְּשׁוּשַׁן הַבִּירָה וּשְׁמוֹ מָרְדֳּכַי בֶּן יָאִיר בֶּן־שִׁמְעִי בֶּן־קִישׁ אִישׁ יְמִינִי ׃ 
אֲשֶׁר הָגְלָה מִירוּשָׁלַיִם עִם־הַגֹּלָה אֲשֶׁר הָגְלְתָה עִם יְכָנְיָה מֶלֶךְ־יְהוּדָה אֲשֶׁר הֶגְלָה נְבוּכַדְנֶאצַּר מֶלֶךְ בָּבֶל ׃ 
וַיְהִי אֹמֵן אֶת־הֲדַסָּה הִיא אֶסְתֵּר בַּת־דֹּדוֹ כִּי אֵין לָהּ אָב וָאֵם וְהַנַּעֲרָה יְפַת־תֹּאַר וְטוֹבַת מַרְאֶה וּבְמוֹת אָבִיהָ וְאִמָּהּ לְקָחָהּ מָרְדֳּכַי לוֹ לְבַת ׃ 
וַיְהִי בְּהִשָּׁמַע דְּבַר־הַמֶּלֶךְ וְדָתוֹ וּבְהִקָּבֵץ נְעָרוֹת רַבּוֹת אֶל־שׁוּשַׁן הַבִּירָה אֶל־יַד הֵגָי וַתִּלָּקַח אֶסְתֵּר אֶל־בֵּית הַמֶּלֶךְ אֶל־יַד הֵגַי שֹׁמֵר הַנָּשִׁים ׃ 
וַתִּיטַב הַנַּעֲרָה בְעֵינָיו וַתִּשָּׂא חֶסֶד לְפָנָיו וַיְבַהֵל אֶת־תַּמְרוּקֶיהָ וְאֶת־מָנוֹתֶהָ לָתֵת לָהּ וְאֵת שֶׁבַע הַנְּעָרוֹת הָרְאֻיוֹת לָתֶת־לָהּ מִבֵּית הַמֶּלֶךְ וַיְשַׁנֶּהָ וְאֶת־נַעֲרוֹתֶיהָ לְטוֹב בֵּית הַנָּשִׁים ׃ 
לֹא־הִגִּידָה אֶסְתֵּר אֶת־עַמָּהּ וְאֶת־מוֹלַדְתָּהּ כִּי מָרְדֳּכַי צִוָּה עָלֶיהָ אֲשֶׁר לֹא־תַגִּיד ׃ 
וּבְכָל־יוֹם וָיוֹם מָרְדֳּכַי מִתְהַלֵּךְ לִפְנֵי חֲצַר בֵּית־הַנָּשִׁים לָדַעַת אֶת־שְׁלוֹם אֶסְתֵּר וּמַה־יֵּעָשֶׂה בָּהּ ׃ 
וּבְהַגִּיעַ תֹּר נַעֲרָה וְנַעֲרָה לָבוֹא אֶל־הַמֶּלֶךְ אֲחַשְׁוֵרוֹשׁ מִקֵּץ הֱיוֹת לָהּ כְּדָת הַנָּשִׁים שְׁנֵים עָשָׂר חֹדֶשׁ כִּי כֵּן יִמְלְאוּ יְמֵי מְרוּקֵיהֶן שִׁשָּׁה חֳדָשִׁים בְּשֶׁמֶן הַמֹּר וְשִׁשָּׁה חֳדָשִׁים בַּבְּשָׂמִים וּבְתַמְרוּקֵי הַנָּשִׁים ׃ 
וּבָזֶה הַנַּעֲרָה בָּאָה אֶל־הַמֶּלֶךְ אֵת כָּל־אֲשֶׁר תֹּאמַר יִנָּתֵן לָהּ לָבוֹא עִמָּהּ מִבֵּית הַנָּשִׁים עַד־בֵּית הַמֶּלֶךְ ׃ 
בָּעֶרֶב הִיא בָאָה וּבַבֹּקֶר הִיא שָׁבָה אֶל־בֵּית הַנָּשִׁים שֵׁנִי אֶל־יַד שַׁעֲשְׁגַז סְרִיס הַמֶּלֶךְ שֹׁמֵר הַפִּילַגְשִׁים לֹא־תָבוֹא עוֹד אֶל־הַמֶּלֶךְ כִּי אִם־חָפֵץ בָּהּ הַמֶּלֶךְ וְנִקְרְאָה בְשֵׁם ׃ 
וּבְהַגִּיעַ תֹּר־אֶסְתֵּר בַּת־אֲבִיחַיִל דֹּד מָרְדֳּכַי אֲשֶׁר לָקַח־לוֹ לְבַת לָבוֹא אֶל־הַמֶּלֶךְ לֹא בִקְשָׁה דָּבָר כִּי אִם אֶת־אֲשֶׁר יֹאמַר הֵגַי סְרִיס־הַמֶּלֶךְ שֹׁמֵר הַנָּשִׁים וַתְּהִי אֶסְתֵּר נֹשֵׂאת חֵן בְּעֵינֵי כָּל־רֹאֶיהָ ׃ 
וַתִּלָּקַח אֶסְתֵּר אֶל־הַמֶּלֶךְ אֲחַשְׁוֵרוֹשׁ אֶל־בֵּית מַלְכוּתוֹ בַּחֹדֶשׁ הָעֲשִׂירִי הוּא־חֹדֶשׁ טֵבֵת בִּשְׁנַת־שֶׁבַע לְמַלְכוּתוֹ ׃ 
וַיֶּאֱהַב הַמֶּלֶךְ אֶת־אֶסְתֵּר מִכָּל־הַנָּשִׁים וַתִּשָּׂא־חֵן וָחֶסֶד לְפָנָיו מִכָּל־הַבְּתוּלֹת וַיָּשֶׂם כֶּתֶר־מַלְכוּת בְּרֹאשָׁהּ וַיַּמְלִיכֶהָ תַּחַת וַשְׁתִּי ׃ 
וַיַּעַשׂ הַמֶּלֶךְ מִשְׁתֶּה גָדוֹל לְכָל־שָׂרָיו וַעֲבָדָיו אֵת מִשְׁתֵּה אֶסְתֵּר וַהֲנָחָה לַמְּדִינוֹת עָשָׂה וַיִּתֵּן מַשְׂאֵת כְּיַד הַמֶּלֶךְ ׃ 
וּבְהִקָּבֵץ בְּתוּלוֹת שֵׁנִית וּמָרְדֳּכַי יֹשֵׁב בְּשַׁעַר־הַמֶּלֶךְ ׃ 
אֵין אֶסְתֵּר מַגֶּדֶת מוֹלַדְתָּהּ וְאֶת־עַמָּהּ כַּאֲשֶׁר צִוָּה עָלֶיהָ מָרְדֳּכָי וְאֶת־מַאֲמַר מָרְדֳּכַי אֶסְתֵּר עֹשָׂה כַּאֲשֶׁר הָיְתָה בְאָמְנָה אִתּוֹ ׃ ס 
בַּיָּמִים הָהֵם וּמָרְדֳּכַי יֹשֵׁב בְּשַׁעַר־הַמֶּלֶךְ קָצַף בִּגְתָן וָתֶרֶשׁ שְׁנֵי־סָרִיסֵי הַמֶּלֶךְ מִשֹּׁמְרֵי הַסַּף וַיְבַקְשׁוּ לִשְׁלֹחַ יָד בַּמֶּלֶךְ אֲחַשְׁוֵרֹשׁ ׃ 
וַיִּוָּדַע הַדָּבָר לְמָרְדֳּכַי וַיַּגֵּד לְאֶסְתֵּר הַמַּלְכָּה וַתֹּאמֶר אֶסְתֵּר לַמֶּלֶךְ בְּשֵׁם מָרְדֳּכָי ׃ 
וַיְבֻקַּשׁ הַדָּבָר וַיִּמָּצֵא וַיִּתָּלוּ שְׁנֵיהֶם עַל־עֵץ וַיִּכָּתֵב בְּסֵפֶר דִּבְרֵי הַיָּמִים לִפְנֵי הַמֶּלֶךְ ׃ פ 

אחר הדברים האלה כשך חמת המלך אחשורוש זכר את ושתי ואת אשר עשתה ואת אשר נגזר עליה׃ 
ויאמרו נערי המלך משרתיו יבקשו למלך נערות בתולות טובות מראה׃ 
ויפקד המלך פקידים בכל מדינות מלכותו ויקבצו את כל נערה בתולה טובת מראה אל שושן הבירה אל בית הנשים אל יד הגא סריס המלך שמר הנשים ונתון תמרוקיהן׃ 
והנערה אשר תיטב בעיני המלך תמלך תחת ושתי וייטב הדבר בעיני המלך ויעש כן׃ 
איש יהודי היה בשושן הבירה ושמו מרדכי בן יאיר בן שמעי בן קיש איש ימיני׃ 
אשר הגלה מירושלים עם הגלה אשר הגלתה עם יכניה מלך יהודה אשר הגלה נבוכדנאצר מלך בבל׃ 
ויהי אמן את הדסה היא אסתר בת דדו כי אין לה אב ואם והנערה יפת תאר וטובת מראה ובמות אביה ואמה לקחה מרדכי לו לבת׃ 
ויהי בהשמע דבר המלך ודתו ובהקבץ נערות רבות אל שושן הבירה אל יד הגי ותלקח אסתר אל בית המלך אל יד הגי שמר הנשים׃ 
ותיטב הנערה בעיניו ותשא חסד לפניו ויבהל את תמרוקיה ואת מנותה לתת לה ואת שבע הנערות הראיות לתת לה מבית המלך וישנה ואת נערותיה לטוב בית הנשים׃ 
לא הגידה אסתר את עמה ואת מולדתה כי מרדכי צוה עליה אשר לא תגיד׃ 
ובכל יום ויום מרדכי מתהלך לפני חצר בית הנשים לדעת את שלום אסתר ומה יעשה בה׃ 
ובהגיע תר נערה ונערה לבוא אל המלך אחשורוש מקץ היות לה כדת הנשים שנים עשר חדש כי כן ימלאו ימי מרוקיהן ששה חדשים בשמן המר וששה חדשים בבשמים ובתמרוקי הנשים׃ 
ובזה הנערה באה אל המלך את כל אשר תאמר ינתן לה לבוא עמה מבית הנשים עד בית המלך׃ 
בערב היא באה ובבקר היא שבה אל בית הנשים שני אל יד שעשגז סריס המלך שמר הפילגשים לא תבוא עוד אל המלך כי אם חפץ בה המלך ונקראה בשם׃ 
ובהגיע תר אסתר בת אביחיל דד מרדכי אשר לקח לו לבת לבוא אל המלך לא בקשה דבר כי אם את אשר יאמר הגי סריס המלך שמר הנשים ותהי אסתר נשאת חן בעיני כל ראיה׃ 
ותלקח אסתר אל המלך אחשורוש אל בית מלכותו בחדש העשירי הוא חדש טבת בשנת שבע למלכותו׃ 
ויאהב המלך את אסתר מכל הנשים ותשא חן וחסד לפניו מכל הבתולת וישם כתר מלכות בראשה וימליכה תחת ושתי׃ 
ויעש המלך משתה גדול לכל שריו ועבדיו את משתה אסתר והנחה למדינות עשה ויתן משאת כיד המלך׃ 
ובהקבץ בתולות שנית ומרדכי ישב בשער המלך׃ 
אין אסתר מגדת מולדתה ואת עמה כאשר צוה עליה מרדכי ואת מאמר מרדכי אסתר עשה כאשר היתה באמנה אתו׃ 
בימים ההם ומרדכי ישב בשער המלך קצף בגתן ותרש שני סריסי המלך משמרי הסף ויבקשו לשלח יד במלך אחשורש׃ 
ויודע הדבר למרדכי ויגד לאסתר המלכה ותאמר אסתר למלך בשם מרדכי׃ 
ויבקש הדבר וימצא ויתלו שניהם על עץ ויכתב בספר דברי הימים לפני המלך׃ 

אַחַר הַדְּבָרִים הָאֵלֶּה כְּשֹׁךְ חֲמַת הַמֶּלֶךְ אֲחַשְׁוֵרוֹשׁ זָכַר אֶת ־ וַשְׁתִּיוְאֵתאֲשֶׁר ־ עָשָׂתָהוְאֵתאֲשֶׁר ־ נִגְזַרעָלֶֽיהָ ׃ 
וַיֹּאמְרוּ נַעֲרֵֽי ־ הַמֶּלֶךְמְשָׁרְתָיויְבַקְשׁוּלַמֶּלֶךְנְעָרוֹתבְּתוּלוֹתטוֹבוֹתמַרְאֶֽה ׃ 
וְיַפְקֵד הַמֶּלֶךְ פְּקִידִים בְּכָל ־ מְדִינוֹתמַלְכוּתוֹוְיִקְבְּצוּאֶת ־ כָּל ־ נַעֲרָֽה ־ בְתוּלָהטוֹבַתמַרְאֶהאֶל ־ שׁוּשַׁןהַבִּירָהאֶל ־ בֵּיתהַנָּשִׁיםאֶל ־ יַדהֵגֶאסְרִיסהַמֶּלֶךְשֹׁמֵרהַנָּשִׁיםוְנָתוֹןתַּמְרוּקֵיהֶֽן ׃ 
וְהַֽנַּעֲרָה אֲשֶׁר תִּיטַב בְּעֵינֵי הַמֶּלֶךְ תִּמְלֹךְ תַּחַת וַשְׁתִּי וַיִּיטַב הַדָּבָר בְּעֵינֵי הַמֶּלֶךְ וַיַּעַשׂ כֵּֽן ׃ ס 
אִישׁ יְהוּדִי הָיָה בְּשׁוּשַׁן הַבִּירָה וּשְׁמוֹ מָרְדֳּכַי בֶּן יָאִיר בֶּן ־ שִׁמְעִיבֶּן ־ קִישׁאִישׁיְמִינִֽי ׃ 
אֲשֶׁר הָגְלָה מִירוּשָׁלַיִם עִם ־ הַגֹּלָהאֲשֶׁרהָגְלְתָהעִםיְכָנְיָהמֶֽלֶךְ ־ יְהוּדָהאֲשֶׁרהֶגְלָהנְבוּכַדְנֶאצַּרמֶלֶךְבָּבֶֽל ׃ 
וַיְהִי אֹמֵן אֶת ־ הֲדַסָּההִיאאֶסְתֵּרבַּת ־ דֹּדוֹכִּיאֵיןלָהּאָבוָאֵםוְהַנַּעֲרָהיְפַת ־ תֹּאַרוְטוֹבַתמַרְאֶהוּבְמוֹתאָבִיהָוְאִמָּהּלְקָחָהּמָרְדֳּכַילוֹלְבַֽת ׃ 
וַיְהִי בְּהִשָּׁמַע דְּבַר ־ הַמֶּלֶךְוְדָתוֹוּֽבְהִקָּבֵץנְעָרוֹתרַבּוֹתאֶל ־ שׁוּשַׁןהַבִּירָהאֶל ־ יַדהֵגָיוַתִּלָּקַחאֶסְתֵּראֶל ־ בֵּיתהַמֶּלֶךְאֶל ־ יַדהֵגַישֹׁמֵרהַנָּשִֽׁים ׃ 
וַתִּיטַב הַנַּעֲרָה בְעֵינָיו וַתִּשָּׂא חֶסֶד לְפָנָיו וַיְבַהֵל אֶת ־ תַּמְרוּקֶיהָוְאֶת ־ מָנוֹתֶהָלָתֵתלָהּוְאֵתשֶׁבַעהַנְּעָרוֹתהָרְאֻיוֹתלָֽתֶת ־ לָהּמִבֵּיתהַמֶּלֶךְוַיְשַׁנֶּהָוְאֶת ־ נַעֲרוֹתֶיהָלְטוֹבבֵּיתהַנָּשִֽׁים ׃ 
לֹא ־ הִגִּידָהאֶסְתֵּראֶת ־ עַמָּהּוְאֶת ־ מֽוֹלַדְתָּהּכִּימָרְדֳּכַיצִוָּהעָלֶיהָאֲשֶׁרלֹא ־ תַגִּֽיד ׃ 
וּבְכָל ־ יוֹםוָיוֹםמָרְדֳּכַימִתְהַלֵּךְלִפְנֵיחֲצַרבֵּית ־ הַנָּשִׁיםלָדַעַתאֶת ־ שְׁלוֹםאֶסְתֵּרוּמַה ־ יֵּעָשֶׂהבָּֽהּ ׃ 
וּבְהַגִּיעַ תֹּר נַעֲרָה וְנַעֲרָה לָבוֹא ׀ אֶל ־ הַמֶּלֶךְאֲחַשְׁוֵרוֹשׁמִקֵּץהֱיוֹתלָהּכְּדָתהַנָּשִׁיםשְׁנֵיםעָשָׂרחֹדֶשׁכִּיכֵּןיִמְלְאוּיְמֵימְרוּקֵיהֶןשִׁשָּׁהחֳדָשִׁיםבְּשֶׁמֶןהַמֹּרוְשִׁשָּׁהחֳדָשִׁיםבַּבְּשָׂמִיםוּבְתַמְרוּקֵיהַנָּשִֽׁים ׃ 
וּבָזֶה הַֽנַּעֲרָה בָּאָה אֶל ־ הַמֶּלֶךְאֵתכָּל ־ אֲשֶׁרתֹּאמַריִנָּתֵֽןלָהּלָבוֹאעִמָּהּמִבֵּיתהַנָּשִׁיםעַד ־ בֵּיתהַמֶּֽלֶךְ ׃ 
בָּעֶרֶב ׀ הִיאבָאָהוּבַבֹּקֶרהִיאשָׁבָהאֶל ־ בֵּיתהַנָּשִׁיםשֵׁנִיאֶל ־ יַדשַֽׁעֲשְׁגַזסְרִיסהַמֶּלֶךְשֹׁמֵרהַפִּֽילַגְשִׁיםלֹא ־ תָבוֹאעוֹדאֶל ־ הַמֶּלֶךְכִּיאִם ־ חָפֵץבָּהּהַמֶּלֶךְוְנִקְרְאָהבְשֵֽׁם ׃ 
וּבְהַגִּיעַ תֹּר ־ אֶסְתֵּרבַּת ־ אֲבִיחַיִלדֹּדמָרְדֳּכַיאֲשֶׁרלָקַֽח ־ לוֹלְבַתלָבוֹאאֶל ־ הַמֶּלֶךְלֹאבִקְשָׁהדָּבָרכִּיאִםאֶת ־ אֲשֶׁריֹאמַרהֵגַיסְרִיס ־ הַמֶּלֶךְשֹׁמֵרהַנָּשִׁיםוַתְּהִיאֶסְתֵּרנֹשֵׂאתחֵןבְּעֵינֵיכָּל ־ רֹאֶֽיהָ ׃ 
וַתִּלָּקַח אֶסְתֵּר אֶל ־ הַמֶּלֶךְאֲחַשְׁוֵרוֹשׁאֶל ־ בֵּיתמַלְכוּתוֹבַּחֹדֶשׁהָעֲשִׂירִיהוּא ־ חֹדֶשׁטֵבֵתבִּשְׁנַת ־ שֶׁבַעלְמַלְכוּתֽוֹ ׃ 
וַיֶּאֱהַב הַמֶּלֶךְ אֶת ־ אֶסְתֵּרמִכָּל ־ הַנָּשִׁיםוַתִּשָּׂא ־ חֵןוָחֶסֶדלְפָנָיומִכָּל ־ הַבְּתוּלֹתוַיָּשֶׂםכֶּֽתֶר ־ מַלְכוּתבְּרֹאשָׁהּוַיַּמְלִיכֶהָתַּחַתוַשְׁתִּֽי ׃ 
וַיַּעַשׂ הַמֶּלֶךְ מִשְׁתֶּה גָדוֹל לְכָל ־ שָׂרָיווַעֲבָדָיואֵתמִשְׁתֵּהאֶסְתֵּרוַהֲנָחָהלַמְּדִינוֹתעָשָׂהוַיִּתֵּןמַשְׂאֵתכְּיַדהַמֶּֽלֶךְ ׃ 
וּבְהִקָּבֵץ בְּתוּלוֹת שֵׁנִית וּמָרְדֳּכַי יֹשֵׁב בְּשַֽׁעַר ־ הַמֶּֽלֶךְ ׃ 
אֵין אֶסְתֵּר מַגֶּדֶת מֽוֹלַדְתָּהּ וְאֶת ־ עַמָּהּכַּאֲשֶׁרצִוָּהעָלֶיהָמָרְדֳּכָיוְאֶת ־ מַאֲמַרמָרְדֳּכַיאֶסְתֵּרעֹשָׂהכַּאֲשֶׁרהָיְתָהבְאָמְנָהאִתּֽוֹ ׃ ס 
בַּיָּמִים הָהֵם וּמָרְדֳּכַי יֹשֵׁב בְּשַֽׁעַר ־ הַמֶּלֶךְקָצַףבִּגְתָןוָתֶרֶשׁשְׁנֵֽי ־ סָרִיסֵיהַמֶּלֶךְמִשֹּׁמְרֵיהַסַּףוַיְבַקְשׁוּלִשְׁלֹחַיָדבַּמֶּלֶךְאֲחַשְׁוֵֽרֹשׁ ׃ 
וַיִּוָּדַע הַדָּבָר לְמָרְדֳּכַי וַיַּגֵּד לְאֶסְתֵּר הַמַּלְכָּה וַתֹּאמֶר אֶסְתֵּר לַמֶּלֶךְ בְּשֵׁם מָרְדֳּכָֽי ׃ 
וַיְבֻקַּשׁ הַדָּבָר וַיִּמָּצֵא וַיִּתָּלוּ שְׁנֵיהֶם עַל ־ עֵץוַיִּכָּתֵבבְּסֵפֶרדִּבְרֵיהַיָּמִיםלִפְנֵיהַמֶּֽלֶךְ ׃ פ 

אַחַר הַדְּבָרִים הָאֵלֶּה כְּשֹׁךְ חֲמַת הַמֶּלֶךְ אֲחַשְׁוֵרֹושׁ זָכַר אֶת־וַשְׁתִּי וְאֵת אֲשֶׁר־עָשָׂתָה וְאֵת אֲשֶׁר־נִגְזַר עָלֶיהָ׃ 
וַיֹּאמְרוּ נַעֲרֵי־הַמֶּלֶךְ מְשָׁרְתָיו יְבַקְשׁוּ לַמֶּלֶךְ נְעָרֹות בְּתוּלֹות טֹובֹות מַרְאֶה׃ 
וְיַפְקֵד הַמֶּלֶךְ פְּקִידִים בְּכָל־מְדִינֹות מַלְכוּתֹו וְיִקְבְּצוּ אֶת־כָּל־נַעֲרָה־בְתוּלָה טֹובַת מַרְאֶה אֶל־שׁוּשַׁן הַבִּירָה אֶל־בֵּית הַנָּשִׁים אֶל־יַד הֵגֶא סְרִיס הַמֶּלֶךְ שֹׁמֵר הַנָּשִׁים וְנָתֹון תַּמְרוּקֵיהֶן׃ 
וְהַנַּעֲרָה אֲשֶׁר תִּיטַב בְּעֵינֵי הַמֶּלֶךְ תִּמְלֹךְ תַּחַת וַשְׁתִּי וַיִּיטַב הַדָּבָר בְּעֵינֵי הַמֶּלֶךְ וַיַּעַשׂ כֵּן׃ ס 
אִישׁ יְהוּדִי הָיָה בְּשׁוּשַׁן הַבִּירָה וּשְׁמֹו מָרְדֳּכַי בֶּן יָאִיר בֶּן־שִׁמְעִי בֶּן־קִישׁ אִישׁ יְמִינִי׃ 
אֲשֶׁר הָגְלָה מִירוּשָׁלַיִם עִם־הַגֹּלָה אֲשֶׁר הָגְלְתָה עִם יְכָנְיָה מֶלֶךְ־יְהוּדָה אֲשֶׁר הֶגְלָה נְבוּכַדְנֶאצַּר מֶלֶךְ בָּבֶל׃ 
וַיְהִי אֹמֵן אֶת־הֲדַסָּה הִיא אֶסְתֵּר בַּת־דֹּדֹו כִּי אֵין לָהּ אָב וָאֵם וְהַנַּעֲרָה יְפַת־תֹּאַר וְטֹובַת מַרְאֶה וּבְמֹות אָבִיהָ וְאִמָּהּ לְקָחָהּ מָרְדֳּכַי לֹו לְבַת׃ 
וַיְהִי בְּהִשָּׁמַע דְּבַר־הַמֶּלֶךְ וְדָתֹו וּבְהִקָּבֵץ נְעָרֹות רַבֹּות אֶל־שׁוּשַׁן הַבִּירָה אֶל־יַד הֵגָי וַתִּלָּקַח אֶסְתֵּר אֶל־בֵּית הַמֶּלֶךְ אֶל־יַד הֵגַי שֹׁמֵר הַנָּשִׁים׃ 
וַתִּיטַב הַנַּעֲרָה בְעֵינָיו וַתִּשָּׂא חֶסֶד לְפָנָיו וַיְבַהֵל אֶת־תַּמְרוּקֶיהָ וְאֶת־מָנֹותֶהָ לָתֵת לָהּ וְאֵת שֶׁבַע הַנְּעָרֹות הָרְאֻיֹות לָתֶת־לָהּ מִבֵּית הַמֶּלֶךְ וַיְשַׁנֶּהָ וְאֶת־נַעֲרֹותֶיהָ לְטֹוב בֵּית הַנָּשִׁים׃ 
לֹא־הִגִּידָה אֶסְתֵּר אֶת־עַמָּהּ וְאֶת־מֹולַדְתָּהּ כִּי מָרְדֳּכַי צִוָּה עָלֶיהָ אֲשֶׁר לֹא־תַגִּיד׃ 
וּבְכָל־יֹום וָיֹום מָרְדֳּכַי מִתְהַלֵּךְ לִפְנֵי חֲצַר בֵּית־הַנָּשִׁים לָדַעַת אֶת־שְׁלֹום אֶסְתֵּר וּמַה־יֵּעָשֶׂה בָּהּ׃ 
וּבְהַגִּיעַ תֹּר נַעֲרָה וְנַעֲרָה לָבֹוא ׀ אֶל־הַמֶּלֶךְ אֲחַשְׁוֵרֹושׁ מִקֵּץ הֱיֹות לָהּ כְּדָת הַנָּשִׁים שְׁנֵים עָשָׂר חֹדֶשׁ כִּי כֵּן יִמְלְאוּ יְמֵי מְרוּקֵיהֶן שִׁשָּׁה חֳדָשִׁים בְּשֶׁמֶן הַמֹּר וְשִׁשָּׁה חֳדָשִׁים בַּבְּשָׂמִים וּבְתַמְרוּקֵי הַנָּשִׁים׃ 
וּבָזֶה הַנַּעֲרָה בָּאָה אֶל־הַמֶּלֶךְ אֵת כָּל־אֲשֶׁר תֹּאמַר יִנָּתֵן לָהּ לָבֹוא עִמָּהּ מִבֵּית הַנָּשִׁים עַד־בֵּית הַמֶּלֶךְ׃ 
בָּעֶרֶב ׀ הִיא בָאָה וּבַבֹּקֶר הִיא שָׁבָה אֶל־בֵּית הַנָּשִׁים שֵׁנִי אֶל־יַד שַׁעֲשְׁגַז סְרִיס הַמֶּלֶךְ שֹׁמֵר הַפִּילַגְשִׁים לֹא־תָבֹוא עֹוד אֶל־הַמֶּלֶךְ כִּי אִם־חָפֵץ בָּהּ הַמֶּלֶךְ וְנִקְרְאָה בְשֵׁם׃ 
וּבְהַגִּיעַ תֹּר־אֶסְתֵּר בַּת־אֲבִיחַיִל דֹּד מָרְדֳּכַי אֲשֶׁר לָקַח־לֹו לְבַת לָבֹוא אֶל־הַמֶּלֶךְ לֹא בִקְשָׁה דָּבָר כִּי אִם אֶת־אֲשֶׁר יֹאמַר הֵגַי סְרִיס־הַמֶּלֶךְ שֹׁמֵר הַנָּשִׁים וַתְּהִי אֶסְתֵּר נֹשֵׂאת חֵן בְּעֵינֵי כָּל־רֹאֶיהָ׃ 
וַתִּלָּקַח אֶסְתֵּר אֶל־הַמֶּלֶךְ אֲחַשְׁוֵרֹושׁ אֶל־בֵּית מַלְכוּתֹו בַּחֹדֶשׁ הָעֲשִׂירִי הוּא־חֹדֶשׁ טֵבֵת בִּשְׁנַת־שֶׁבַע לְמַלְכוּתֹו׃ 
וַיֶּאֱהַב הַמֶּלֶךְ אֶת־אֶסְתֵּר מִכָּל־הַנָּשִׁים וַתִּשָּׂא־חֵן וָחֶסֶד לְפָנָיו מִכָּל־הַבְּתוּלֹת וַיָּשֶׂם כֶּתֶר־מַלְכוּת בְּרֹאשָׁהּ וַיַּמְלִיכֶהָ תַּחַת וַשְׁתִּי׃ 
וַיַּעַשׂ הַמֶּלֶךְ מִשְׁתֶּה גָדֹול לְכָל־שָׂרָיו וַעֲבָדָיו אֵת מִשְׁתֵּה אֶסְתֵּר וַהֲנָחָה לַמְּדִינֹות עָשָׂה וַיִּתֵּן מַשְׂאֵת כְּיַד הַמֶּלֶךְ׃ 
וּבְהִקָּבֵץ בְּתוּלֹות שֵׁנִית וּמָרְדֳּכַי יֹשֵׁב בְּשַׁעַר־הַמֶּלֶךְ׃ 
אֵין אֶסְתֵּר מַגֶּדֶת מֹולַדְתָּהּ וְאֶת־עַמָּהּ כַּאֲשֶׁר צִוָּה עָלֶיהָ מָרְדֳּכָי וְאֶת־מַאֲמַר מָרְדֳּכַי אֶסְתֵּר עֹשָׂה כַּאֲשֶׁר הָיְתָה בְאָמְנָה אִתֹּו׃ ס 
בַּיָּמִים הָהֵם וּמָרְדֳּכַי יֹשֵׁב בְּשַׁעַר־הַמֶּלֶךְ קָצַף בִּגְתָן וָתֶרֶשׁ שְׁנֵי־סָרִיסֵי הַמֶּלֶךְ מִשֹּׁמְרֵי הַסַּף וַיְבַקְשׁוּ לִשְׁלֹחַ יָד בַּמֶּלֶךְ אֲחַשְׁוֵרֹשׁ׃ 
וַיִּוָּדַע הַדָּבָר לְמָרְדֳּכַי וַיַּגֵּד לְאֶסְתֵּר הַמַּלְכָּה וַתֹּאמֶר אֶסְתֵּר לַמֶּלֶךְ בְּשֵׁם מָרְדֳּכָי׃ 
וַיְבֻקַּשׁ הַדָּבָר וַיִּמָּצֵא וַיִּתָּלוּ שְׁנֵיהֶם עַל־עֵץ וַיִּכָּתֵב בְּסֵפֶר דִּבְרֵי הַיָּמִים לִפְנֵי הַמֶּלֶךְ׃ פ 

Μετα τα πραγματα ταυτα, αφου κατεπραυνθη ο θυμος του βασιλεως Ασσουηρου, ενεθυμηθη την Αστιν, και τι ειχε καμει αυτη και τι ειχεν αποφασισθη εναντιον αυτης. 
Και ειπον οι δουλοι του βασιλεως, οι υπηρετουντες αυτον, Ας ζητηθωσι δια τον βασιλεα νεαι παρθενοι, ωραιαι την οψιν· 
και ας διοριση ο βασιλευς εφορους εν πασαις ταις επαρχιαις του βασιλειου αυτου, και να συναξωσιν εις τα Σουσα την βασιλευουσαν πασας τας νεας παρθενους τας ωραιας την οψιν εις τον γυναικωνα, υπο την τηρησιν του Ηγαι ευνουχου του βασιλεως, του φυλακος των γυναικων· και ας δοθωσιν εις αυτας τα προς καθαρισμον αυτων· 
και η νεα, ητις αρεση εις τον βασιλεα, ας ηναι βασιλισσα αντι της Αστιν. Και το πραγμα ηρεσεν εις τον βασιλεα, και εκαμεν ουτω. 
Ητο δε εν Σουσοις τη βασιλευουση ανθρωπος τις Ιουδαιος, ονομαζομενος Μαροδοχαιος, υιος του Ιαειρ, υιου του Σιμει, υιου του Κεις, Βενιαμιτης· 
οστις ειχε μετοικισθη απο Ιερουσαλημ μετα των αιχμαλωτων, οιτινες μετωκισθησαν μετα του Ιεχονια βασιλεως του Ιουδα, τους οποιους μετωκισε Ναβουχοδονοσορ ο βασιλευς της Βαβυλωνος. 
Και ουτος ανετρεφε την Αδασσα, ητις ειναι η Εσθηρ, την θυγατερα του θειου αυτου· διοτι δεν ειχεν ουτε πατερα ουτε μητερα· και το κορασιον ητο ευειδες και ωραιον· το οποιον ο Μαροδοχαιος, οτε ο πατηρ αυτης και η μητηρ απεθανον, ανελαβε δια θυγατερα αυτου. 
Οτε δε ηκουσθη το προσταγμα του βασιλεως και η διαταγη αυτου, και οτε πολλα κορασια συνηχθησαν εις τα Σουσα την βασιλευουσαν υπο την τηρησιν του Ηγαι, εφερθη και η Εσθηρ εις τον οικον του βασιλεως υπο την τηρησιν του Ηγαι, του φυλακος των γυναικων. 
Και το κορασιον ηρεσεν εις αυτον και ευρηκε χαριν ενωπιον αυτου, ωστε εσπευσε να δωση εις αυτην τα προς καθαρισμον αυτης και την μεριδα αυτης· εδωκε δε εις αυτην και τα επτα κορασια τα διωρισμενα εκ του οικου του βασιλεως· και μετεφερεν αυτην και τα κορασια αυτης εις το καλητερον μερος του γυναικωνος. 
Η Εσθηρ δεν εφανερωσε τον λαον αυτης ουδε την συγγενειαν αυτης· διοτι ο Μαροδοχαιος ειχε προσταξει εις αυτην να μη φανερωση. 
Και καθ' εκαστην ημεραν περιεπατει ο Μαροδοχαιος εμπροσθεν της αυλης του γυναικωνος, δια να μανθανη πως ειχεν η Εσθηρ και τι εγεινεν εις αυτην. 
Οτε δε εφθανεν η σειρα εκαστου κορασιου δια να εισελθη προς τον βασιλεα Ασσουηρην, αφου ηθελε σταθη δωδεκα μηνας κατα το ηθος των γυναικων, διοτι ουτω συνεπληρουντο αι ημεραι του καθαρισμου αυτων, εξ μηνας περιηλειφοντο με ελαιον σμυρνινον, και εξ μηνας με αρωματα και με αλλα καθαριστικα των γυναικων· 
και ουτως εισηρχετο το κορασιον προς τον βασιλεα· παν ο, τι ελεγεν, εδιδετο εις αυτην, δια να λαβη μεθ' εαυτης εκ του γυναικωνος εις τον οικον του βασιλεως. 
Το εσπερας εισηρχετο και το πρωι επεστρεφεν εις τον δευτερον γυναικωνα, υπο την τηρησιν του Σαασγαζ, ευνουχου του βασιλεως, οστις εφυλαττε τας παλλακιδας· δεν εισηρχετο πλεον εις τον βασιλεα, ειμη εαν ηθελεν αυτην ο βασιλευς, και εκαλειτο ονομαστι. 
Οτε λοιπον εφθασεν η σειρα δια να εισελθη προς τον βασιλεα η Εσθηρ, η θυγατηρ του Αβιχαιλ, θειου του Μαροδοχαιου, την οποιαν ελαβε δια θυγατερα αυτου, δεν εζητησεν αλλο παρ' ο, τι διωρισεν ο Ηγαι ο ευνουχος του βασιλεως, ο φυλαξ των γυναικων. Και η Εσθηρ ευρισκε χαριν ενωπιον παντων των βλεποντων αυτην. 
Η Εσθηρ λοιπον εφερθη προς τον βασιλεα Ασσουηρην εις τον βασιλικον αυτου οικον, τον δεκατον μηνα, ουτος ειναι ο μην Τεβεθ, εν τω εβδομω ετει της βασιλειας αυτου. 
Και ηγαπησεν ο βασιλευς την Εσθηρ υπερ πασας τας γυναικας, και ευρηκε χαριν και ελεος ενωπιον αυτου υπερ πασας τας παρθενους· και επεθηκε το βασιλικον διαδημα επι την κεφαλην αυτης και εκαμεν αυτην βασιλισσαν αντι της Αστιν. 
Τοτε εκαμεν ο βασιλευς συμποσιον μεγα εις παντας τους αρχοντας αυτου και τους δουλους αυτου, το συμποσιον της Εσθηρ· και εκαμεν αφεσιν εις τας επαρχιας και εδωκε δωρα κατα την βασιλικην μεγαλοπρεπειαν. 
Και οτε αι παρθενοι συνηχθησαν την δευτεραν φοραν, τοτε εκαθησεν ο Μαροδοχαιος εν τη βασιλικη πυλη. 
Η Εσθηρ δεν εφανερωσε την συγγενειαν αυτης ουτε τον λαον αυτης, καθως προσεταξεν εις αυτην ο Μαροδοχαιος· διοτι η Εσθηρ εκαμνε την προσταγην του Μαροδοχαιου, καθως οτε ανετρεφετο πλησιον αυτου. 
Εν εκειναις ταις ημεραις, ενω ο Μαροδοχαιος εκαθητο εν τη βασιλικη πυλη, δυο εκ των ευνουχων του βασιλεως, Βιχθαν και Θερες, εκ των φυλαττοντων την εισοδον, ωργισθησαν και εζητουν να επιβαλωσι χειρα επι τον βασιλεα Ασσουηρην. 
Και το πραγμα εγεινε γνωστον εις τον Μαροδοχαιον, και ανηγγειλεν αυτο προς Εσθηρ την βασιλισσαν· η δε Εσθηρ ειπεν αυτο προς τον βασιλεα εξ ονοματος του Μαροδοχαιου. 
Και γενομενης εξετασεως περι του πραγματος, ευρεθη ουτως· οθεν εκρεμασθησαν αμφοτεροι εις ξυλον· και εγραφη εν τω βιβλιω των χρονικων ενωπιον του βασιλεως. 

Po šių įvykių, karaliaus Ahasvero pykčiui aprimus, jis atsiminė, ką Vaštė padarė ir kaip ji buvo nubausta. 
Karaliaus tarnai, kurie jam patarnaudavo, sakė jam: "Tepaieško karaliui jaunų gražių mergaičių 
ir tepaskiria karalius visuose kraštuose vyrų, kurie visoje karalystėje suieškotų gražių mergaičių, atgabentų jas į Sūzų miestą, į moterų namus, ir perduotų karaliaus eunuchui Hegajui, moterų prižiūrėtojui. Ir tegu duoda joms visa, ko reikia joms pasipuošti. 
Kuri mergaitė patiks karaliui, taps karaliene Vaštės vietoje". Tas pasiūlymas patiko karaliui. Jis taip ir padarė. 
Sostinėje Sūzuose gyveno vienas žydas, vardu Mordechajas, sūnus Jayro, sūnaus Šimio, sūnaus Kišo iš Benjamino giminės. 
Mordechajas buvo ištremtas iš Jeruzalės kartu su Judo karaliumi Jechoniju, kurį ištrėmė Babilono karalius Nebukadnecaras. 
Jis užaugino Hadasą, savo dėdės dukterį, kitaip vadinamą Estera. Ji neturėjo tėvų, bet buvo labai graži ir patraukli mergaitė. Jos tėvams mirus, Mordechajas įdukrino ją. 
Karaliaus įsakymą paskelbus, daug gražių mergaičių buvo atgabenta į Sūzus ir pavesta Hegajo globai. Estera taip pat buvo paimta į karaliaus namus Hegajo, moterų prižiūrėtojo, globon. 
Mergaitė jam patiko ir įgavo jo palankumą. Jis greitai parūpino jai įvairių papuošalų ir tai, kas jai priklausė, bei septynias tarnaites iš karaliaus namų ir apgyvendino ją ir jos tarnaites geriausioje moterų namų dalyje. 
Estera nesakė apie savo kilmę ir savo tautą, nes Mordechajas buvo liepęs jai tylėti. 
Mordechajas kiekvieną dieną ateidavo prie moterų namų kiemo pasiteirauti apie Esterą ir jos padėtį. 
Kiekviena mergaitė tik po dvylikos mėnesių pasiruošimo galėjo įeiti pas karalių Ahasverą. Šešis mėnesius jos tepėsi miros aliejumi ir šešis mėnesius įvairiais kitais tepalais ir kvepalais. 
Mergaitė, eidama pas karalių, turėjo teisę pasiimti iš moterų namų į karaliaus namus ką tik norėjo. 
Ji ateidavo vakare, o rytą eidavo į kitus moterų namus, kurie buvo eunucho Šaašgazo žinioje. Jis buvo karaliaus sugulovių prižiūrėtojas. Ji daugiau nebeįeidavo pas karalių, nebent karalius ją pamėgdavo ir pakviesdavo vardu. 
Kai atėjo eilė Esteros, Mordechajo dėdės Abihailo dukters, kurią jis buvo įdukrinęs, ji nieko neprašė; pasiėmė tik tą, ką eunuchas Hegajas jai patarė. Estera patiko kiekvienam, kas tik į ją pažiūrėdavo. 
Esterą nuvedė į karaliaus Ahasvero rūmus dešimtą mėnesį, vadinamą tebetu, septintaisiais jo karaliavimo metais. 
Karalius pamilo Esterą labiau už visas kitas moteris, ir ji atrado jo akyse daugiau malonės ir palankumo negu kitos mergaitės. Jis uždėjo jai ant galvos karališką karūną ir paskelbė ją karaliene Vaštės vietoje. 
Karalius iškėlė didelę puotą savo kunigaikščiams ir tarnams; tai buvo Esteros puota. Jis sumažino mokesčius savo karalystėje ir davė karališkų dovanų. 
Kai mergaitės buvo renkamos antrą kartą, Mordechajas sėdėjo karaliaus vartuose. 
Estera dar nebuvo pasisakiusi karaliui nei savo tautybės, nei kilmės, nes Mordechajas taip buvo jai liepęs; Estera klausė Mordechajaus kaip ir tada, kai jis ją augino. 
Mordechajui sėdint prie karaliaus vartų, du karaliaus eunuchai, Bigtanas ir Terešas, durų sargai, supyko ant karaliaus ir tarėsi jį nužudyti. 
Mordechajas, tai išgirdęs, pranešė karalienei Esterai, o Estera­karaliui Mordechajo vardu. 
Buvo ištirta ir nustatyta, kad tai tiesa. Abu vyrus pakorė, o įvykį įrašė į karaliaus metraščių knygą. 

Toe n die dinge die woede van koning Ahasv,ros bedaar het, het hy aan Vasti gedink en aan wat sy gedoen het en wat oor haar besluit is. 
Toe sê die jongmanne van die koning wat hom dien: Laat hulle vir die koning jongmeisies soek wat mooi van aansien is; 
en laat die koning beamptes aanstel in al die provinsies van sy koninkryk, dat hulle al die jongmeisies wat mooi van aansien is, bymekaar laat kom in die vesting Susan, in die vrouehuis, onder toesig van Hegai, die hofdienaar van die koning, die bewaker van die vroue; en laat hulle skoonheidsmiddele aan hulle gee. 
En die jongmeisie wat die koning geval, moet in die plek van Vasti koningin word. Hierdie woord dan was goed in die oë van die koning, en hy het so gedoen. 
Daar was 'n Joodse man in die vesting Susan met die naam van Mordegai, die seun van Ja‹r, die seun van S¡me‹, die seun van Kis, 'n Benjaminiet, 
wat uit Jerusalem weggevoer was onder die ballinge wat in ballingskap moes gaan saam met Jegonja, die koning van Juda, wat Nebukadn,sar, die koning van Babel, weggevoer het. 
En hy was die opvoeder van Had ssa, dit is Ester, die dogter van sy oom, want sy het geen vader of moeder gehad nie; en die jongmeisie was skoon van gestalte en mooi van aansien, en by die dood van haar vader en haar moeder het Mordegai haar as sy dogter aangeneem. 
En toe die bevel van die koning en sy wet bekend gemaak is, en baie meisies in die vesting Susan onder toesig van Hegai byeengebring is, het hulle Ester ook saamgeneem na die paleis van die koning, onder toesig van Hegai, die bewaker van die vroue. 
En die meisie het hom geval en guns by hom gevind; daarom het hy gou gemaak om haar die nodige skoonheidsmiddele en die regte ete te gee en haar die sewe uitgesoekte meisies uit die paleis van die koning te verskaf; en hy het haar met haar meisies verplaas na die beste gedeelte van die vrouehuis. 
Ester het haar volk en haar afkoms nie te kenne gegee nie, omdat Mordegai haar beveel het om dit nie te vertel nie. 
En Mordegai het dag vir dag voor die voorhof van die vrouehuis gewandel om te verneem na die welstand van Ester en wat met haar sou gebeur. 
En as die beurt van elke meisie aankom om na koning Ahasv,ros in te gaan, nadat twaalf maande lank met haar volgens die wet vir die vroue gehandel is -- want so lank het die dae van hulle voorbereiding geduur: ses maande lank met mirre-olie en ses maande met balsem en ander skoonheidsmiddele van die vroue -- 
as die meisie dan so na die koning ingaan, word alles wat sy sê, aan haar gegee, dat dit saam met haar uit die vrouehuis na die koninklike paleis kan gaan. 
As sy in die aand ingaan en in die môre terugkom na die tweede vrouehuis onder toesig van Saäsgas, die hofdienaar van die koning wat die byvroue bewaak, dan mag sy nie weer by die koning ingaan nie, behalwe as die koning behae in haar vind en sy by die naam geroep word. 
Toe die beurt van Ester, die dogter van Ab¡gail, die oom van Mordegai, wat haar as sy dogter aangeneem het, kom om in te gaan na die koning, het sy niks verlang nie, behalwe wat Hegai, die hofdienaar van die koning wat die vroue bewaak, gesê het; en Ester het guns gevind in die oë van almal wat haar gesien het. 
Ester is toe by koning Ahasv,ros in sy koninklike paleis opgeneem in die tiende maand, dit is die maand Tebet, in die sewende jaar van sy regering. 
En die koning het Ester liefgekry meer as al die vroue, en sy het guns en welwillendheid voor hom gevind meer as al die jongmeisies; en hy het die koninklike kroon op haar hoof gesit en haar koningin gemaak in die plek van Vasti. 
En die koning het 'n groot maaltyd aangerig vir al sy vorste en sy dienaars, die maaltyd van Ester; en hy het 'n vrye dag bepaal vir die provinsies en geskenke gegee, eg koninklik! 
En toe die jongmeisies vir die tweede keer versamel is, terwyl Mordegai in die poort van die koning sit -- 
Ester het haar afkoms en haar volk nie te kenne gegee nie, soos Mordegai haar beveel het; en Ester het die bevel van Mordegai opgevolg soos toe sy by hom opgevoed is -- 
in die dae dan, terwyl Mordegai in die poort van die koning sit, het Bigtan en Teres, twee hofdienaars van die koning, drumpelwagters, kwaad geword en getrag om die hand aan koning Ahasv,ros te slaan. 
Maar Mordegai het dit te wete gekom en dit aan koningin Ester meegedeel; en Ester het dit uit naam van Mordegai aan die koning gesê. 
Toe die saak ondersoek en so bevind is, is hulle twee aan 'n galg opgehang; en dit is in die kroniekboek voor die koning beskrywe. 

بعد هذه الأمور لما خمد غضب الملك احشويروش ذكر وشتي وما عملته وما حتم به عليها. 
فقال غلمان الملك الذين يخدمونه ليطلب للملك فتيات عذارى حسنات المنظر 
وليوكل الملك وكلاء في كل بلاد مملكته ليجمعوا كل الفتيات العذارى الحسنات المنظر الى شوشن القصر الى بيت النساء الى يد هيجاي خصي الملك حارس النساء وليعطين ادهان عطرهنّ‎. 
والفتاة التي تحسن في عيني الملك فلتملك مكان وشتي. فحسن الكلام في عيني الملك فعمل هكذا 
كان في شوشن القصر رجل يهودي اسمه مردخاي ابن يائير بن شمعي بن قيس رجل يميني 
قد سبي من اورشليم مع السبي الذي سبي مع يكنيا ملك يهوذا الذي سباه نبوخذنصّر ملك بابل. 
وكان مربّيا لهدسّة اي استير بنت عمه لانه لم يكن لها اب ولا ام. وكانت الفتاة جميلة الصورة وحسنة المنظر وعند موت ابيها وامها اتخذها مردخاي لنفسه ابنة. 
فلما سمع كلام الملك وامره وجمعت فتايات كثيرات الى شوشن القصر الى يد هيجاي أخذت استير الى بيت الملك الى يد هيجاي حارس النساء. 
وحسنت الفتاة في عينيه ونالت نعمة بين يديه فبادر بادهان عطرها وانصبتها ليعطيها اياها مع السبع الفتيات المختارات لتعطى لها من بيت الملك ونقلها مع فتاياتها الى احسن مكان في بيت النساء. 
ولم تخبر استير عن شعبها وجنسها لان مردخاي اوصاها ان لا تخبر. 
وكان مردخاي يتمشى يوما فيوما امام دار بيت النساء ليستعلم عن سلامة استير وعما يصنع بها 
ولما بلغت نوبة فتاة ففتاة للدخول الى الملك احشويروش بعد ان يكون لها حسب سنة النساء اثنا عشر شهرا لانه هكذا كانت تكمل ايام تعطرهنّ ستة اشهر بزيت المرّ وستة اشهر بالاطياب وادهان تعطر النساء 
وهكذا كانت كل فتاة تدخل الى الملك. وكل ما قالت عنه أعطي لها للدخول معها من بيت النساء الى بيت الملك. 
في المساء دخلت وفي الصباح رجعت الى بيت النساء الثاني الى يد شعشغاز خصي الملك حارس السراري. لم تعد تدخل الى الملك الا اذا سرّ بها الملك ودعيت باسمها 
ولما بلغت نوبة استير ابنة ابيحائل عم مردخاي الذي اتخذها لنفسه ابنة للدخول الى الملك لم تطلب شيئا الا ما قال عنه هيجاي خصي الملك حارس النساء. وكانت استير تنال نعمة في عيني كل من رآها. 
وأخذت استير الى الملك احشويروش الى بيت ملكه في الشهر العاشر هو شهر طيبيت في السنة السابعة لملكه. 
فاحب الملك استير اكثر من جميع النساء ووجدت نعمة واحسانا قدامه اكثر من جميع العذارى فوضع تاج الملك على راسها وملّكها مكان وشتي. 
وعمل الملك وليمة عظيمة لجميع رؤسائه وعبيده وليمة استير. وعمل راحة للبلاد واعطى عطايا حسب كرم الملك. 
ولما جمعت العذارى ثانية كان مردخاي جالسا بباب الملك. 
ولم تكن استير اخبرت عن جنسها وشعبها كما اوصاها مردخاي. وكانت استير تعمل حسب قول مردخاي كما كانت في تربيتها عنده 
في تلك الايام بينما كان مردخاي جالسا في باب الملك غضب بغثان وترش خصيا الملك حارسا الباب وطلبا ان يمدا ايديهما الى الملك احشويروش. 
فعلم الأمر عند مردخاي فاخبر استير الملكة فاخبرت استير الملك باسم مردخاي. 
ففحص عن الامر ووجد فصلبا كلاهما على خشبة وكتب ذلك في سفر اخبار الايام امام الملك 

След тези събития, когато се укроти яростта на цар Асуир, той си спомни за Астин и за онова, което беше сторила, и какво беше решено против нея. 
Тогава слугите, които слугуваха на царя, казаха: Нека се потърсят за царя красиви млади девици. 
И нека царят назначи чиновници по всичките области на царството си, които да съберат всички красиви млади девици в крепостта Суса, в женската къща, под надзора на царския скопец Игай, пазача на жените; и нека им се дадат необходимите средства за разкрасяване. 
И девойката, която се хареса на царя, нека стане царица вместо Астин. И това се хареса на царя и той направи така. 
А в крепостта Суса имаше един юдеин на име Мардохей, син на Яир, син на Семей, син на Кис, вениаминец, 
който беше отведен в плен от Ерусалим с пленниците, които бяха отведени в плен с юдовия цар Йехония, които вавилонският цар Навуходоносор беше отвел в плен. 
И той беше настойник на Адаса, която е Естир, дъщерята на чичо си, защото тя нямаше нито баща, нито майка. Момичето беше стройно и красиво; и когато баща му и майка му умряха, Мардохей го взе за своя дъщеря. 
И така, когато се разчу заповедта и разпоредбата на царя и когато бяха събрани много момичета в крепостта Суса под надзора на Игай, доведоха и Естир в царската къща, под надзора на Игай, пазача на жените. 
И момичето му се хареса и придоби благоволението му; и той побърза да й даде от царската къща средствата й за разкрасяване, както и дяловете й, даде й също и седемте най-отбрани момичета от царския дворец и я премести с момичетата й в най-доброто помещение на женската къща. 
Естир не беше открила народа си и рода си, защото Мардохей й беше поръчал да не го открива. 
И Мардохей ходеше всеки ден пред двора на женската къща, за да научава как е Естир и какво става с нея. 
А когато дойдеше редът на всяка девойка да дойде при цар Асуир, след като беше стояла дванадесет месеца в женската къща според нареденото за жените — защото така се изпълваше времето за разкрасяването им: шест месеца се мажеха със смирнено масло, и шест месеца с аромати и с други средства за разкрасяване на жените — 
тогава девойката влизаше така при царя и всичко, което поискаше, й се даваше да го занесе със себе си от женската къща в къщата на царя. 
Вечер влизаше, а сутрин се връщаше във втората женска къща под надзора на Саасгаз, царския скопец, който пазеше наложниците; тя не влизаше вече при царя освен ако царят я поискаше и бъдеше повикана по име. 
А когато дойде редът да влезе при царя Естир, дъщерята на Авихаил, чичото на Мардохей, която той беше взел за своя дъщеря, тя не поиска друго освен каквото й каза царският скопец Игай, пазачът на жените. И Естир придобиваше благоволението на всички, които я видеха. 
И Естир беше заведена при цар Асуир в царската му къща в десетия месец, който е месец Тавет, в седмата година от царуването му. 
И царят обикна Естир повече от всичките жени и тя придоби неговото благоволение и милост повече от всичките девици. И той сложи царската корона на главата й и я направи царица вместо Астин. 
Тогава царят направи голямо угощение на всичките си началници и на слугите си, угощение в чест на Естир; и направи облекчение на областите и даде подаръци, както подобаваше на царя. 
И когато за втори път се събираха девици, Мардохей седеше в царската порта. 
Естир не бе открила рода си и народа си, както й беше поръчал Мардохей; и Естир изпълняваше заповедта на Мардохей, както когато беше под неговото настойничество. 
В тези дни, когато Мардохей седеше в царската порта, Вихтан и Терес, двама царски скопци, от онези които пазеха входа, се разгневиха и поискаха да вдигнат ръка срещу цар Асуир. 
И това стана известно на Мардохей и той го съобщи на царица Естир, а Естир каза на царя от името на Мардохей. 
И работата се разследва и се намери, че беше истина, и двамата бяха обесени на дърво; и това се записа в книгата на летописите пред царя. 

Ty věci když se zběhly, a když se upokojila prchlivost krále Asvera, zpomenul na Vasti a na to, což byla učinila, též i na to, jaká se výpověd stala proti ní. 
I řekli mládenci královští, služebníci jeho: Nechť hledají králi mladic, panen krásných. 
A nechť zřídí král úředníky ve všech krajinách království svého, kteříž by shromáždili všecky mladice, panny krásné, do Susan města královského, do domu ženského, pod stráž Hegai komorníka královského, strážce žen, a ať jim vydává okrasy jejich. 
A mladice, kteráž by se zalíbila králi, aby kralovala místo Vasti. I líbila se ta věc králi, a učinil tak. 
Byl pak jeden Žid v Susan, městě královském, jménem Mardocheus syn Jairův, syna Simei, syna Cis, z pokolení Beniamin. 
A ten byl přestěhován z Jeruzaléma s přestěhovanými, kteříž přestěhováni byli s Jekoniášem králem Judským, kteréhož přestěhoval Nabuchodonozor král Babylonský. 
Ten choval Hadassu, jinak Esteru, dceru strýce svého, proto že neměla otce ani matky. A děvečka ta byla pěkné postavy a krásné tváři, kterouž po smrti otce a matky její vzal sobě Mardocheus za dceru. 
Stalo se tedy, když vyšlo slovo královské a rozkaz jeho, a když shromážďováno bylo panen mnoho do Susan, města královského, pod stráž Hegai, že i Ester vzata byla do domu královského pod stráž Hegai, strážného nad ženami. 
I líbila se jemu ta mladice, a našla milost u něho. Pročež i hned dal jí okrasu její a díl její, a sedm panen způsobných z domu královského; k tomu opatření její i jejích panen proměnil v lepší v domě ženském. 
Neoznámila pak Ester lidu svého, ani rodiny své; nebo přikázal jí byl Mardocheus, aby nepravila. 
Ale Mardocheus každého dne chodíval před síní domu ženského, aby zvěděl, jak se má Ester, a co se s ní děje. 
Když pak přišel jistý čas jedné každé panny, aby vešla před krále Asvera, když se vyplnilo při ní podlé práva žen, za dvanácte měsíců, (nebo za tolik dnů ozdobovaly se, šest měsíců olejem mirrovým, a šest měsíců věcmi vonnými a ozdobami ženskými), 
A tak přicházela panna před krále. Cožkoli řekla, dávalo se jí, aby s tím šla z domu žen až k domu královskému. 
U večer vcházela k králi, a ráno zase odcházela do druhého domu ženského, pod stráž Saasgazy, komorníka královského, strážce ženin. Nepřicházela více k králi, ale jestliže se líbila králi, povolána bývala ze jména. 
Tedy když přišel čas jistý Estery, dcery Abichaile, strýce Mardocheova, kterouž byl vzal sobě za dceru, aby vešla k králi, nežádala ničeho, než což řekl Hegai komorník královský, strážce žen. I líbila se Ester všechněm, kteříž ji viděli. 
A tak vzata jest Ester k králi Asverovi do domu jeho královského, měsíce desátého, (jenž jest měsíc Tebet), léta sedmého kralování jeho. 
I zamiloval král Ester nade všecky jiné ženy, a nalezla milost a lásku u něho nade všecky panny, tak že vstavil korunu královskou na hlavu její, a učinil ji královnou místo Vasti. 
K tomu také učinil král hody veliké všechněm knížatům svým a služebníkům svým, totiž hody Estery, a dal odpočinutí krajinám, a daroval je tak, jakž slušelo na krále. 
A když podruhé shromažďovány byly panny, a Mardocheus seděl u brány královské, 
Ester pak neoznámila byla rodiny své a národu svého, jakž jí byl přikázal Mardocheus; nebo rozkázaní Mardocheovo Ester činila, jako i když chována byla u něho: 
V těch dnech, (když Mardocheus sedal u brány královské), rozhněval se Bigtan a Teres, dva komorníci královští z strážných prahu, a smýšleli o to, aby vztáhli ruce na krále Asvera. 
Čehož dověděv se Mardocheus, oznámil to Ester královně, Ester pak oznámila králi jménem Mardocheovým. 
A když bylo toho vyhledáváno, našlo se tak. I oběšeni jsou ti oba na šibenici, a zapsáno jest to do kronik před králem. 

Po těchto událostech, když rozhořčení krále Achašveróše opadlo, vzpomněl si na Vašti, na to, co učinila, i na to, jak o ní bylo rozhodnuto. 
Tu řekli královští panoši, kteří ho obsluhovali: "Nechť jsou vyhledány pro krále dívky, panny půvabného vzhledu! 
Král nechť ustanoví ve všech krajinách svého království dohližitele, aby shromáždili všechny dívky, panny půvabného vzhledu, na hrad v Šúšanu do ženského domu pod dohled královského kleštěnce Hegaje, strážce žen, kde se jim poskytne náležitá péče. 
Ta dívka, která se králi zalíbí, stane se královnou místo Vašti." Králi se návrh zalíbil a učinil tak. 
Na hradě v Šúšanu byl jeden žid jménem Mordokaj, syn Jaíra, syna Šimeího, syna Kíšova, Benjamínec. 
Byl přestěhován z Jeruzaléma s přesídlenci, kteří byli přestěhování spolu s judským králem Jekonjášem, kterého přestěhoval babylónský král Nebúkadnesar. 
Vychovával Hadasu neboli Esteru, dceru svého strýce, protože neměla otce ani matku. Byla to dívka krásné postavy a půvabného vzhledu. Po smrti jejího otce a její matky ji Mordokaj přijal za dceru. 
Když se rozhlásil králův výrok, totiž jeho zákon, a mnoho dívek bylo shromážděno na hradě v Šúšanu pod dohled Hegajův, byla vzata i Ester do královského domu pod dohled Hegaje, strážce žen. 
Dívka se mu zalíbila a získala jeho náklonnost. Neprodleně jí poskytl náležitou péči i příděly jídla. Přidělil jí též sedm vyhlédnutých dívek z královského domu a přemístil ji i její dívky do nejlepší části ženského domu. 
Ester neoznámila nic o svém lidu a o svém původu, protože jí Mordokaj přikázal, aby to neoznamovala. 
Mordokaj se denně procházel před nádvořím ženského domu, aby se dozvěděl, jak se Esteře daří a co se s ní děje. 
Na každou dívku přicházela řada, aby vešla ke králi Achašveróšovi, po uplynutí dvanácti měsíců, podle zákona pro ženy. Tak dlouho totiž trvaly přípravy: šest měsíců mazání myrhovým olejem a šest měsíců balzámy s ostatní náležitou ženskou péčí. 
Pak vcházela dívka ke králi. Vše, oč si řekla, jí bylo dáno, když měla z ženského domu vejít do domu králova. 
Za večera vešla a za jitra se vracela do druhého ženského domu pod dohled královského kleštěnce Šaašgaze, strážce ženin. Ke králi už nevešla, ledaže by si ji král oblíbil; pak byla zavolána jmenovitě. 
Když přišla řada na Esteru, dceru Abíchajila, strýce Mordokajova, kterou Mordokaj přijal za dceru, aby vešla ke králi, nežádala nic, než co řekl královský kleštěnec Hegaj, strážce žen. A Ester získala přízeň všech, kdo ji spatřili. 
Tak byla Ester vzata ke králi Achašveróšovi do jeho královského domu desátého měsíce, to je měsíce tebetu, v sedmém roce jeho kralování. 
Král si Esteru zamiloval nade všechny ženy; získala jeho přízeň a náklonnost nade všechny panny. Na hlavu jí vložil královskou korunu a ustanovil ji královnou místo Vašti. 
Potom král uspořádal veliký hodokvas pro všechny své velmože a služebníky, hostinu k Esteřině poctě. Poskytl také krajinám úlevy a udílel pocty, jak se sluší na krále. 
Když se podruhé shromažďovaly panny, seděl Mordokaj v královské bráně. 
Ester dosud nic neoznámila o svém původu a o svém lidu, jak jí Mordokaj přikázal. Řídila se jeho slovy, jako když byla u něho a on ji vychovával.- 
V oněch dnech, kdy Mordokaj seděl v královské bráně, rozlítili se Bigtan a Tereš, dva královi dvořané ze strážců prahu, a chtěli vztáhnout ruku na krále Achašveróše. 
Ale Mordokaj se o té věci dozvěděl, oznámil to královně Esteře a Ester to řekla Mordokajovým jménem králi. 
Záležitost se vyšetřila, vina byla prokázána a oba byli pověšeni na kůl. Pak to bylo zapsáno před králem do Knihy letopisů. 

Post tiu afero, kiam kvietiĝis la kolero de la reĝo Aĥaŝveroŝ, li rememoris pri Vaŝti, kaj pri tio, kion ŝi faris kaj kio estis dekretita pri ŝi. 
Kaj diris la junuloj de la reĝo, kiuj servadis al li:Oni serĉu por la reĝo belajn junajn virgulinojn; 
kaj la reĝo starigu en ĉiuj landoj de sia regno oficistojn, kiuj kolektus ĉiujn belajn junajn virgulinojn en la kastelurbon Ŝuŝan, en la virinejon, sub la inspektadon de Hegaj, la reĝa eŭnuko, gardisto de la virinoj, kaj oni donu al ili iliajn beligaĵojn; 
kaj la junulino, kiu plaĉos al la okuloj de la reĝo, fariĝos reĝino anstataŭ Vaŝti. Kaj la afero plaĉis al la reĝo, kaj li tiel faris. 
En la kastelurbo Ŝuŝan estis Judo, kies nomo estis Mordeĥaj, filo de Jair, filo de Ŝimei, filo de Kiŝ, Benjamenido; 
kiu estis transloĝigita el Jerusalem kune kun la transloĝigitoj, kiuj estis forkondukitaj kun Jeĥonja, reĝo de Judujo, kaj kiujn transloĝigis Nebukadnecar, reĝo de Babel. 
Li estis prizorganto de Hadasa, kiu ankaŭ estis nomata Ester, filino de lia onklo, ĉar ŝi ne havis patron nek patrinon. La junulino estis belstatura kaj belvizaĝa. Kiam mortis ŝiaj gepatroj, Mordeĥaj prenis ŝin al si kiel filinon. 
Kiam estis aŭdigita la ordono de la reĝo kaj lia leĝo, kaj kiam oni kolektis multe da knabinoj en la kastelurbon Ŝuŝan sub la inspekton de Hegaj, tiam ankaŭ Ester estis prenita en la reĝan domon sub la inspekton de Hegaj, la gardisto de la virinoj. 
La knabino plaĉis al li kaj akiris lian favoron, kaj li rapide donis al ŝi ŝiajn beligaĵojn kaj ŝian destinitaĵon, kaj sep knabinojn elektitajn el la domo de la reĝo; kaj li transloĝigis ŝin kun ŝiaj knabinoj en la plej bonan parton de la virinejo. 
Ester ne diris pri sia popolo nek pri sia patrujo, ĉar Mordeĥaj ordonis al ŝi, ke ŝi ne diru. 
Ĉiutage Mordeĥaj iradis antaŭ la korto de la virinejo, por sciiĝi pri la farto de Ester, kaj pri tio, kio okazas al ŝi. 
Kiam por ĉiu knabino venis la vico iri al la reĝo Aĥaŝveroŝ, post kiam dum dek du monatoj estis farata al ŝi la beligado destinita por la virinoj (ĉar tiel longe daŭris la tempo de ilia beligado:ses monatoj per mirha oleo, kaj ses monatoj per aromaĵoj kaj per aliaj ŝmiraĵoj), 
tiam la knabino eniris al la reĝo. Ĉion, kion ŝi diris, oni donis al ŝi, por ke ŝi iru kun tio el la virinejo en la reĝan domon. 
Vespere ŝi eniris, kaj matene ŝi revenis en la virinejon duan, sub la inspekton de Ŝaaŝgaz, reĝa eŭnuko, gardisto de la kromvirinoj; ŝi jam ne plu iris al la reĝo, krom en la okazo, se la reĝo ŝin deziris kaj se ŝi estis vokita laŭnome. 
Kiam por Ester, filino de Abiĥail, onklo de Mordeĥaj, kiu prenis ŝin al si kiel filinon, venis la vico iri al la reĝo, ŝi nenion petis, krom nur tio, kion diris Hegaj, la reĝa eŭnuko, gardisto de la virinoj. Kaj Ester akiris la favoron de ĉiuj, kiuj ŝin vidis. 
Ester estis prenita al la reĝo Aĥaŝveroŝ en lian reĝan domon en la deka monato, tio estas en la monato Tebet, en la sepa jaro de lia reĝado. 
Kaj la reĝo ekamis Esteron pli ol ĉiujn edzinojn, kaj ŝi akiris ĉe li simpation kaj favoron pli ol ĉiuj virgulinoj; kaj li metis reĝan kronon sur ŝian kapon kaj faris ŝin reĝino anstataŭ Vaŝti. 
Kaj la reĝo faris grandan festenon por ĉiuj siaj princoj kaj servantoj, festenon je la honoro de Ester; kaj li donis ripozon al la landoj kaj disdonis reĝajn donacojn. 
Kaj kiam oni la duan fojon kolektis junulinojn, Mordeĥaj sidis ĉe la pordego de la reĝo. 
Ester ankoraŭ ne diris pri sia patrujo kaj pri sia popolo, kiel ordonis al ŝi Mordeĥaj; kaj la dirojn de Mordeĥaj Ester plenumadis tiel same, kiel tiam, kiam ŝi estis sub lia prizorgado. 
En tiu tempo, kiam Mordeĥaj sidadis ĉe la pordego de la reĝo, ekkoleris Bigtan kaj Tereŝ, du korteganoj de la reĝo el la sojlogardistoj, kaj ili intencis meti manon sur la reĝon Aĥaŝveroŝ. 
Pri tio eksciis Mordeĥaj, kaj li diris al la reĝino Ester, kaj Ester diris tion al la reĝo en la nomo de Mordeĥaj. 
La afero estis esplorita kaj trovita vera, kaj oni pendigis ambaŭ sur arbo. Kaj tio estis enskribita en la kronikon ĉe la reĝo. 

Näiden tapausten jälkeen, kun kuningas Ahasveroksen viha oli asettunut, muisti hän Vastia ja mitä tämä oli tehnyt ja mitä hänestä oli päätetty. 
Ja asettakoon kuningas kaikkiin valtakuntansa maakuntiin käskyläiset keräämään kaikki nuoret neitsyet, näöltään ihanat, Suusanin linnaan, vaimolaan, Heegain, kuninkaan hoviherran ja vaimojen vartijan, huostaan, ja annettakoon heille heidän kauneudenhoitonsa. 
Suusanin linnassa oli juutalainen mies, nimeltä Mordokai, Jaairin poika, joka oli Siimein poika, joka Kiisin poika, benjaminilainen. 
Hänet oli viety Jerusalemista pakkosiirtolaisuuteen niiden pakkosiirtolaisten joukossa, jotka vietiin samalla kuin Jekonja, Juudan kuningas, jonka Nebukadnessar, Baabelin kuningas, vei pakkosiirtolaisuuteen. 
Hän oli setänsä tyttären Hadassan, se on Esterin, kasvatusisä, sillä tämä oli isätön ja äiditön. Tyttö oli vartaloltaan kaunis ja näöltään ihana, ja hänen isänsä ja äitinsä kuoltua oli Mordokai ottanut hänet tyttäreksensä. 
Ja kun kuninkaan käsky ja laki tuli tunnetuksi ja kun kerättiin paljon tyttöjä Suusanin linnaan Heegain huostaan, otettiin Esterkin kuninkaan palatsiin Heegain, vaimojen vartijan, huostaan. 
Tyttö miellytti häntä ja sai armon hänen edessään, ja hän antoi hänelle joutuin hänen kauneudenhoitonsa ja määrätyn ravinto-osansa sekä seitsemän valiopalvelijatarta kuninkaan palatsista ja siirsi hänet palvelijattarineen vaimolan parhaaseen paikkaan. 
Ester ei ilmaissut kansaansa eikä syntyperäänsä, sillä Mordokai oli häntä kieltänyt sitä ilmaisemasta. 
Mutta Mordokai käyskenteli joka päivä vaimolan esipihan edustalla saadakseen tietää, voiko Ester hyvin ja mitä hänelle tapahtui. 
Kun jonkun tytön vuoro tuli mennä kuningas Ahasveroksen tykö, sittenkuin hänelle oli kaksitoista kuukautta tehty, niinkuin vaimoista oli määrätty-sillä niin pitkä aika kului heidän kauneudenhoitoonsa: kuusi kuukautta mirhaöljyllä, toiset kuusi kuukautta hajuaineilla sekä muilla naisten kauneudenhoitokeinoilla-meni tyttö kuninkaan tykö. 
Kaikki, mitä hän pyysi, annettiin hänelle mukaan vaimolasta kuninkaan palatsiin. 
Illalla hän meni, ja aamulla hän palasi toiseen vaimolaan kuninkaan hoviherran Saasgaan, sivuvaimojen vartijan, huostaan; ei hän enää mennyt kuninkaan tykö, paitsi jos kuningas oli häneen mieltynyt ja hänet nimeltään kutsuttiin. 
Kun Esterille, Mordokain sedän Abihailin tyttärelle, jonka Mordokai oli ottanut tyttärekseen, tuli vuoro mennä kuninkaan tykö, ei hän halunnut mukaansa muuta, kuin mitä Heegai, kuninkaan hoviherra, vaimojen vartija, neuvoi. Ja Ester sai armon kaikkien niiden edessä, jotka näkivät hänet. 
Ester vietiin kuningas Ahasveroksen tykö hänen kuninkaalliseen palatsiinsa kymmenennessä kuussa, se on teebet-kuussa, hänen seitsemäntenä hallitusvuotenansa. 
Ja Ester tuli kuninkaalle kaikkia muita naisia rakkaammaksi ja sai hänen edessään armon ja suosion ennen kaikkia muita neitsyitä, niin että tämä pani kuninkaallisen kruunun hänen päähänsä ja teki hänet kuningattareksi Vastin sijaan. 
Ja kuningas laittoi suuret pidot kaikille ruhtinailleen ja palvelijoilleen, pidot Esterin kunniaksi, ja myönsi maakunnille veronhuojennusta ja jakelutti lahjoja, kuninkaalliseen tapaan. 
Kun neitsyitä koottiin toinen kerta ja Mordokai istuskeli kuninkaan portissa 
-eikä Ester ollut ilmaissut syntyperäänsä eikä kansaansa, sillä Mordokai oli häntä siitä kieltänyt; Ester näet teki, mitä Mordokai käski, samoin kuin ollessaan hänen kasvattinansa- 
niin siihen aikaan, Mordokain istuskellessa kuninkaan portissa, Bigtan ja Teres, kaksi kuninkaan hoviherraa, ovenvartijoita, suuttuivat ja etsivät tilaisuutta käydäkseen käsiksi kuningas Ahasverokseen. 
Mutta se tuli Mordokain tietoon, ja hän ilmaisi sen kuningatar Esterille, ja Ester sanoi sen Mordokain nimessä kuninkaalle. 
Ja asia tutkittiin, ja kun se havaittiin todeksi, ripustettiin ne molemmat hirsipuuhun. Ja se kirjoitettiin aikakirjaan kuningasta varten. 

Myöhemminkin, ensi vihan jo lauhduttua, kuningas Kserkses piti mielessään, mitä Vasti oli tehnyt ja mitä hänestä oli päätetty. 
Kuningas määrätköön joka maakuntaan miehiä, jotka kokoavat kaikki nuoret ja kauniit neitsyet Susan palatsin haaremiin. Siellä, kuninkaan haareminvalvojan eunukki Hegain huostassa, he saavat kauneudenhoitoa, 
Susan kaupungissa asui juutalainen mies, jonka nimi oli Mordokai. Hän oli Benjaminin heimoa, ja hänen isänsä oli Jair, Kisin pojan Simein poika. 
Mordokai oli tuotu sinne Jerusalemista niiden juutalaisten joukossa, jotka Babylonian kuningas Nebukadnessar oli vienyt pakkosiirtolaisuuteen samanaikaisesti Juudan kuninkaan Jekonjan kanssa. 
Hänellä oli kasvattityttärenään setänsä tytär Hadassa, toiselta nimeltään Ester, jolla ei enää ollut isää eikä äitiä. Ester oli kaunis ja sorea, ja Mordokai oli tytön vanhempien kuoltua ottanut hänet omaksi tyttärekseen. 
Kun kuninkaan käsky ja määräys oli tullut tunnetuksi ja neitoja koottiin suurin joukoin Susan kaupunkiin haareminvalvoja Hegain huostaan, Esterkin joutui kuninkaan palatsiin Hegain hoiviin. 
Neito miellytti haareminvalvojaa, ja hän pääsi tämän suosioon. Hegai järjesti hänelle tuota pikaa kauneudenhoidon ja elatuksen, antoi hänelle seitsemän valikoitua palvelijatarta kuninkaan palatsista ja siirsi hänet ja hänen palvelijattarensa haaremin parhaaseen osaan. 
Ester ei paljastanut kansallisuuttaan eikä syntyperäänsä, sillä Mordokai oli kieltänyt häntä sitä tekemästä. 
Mordokai itse kuljeskeli joka päivä haaremin sisäpihan lähistöllä saadakseen tietää, mitä Esterille kulloinkin kuului. 
Kunkin neidon tuli vuorollaan mennä kuningas Kserkseen luo. Sitä ennen tyttö oli saanut kauneudenhoitoa kokonaisen vuoden, kuten oli määrätty. Kuusi kuukautta häntä oli hoidettu mirhaöljyllä ja toiset kuusi kuukautta balsamiöljyillä ja muulla tavoin. 
Lähtiessään kuninkaan luo hän sai viedä haaremista mukanaan kuninkaan palatsiin mitä vain halusi. 
Hän lähti palatsiin illalla ja siirtyi aamulla toiseen haaremiin eunukki Saasgasin, kuninkaan sivuvaimojen valvojan, huomaan. Kuninkaan luo hän ei enää päässyt, paitsi jos kuningas oli mieltynyt häneen ja erityisesti nimeltä mainiten kutsutti hänet luokseen. 
Kun Ester, Mordokain sedän Abihailin tytär, Mordokain ottotytär, vuorollaan joutui kuninkaan eteen, hän pyysi mukaansa vain sen, mitä kuninkaan haareminvalvoja eunukki Hegai neuvoi häntä ottamaan. Mutta Esteriin ihastuivat kaikki, jotka hänet näkivät. 
Ester vietiin kuninkaan eteen kuningas Kserkseen seitsemännen hallitusvuoden kymmenentenä kuukautena, tebet-kuussa. 
Hänestä tuli kuninkaalle kaikkia muita naisia rakkaampi, eikä kukaan toinen neitsyt osannut hänen laillaan voittaa puolelleen kuninkaan mieltymystä ja suosiota. Kuningas asetti kuninkaallisen kruunun Esterin päähän ja julisti hänet kuningattareksi Vastin sijaan. 
Esterin kunniaksi kuningas järjesti kaikille ruhtinailleen ja ylimmille virkamiehilleen suuret hääpidot, myönsi maakunnille verohelpotuksia ja jakeli kuninkaan arvon mukaisia lahjoja. 
Pian sen jälkeen, kun neitoja ryhdyttiin kokoamaan, Mordokai tuli hovin palvelukseen. 
Ester ei vieläkään paljastanut syntyperäänsä eikä kansallisuuttaan, koska Mordokai oli häntä kieltänyt. Ester noudatti yhä hänen neuvojaan, kuten ollessaan hänen kasvattinaan. 
Mordokain palvellessa kuninkaan hovissa Bigtan ja Teres, kaksi eunukkia, jotka vartioivat kuninkaan yksityishuoneita, olivat alkaneet vihata kuningasta niin, että vaanivat tilaisuutta tappaakseen hänet. 
Mordokai sai vihiä hankkeesta ja kertoi siitä kuningatar Esterille, joka vei tiedon edelleen kuninkaalle. 
Asia tutkittiin ja havaittiin todeksi, ja Bigtan ja Teres hirtettiin. Tapaus merkittiin kuninkaan aikakirjoihin. 

Lurg ny reddyn shoh, tra va farg ree Ahasuerus er ny veeinaghey dy chooinee eh er Vashti, as ny v'ee er n'yannoo, as y decree hie magh noi eck. 
Eisht dooyrt fir-oik y ree va shirveish er, Lhig da moidynyn aegey as aalin v'er ny gheddyn da'n ree: 
As lhig da'n ree pointeil fir-oik ayns ooilley rheamyn e reeriaght, dy haglym cooidjagh ooilley ny moidynyn aegey as aalin gys Shushan y phlaase, gys thie ny mraane, fo kiarail Hege shamyrlin y ree, oaseir ny mraane, as lhig da spiceyn-oonlee cour glenney v'er ny choyrt daue: 
As lhig da'n voidyn share by-haittin lesh y ree, ve yn ven-rein ayns ynnyd Vashti. As va'n raa cordail rish aigney yn ree, as shen myr ren eh. 
Nish ayns Shushan y phlaase, va Hew dy row, enmyssit Mordecai, mac Jair, mac Shimei, mac Kish, ny Venjamite: 
Va goit ersooyl veih Jerusalem, ayns y chappeeys marish Jeconiah ree Yudah, ren Nebuchadnezzar ree Vabylon y chur lesh ersooyl. 
As va Hadassah (ta shen Esther) inneen e naim troggit liorish, son cha row ayr ny moir eck, as va'n ven aeg aalin as stoamey, ee ghow Mordecai (lurg baase yn ayr as y voir eck) son e lhiannoo hene. 
Myr shen haink eh gykione, tra va sarey as oardagh y ree er ny chlashtyn, as tra va ymmodee moidynyn er nyn jaglym cooidjagh gys Shushan y phlaase fo currym Hegai, dy row Esther myrgeddin er ny choyrt lh'ee gys thie yn ree, fo kiarail Hegai, 
As by-laik lesh y ven aeg, as yeeagh eh foayr jee, as hug eh jee chelleeragh spiceyn oonlee ry-hoi glenney, marish lheid ny reddyn as va cooie er e son, as shiaght mraane aegey va dy hirveish urree, ass thie yn ree, as phoint eh jeeish as da ny mraane eck, yn reih ynnyd va ayns thie ny mraane. 
Cha row Esther foast er n'insh quoi va'n sleih-mooinjerey, ny'n kynney eck: son va Mordecai er choyrt currym gyere urree, nagh n'inshagh ee eh. 
As huill Mordecai dy chooilley laa roish cooyrt thie ny mraane dy vriaght kys va Esther, as cre'n erree harragh urree. 
Nish tra haink shayll dagh moidyn mygeayrt, dy gholl stiagh gys ree Ahasuerus, erreish j'ee v'er ve daa vee jeig, cordail rish cliaghtey mraane, (son shoh myr va nyn laghyn glennee cooilleenit, ta shen dy ghra shey meeaghyn lesh myrrh, as shey meeagh yn lesh spiceyn millish, as lesh reddyn elley cooie son mraane y ghlenney.) 
Eisht er yn aght shoh haink dagh ben aeg gys y ree, va, cre-erbee hirragh ee coyrt jee, dy gholl maree ass thie ny mraane, gys plaase y ree. 
Ayns yn astyr hie ee stiagh, as er laa-ny-vairagh haink ee magh, gys yn nah hie va cour ny mraane fo currym Shaashgaz shamyrder y ree, va currym ny co-lhiabbee er: cha daink ee arragh stiagh gys y ree, mannagh ghow yn ree taitnys aynjee, as fegooish yn ennym ec ve eit. 
Nish tra va coorse Esther, inneen Abihail, naim Mordecai (va er ghoaill ee son e lhiannoo hene) er jeet mygeayrt dy gholl stiagh gys y ree, cha hir ee veg, agh ny ren Hegai shamyrder y ree, va currym ny mraane er phointeil: as va Esther dy mooar soit j'ee son e aalid, 'sy chilley ocsyn ooilley honnick ee. 
Myr shoh va Esther goit stiagh liorish ree Ahasuerus, gys e phlaase reeoil, ayns y jeihoo vee (ta shen yn vee Tebeth) 'sy chiaghtoo vlein jeh e reill. 
As bynney lesh y ree Esther, erskyn ooilley ny mraane, as hooar ee foayr as aigney mie ayns e hilley, erskyn ooilley ny moidynyn; myr shen dy hoie eh yn crown reeoil er y chione eck, as ren eh ee yn ven-rein, ayns ynnyd Vashti: 
Eisht ren y ree cuirraghyn mooar da ooilley e phrinceyn, as e ir-oik, eer cuirraghyn Esther, as ren eh mial keeshyn ny rheamyn, as hug eh giootyn, cordail rish stayd y ree. 
As tra va ny moidynyn er nyn jaglym cooidjagh yn nah cheayrt, eisht hoie Mordecai ayns giat y ree. 
Cha hoilshee Esther foast yn sleih mooinjerey, ny yn kynney eck; myr va Mordecai er harey ee: son ren Esther er raa 
Ayns ny laghyn shen (choud as va Mordecai ny hoie ayns giat y ree) va jees jeh shamyrderyn y ree, Bigthan as Teresh jeusyn va freayll yn dorrys, lhieent lesh farg, as fieau er caa dy stroie ree Ahasuerus: 
As hooar Mordecai fys er shoh, as dinsh eshyn eh da Esther yn ven-rein, as ren Esther y chooish y hoilshaghey da'n ree, ayns ennym Vordecai. 
As tra va briaght jeant 'sy chooish, ve er ny gheddyn magh; v'ad ny-neesht, er-y-fa shen, croghit er billey: as ve scruit ayns lioar ny recortyssyn fenish y ree. 

Apre sa, lè kolè wa a fin pase, lide wa a te toujou sou sa Vachti te fè a ak sou desizyon li menm li te pran lè sa a. 
Se konsa, nan moun ki toujou avèk wa a, gen ladan yo ki di l': -Poukisa ou pa mete moun chache pou ou kèk bèl ti jenn fi ki tifi toujou? 
Nan tout pwovens peyi ou la, wa chwazi kèk enspekte ki va chache dènye bèl ti jenn fi ki poko nan gason. Y'a mennen yo nan kay madanm ou yo, isit la, lavil Souz, kapital la. Wa mete yo sou kont Egayi, domestik konfyans ou ki reskonsab madanm ou yo, pou li ba yo tou sa yo bezwen pou fè kò yo bèl. 
Lèfini, jenn fi ki va fè ou plezi plis la wa mete l' larenn nan plas Vachti a. Wa a wè se te yon bon lide, li fè sa konsa vre. 
Lè sa a, nan lavil Souz, kapital peyi a, te gen yon jwif ki te rele Madoche. Se te pitit Jayi, nan branch fanmi Benjamen. Li te soti nan fanmi Kich ak Chimeyi. 
Lè Nèbikadneza, wa peyi Babilòn lan, te pran Jekonya, wa peyi Jida a, ansanm ak lòt prizonye yo nan lavil Jerizalèm pou l' te depòte yo, Madoche te ladan l' tou. 
Li te gen yon ti kouzin li ki te rele Estè. Men bon non jwif li se te Adasa. Se te yon bèl fi anfòm. Lè papa l' ak manman l' mouri, Madoche te pran l' lakay li, li leve l' tankou pwòp pitit fi li. 
Apre yo te fin pibliye lòd wa a, yo mache chache anpil jenn fi, yo mennen yo lakay wa a lavil Souz, kapital la. Estè te ladan yo tou. Se konsa li te lakay wa a, sou kont Egayi ki te reskonsab tout madanm wa yo. 
Estè te fè Egayi plezi anpil. San l' te ale avè l'. Li pa pèdi tan li, li ba li tou sa li te bezwen pou fè kò l' bèl ak manje ki bon pou li. Li chwazi sèt bòn lakay wa a, li bay Estè pou sèvis pa l', epi li mete l' nan pi bon apatman ki te genyen nan kay madanm wa yo. 
Estè pa t' kite pèsonn konnen moun ki peyi ak ki ras li te ye, paske Madoche te ba li lòd pou l' pa t' di anyen sou sa. 
Chak jou, Madoche bò pa l' menm t'ap pwonmennen devan lakou kay medam yo pou l' te konnen jan Estè t'ap degaje l', ki jan sa tapral pase pou li. 
Yo te pran yon lanne nèt pou pare jenn fi yo. Yo pase sis mwa ap pran masaj ak lwil fèt ak lami, sis mwa ak odè ansanm ak krèm fèt pou madan marye. Apre sa, yo mennen jenn fi yo yonn apre lòt al jwenn wa Asyeris. 
Men ki jan sa te fèt: lè yon jenn fi ap kite kay medam yo pou ale kay wa a, yo ba li tou sa li te vle mete sou li. 
Se yon jou swa yo toujou mennen l'. Nan maten, yo fè l' ale nan yon lòt kay wa a te genyen pou fanm kay li yo. Yo renmèt li nan men Chagaz ki te reskonsab kay sa a. Jenn fi a pa t' gen pou l' te tounen kay wa a ankò, esepte si wa a te vle. Lè konsa, se wa a ki pou bay non fi li vle a. 
Jou pou Estè ale kay wa a rive. Estè, pitit fi Abikayil la, kouzin Madoche te pran pou pitit fi li a, leve, li pa mande anyen pase sa Egayi, domestik konfyans wa a ki te reskonsab jenn fi yo, te ba li konsèy mande pou mete sou li. Tout moun tonbe pou Estè lè yo wè l'. 
Se konsa, Asyeris t'ap mache sou sètan depi li te wa, nan dizyèm mwa, mwa yo rele Tebèt la, lè yo mennen Estè devan wa a lakay li. 
Wa a tonbe pou Estè plis pase pou tout lòt fanm li te janm konnen. Estè te rive fè wa a plezi plis pase tout lòt jenn fi yo. Wa a renmen l' plis pase lòt yo. Li mete kouwòn li a sou tèt Estè, li nonmen l' larenn nan plas Vachti a. 
Lèfini, li voye envite tout chèf li yo ak moun pa l' yo, li fè yon gwo resepsyon pou Estè. Li bay yon jou vakans nan tout peyi a nèt. Apre sa, li bay kado adwat agoch jan wa yo konn fè l' la. 
Pandan tout tan yo t'ap mennen jenn fi yo bay wa a, Madoche te chita bò pòtay palè a. 
Estè menm pa t' kite pèsonn konnen moun ki peyi ak ki ras li te ye. Madoche te ba li lòd pa di anyen sou sa. Estè te obeyi l' jan li te toujou obeyi l' lè li te timoun lakay li. 
Antan Madoche te chita bò pòtay la, de domestik konfyans wa a, Bigtan ak Tèrèch, ki t'ap fè pòs devan chanm wa a, fache sou wa a, yo fè konplo pou yo touye l'. 
Madoche vin konn sa. Li di larenn Estè sa. Larenn Estè menm al di wa a men sa Madoche voye di l'. 
Yo mennen ankèt, yo jwenn sa Madoche te di a se te vre. Yo pann de mesye yo. Lèfini, wa a bay lòd pou yo ekri koze a nan gwo liv achiv gouvènman yo. 

Ezek után, a mint megszünt Ahasvérus király haragja, megemlékezék Vástiról, és arról a mit cselekedett, és arról a mit végeztek felõle. 
És mondának a király apródai, a kik néki szolgálának: Keressenek a királynak szép ábrázatú szûz leányokat. 
És rendeljen a király tiszteket országának minden tartományába, a kik gyûjtsenek össze minden szép ábrázatú szûz leányt Susán várába, az asszonyok házába, Hégainak, a király kamarásának, az asszonyok õrzõjének keze alá, és adjanak nékik szépítõ szereket. 
És az a leány, a ki tetszik a király szemeinek, uralkodjék Vásti helyett. És tetszett a dolog a királynak, és úgy cselekedék. 
Vala egy zsidó férfiú Susán várában, a kinek neve Márdokeus, Jáirnak fia, a ki Simei fia, a ki Kis fia, Benjámin nemzetségébõl, 
A ki Jeruzsálembõl fogva vitetett el a számûzött néppel, a mely elvitetett Jekóniással, Júda királyával együtt, a kit rabságba vitt el Nabukodonozor, babilóniai király. 
És ez gondviselõje volt Hadassának, azaz Eszternek az õ nagybátyja leányának; mert sem atyja, sem anyja nem volt, és a leány szép alakú és szép ábrázatú vala, s mikor meghalt az õ atyja és anyja, Márdokeus leánya gyanánt magához fogadá. 
Lõn pedig, mikor a király parancsa és rendelete kihirdettetett és sok leány gyûjtetett Susán várába, Hégai keze alá, akkor felvétetett Eszter is a király házába, Hégainak, az asszonyok õrének keze alá. 
És tetszett a leány az õ szemeinek és kegyébe fogadá, és siete néki szépítõ szereket adni, és kiadni az õ részét és hét leányzót, a kit néki a király házából kelle kiszemelni, és vivé õt és az õ szolgálóleányait az asszonyok legjobb házába. 
Meg nem mondá Eszter az õ nemzetségét és származását; mert Márdokeus meghagyta néki, hogy meg ne mondja. 
Márdokeus pedig minden nap járt az asszonyok házának pitvara elõtt, hogy tudakozódjék Eszter hogyléte felõl, és hogy mi történik vele. 
Mikor pedig eljött az ideje minden leánynak, hogy bemenne Ahasvérus királyhoz, miután asszonyok törvénye szerint tizenkét hónapig bántak vele (mert ennyi idõbe telik az õ szépítésök, hat hónapig mirtusolajjal és hat hónapig illatos szerekkel és asszonyi szépítõ szerekkel): 
Akkor így ment a leány a királyhoz: Mindent, a mit kivánt, megadtak néki, hogy menjen azzal az asszonyok házából a király házáig; 
Este bement és reggel visszatért az asszonyok második házába, Sahásgáznak, a király udvarmesterének, a hálótársak õrzõjének kezei alá; nem jött többé a királyhoz, csak ha kivánta õt a király, és nevén hívták. 
Mikor azért eljött az ideje Eszternek, a Márdokeus nagybátyja, Abihail leányának, a kit leánya gyanánt fogadott, hogy bemenne a királyhoz, nem kivánt mást, mint a mit Hégai, a király udvarmestere, az asszonyok õrzõje mondott néki, és kedves vala Eszter mindenki szemei elõtt, a ki õt látá. 
És felviteték Eszter Ahasvérus királyhoz, az õ királyi házába, a tizedik hónapban, ez a Tébet hónapja, országlásának hetedik évében. 
És a király Esztert minden asszonynál inkább szereté, és minden leánynál nagyobb kedvet és kegyelmet nyert õ elõtte, és tette a királyi koronát az õ fejére, és királynévá tette Vásti helyett. 
És nagy lakomát adott a király minden õ fejedelmének és szolgáinak, az Eszter lakomáját, és a tartományoknak nyugalmat adott, és ajándékokat osztogata király módjára. 
És mikor összegyûjték a szûzeket másodszor, Márdokeus üle a király kapujában. 
És Eszter nem mondá meg sem származását, sem nemzetségét, miképen megparancsolá néki Márdokeus; mert Márdokeus szavát Eszter úgy fogadá, mint mikor gyámja volt. 
Azokban a napokban pedig, mikor Márdokeus üle a király kapujában, megharagudott Bigtán és Téres, a király két udvarmestere, a kapu õrei, és azon voltak, hogy rávetik kezeiket Ahasvérus királyra. 
Tudtára esett e dolog Márdokeusnak, és megmondá Eszter királynénak, és Eszter elmondá a királynak Márdokeus nevében. 
És megvizsgálták a dolgot és úgy találták, és mind a kettõt fára akasztották. És megírattaték a krónikák könyvébe a király elõtt. 

Ezek után, a mint megszünt Ahasvérus király haragja, megemlékezék Vástiról, és arról a mit cselekedett, és arról a mit végeztek felõle. 
És mondának a király apródai, a kik néki szolgálának: Keressenek a királynak szép ábrázatú szûz leányokat. 
És rendeljen a király tiszteket országának minden tartományába, a kik gyûjtsenek össze minden szép ábrázatú szûz leányt Susán várába, az asszonyok házába, Hégainak, a király kamarásának, az asszonyok õrzõjének keze alá, és adjanak nékik szépítõ szereket. 
És az a leány, a ki tetszik a király szemeinek, uralkodjék Vásti helyett. És tetszett a dolog a királynak, és úgy cselekedék. 
Vala egy zsidó férfiú Susán várában, a kinek neve Márdokeus, Jáirnak fia, a ki Simei fia, a ki Kis fia, Benjámin nemzetségébõl, 
A ki Jeruzsálembõl fogva vitetett el a számûzött néppel, a mely elvitetett Jekóniással, Júda királyával együtt, a kit rabságba vitt el Nabukodonozor, babilóniai király. 
És ez gondviselõje volt Hadassának, azaz Eszternek az õ nagybátyja leányának; mert sem atyja, sem anyja nem volt, és a leány szép alakú és szép ábrázatú vala, s mikor meghalt az õ atyja és anyja, Márdokeus leánya gyanánt magához fogadá. 
Lõn pedig, mikor a király parancsa és rendelete kihirdettetett és sok leány gyûjtetett Susán várába, Hégai keze alá, akkor felvétetett Eszter is a király házába, Hégainak, az asszonyok õrének keze alá. 
És tetszett a leány az õ szemeinek és kegyébe fogadá, és siete néki szépítõ szereket adni, és kiadni az õ részét és hét leányzót, a kit néki a király házából kelle kiszemelni, és vivé õt és az õ szolgálóleányait az asszonyok legjobb házába. 
Meg nem mondá Eszter az õ nemzetségét és származását; mert Márdokeus meghagyta néki, hogy meg ne mondja. 
Márdokeus pedig minden nap járt az asszonyok házának pitvara elõtt, hogy tudakozódjék Eszter hogyléte felõl, és hogy mi történik vele. 
Mikor pedig eljött az ideje minden leánynak, hogy bemenne Ahasvérus királyhoz, miután asszonyok törvénye szerint tizenkét hónapig bántak vele (mert ennyi idõbe telik az õ szépítésök, hat hónapig mirtusolajjal és hat hónapig illatos szerekkel és asszonyi szépítõ szerekkel): 
Akkor így ment a leány a királyhoz: Mindent, a mit kivánt, megadtak néki, hogy menjen azzal az asszonyok házából a király házáig; 
Este bement és reggel visszatért az asszonyok második házába, Sahásgáznak, a király udvarmesterének, a hálótársak õrzõjének kezei alá; nem jött többé a királyhoz, csak ha kivánta õt a király, és nevén hívták. 
Mikor azért eljött az ideje Eszternek, a Márdokeus nagybátyja, Abihail leányának, a kit leánya gyanánt fogadott, hogy bemenne a királyhoz, nem kivánt mást, mint a mit Hégai, a király udvarmestere, az asszonyok õrzõje mondott néki, és kedves vala Eszter mindenki szemei elõtt, a ki õt látá. 
És felviteték Eszter Ahasvérus királyhoz, az õ királyi házába, a tizedik hónapban, ez a Tébet hónapja, országlásának hetedik évében. 
És a király Esztert minden asszonynál inkább szereté, és minden leánynál nagyobb kedvet és kegyelmet nyert õ elõtte, és tette a királyi koronát az õ fejére, és királynévá tette Vásti helyett. 
És nagy lakomát adott a király minden õ fejedelmének és szolgáinak, az Eszter lakomáját, és a tartományoknak nyugalmat adott, és ajándékokat osztogata király módjára. 
És mikor összegyûjték a szûzeket másodszor, Márdokeus üle a király kapujában. 
És Eszter nem mondá meg sem származását, sem nemzetségét, miképen megparancsolá néki Márdokeus; mert Márdokeus szavát Eszter úgy fogadá, mint mikor gyámja volt. 
Azokban a napokban pedig, mikor Márdokeus üle a király kapujában, megharagudott Bigtán és Téres, a király két udvarmestere, a kapu õrei, és azon voltak, hogy rávetik kezeiket Ahasvérus királyra. 
Tudtára esett e dolog Márdokeusnak, és megmondá Eszter királynénak, és Eszter elmondá a királynak Márdokeus nevében. 
És megvizsgálták a dolgot és úgy találták, és mind a kettõt fára akasztották. És megírattaték a krónikák könyvébe a király elõtt. 

Ezek után lecsillapodott Ahasvérós király haragja, és eszébe jutott Vasti: az is, hogy mit tett, meg az is, hogy mit határoztak róla. 
A király szolgálatára álló ifjak pedig ezt mondták: Keresni kell a királynak szép termetű szűz leányokat. 
Nevezzen ki a király megbízottakat birodalma minden tartományában, hogy gyűjtsenek össze minden szép termetű szűz leányt Súsán várába, az asszonyok palotájába. Bízzák rá őket Hégajra, a király háremőrére, a nők őrizőjére, és adjanak nekik szépítőszereket. 
Az a leány legyen Vasti helyett a királyné, akit a király a legszebbnek talál. Tetszett ez a beszéd a királynak, és aszerint járt el. 
Volt Súsán várában egy Mordokaj nevű zsidó ember, Jáír fia, aki Simei fia, aki Kís fia, benjámini ember volt. 
Jeruzsálemből vitték fogságba azokkal a foglyokkal együtt, akiket Jekonjával, Júda királyával hurcoltak el, amikor Nebukadneccar, Babilónia királya fogságba vitte őket. 
Ő gyámja volt Hadasszának, azaz Eszternek, nagybátyja leányának, mert nem volt neki sem apja, sem anyja. A leánynak termete is, arca is szép volt. Amikor apja és anyja meghalt, Mordokaj a leányává fogadta. 
Amikor kihirdették a király parancsát és rendeletét, sok leány gyűlt össze Súsán várában Hégaj felügyelete alatt. Eszter is bekerült a királyi palotába, Hégajnak, a nők őrizőjének a felügyelete alá. 
Az szépnek látta a leányt, megkedvelte, és sietett neki szépítőszereket és megfelelő ételeket adni&#59; a királyi palota hét kiválasztott leányát adta mellé, és a leányokkal együtt az asszonyok palotájának a legszebb részén helyezte el. 
Eszter azonban nem mondta meg, melyik népből való, és kik a rokonai, mert Mordokaj azt parancsolta neki, hogy ne mondja meg. 
Mordokaj mindennap az asszonyok palotájának az udvara előtt járkált, hogy megtudja, jól van-e Eszter, és mi történik vele. 
Egy-egy leányra akkor került sor, hogy bemenjen Ahasvérós királyhoz, ha letelt a nők számára előírt tizenkét hónap, mert ennyi ideig tartott a szépítésük. Hat hónapig mirhaolajjal szépítették őket, hat hónapig pedig balzsamokkal és más női szépítőszerekkel. 
Így ment be a leány a királyhoz. Mindent megadtak neki, amit csak kívánt, hogy azzal mehessen be az asszonyok palotájából a király palotájába. 
Este bement, reggel pedig átment az asszonyok másik palotájába Saasgaznak, a király háremőrének, a másodrangú feleségek őrizőjének a felügyelete alá. Többé nem mehetett a királyhoz, csak ha megkedvelte a király, és név szerint hívták. 
Amikor rákerült a sor Eszterre, Abihailnak, Mordokaj nagybátyjának a leányára, akit leányává fogadott, és be kellett mennie a királyhoz, ő nem kívánt mást, mint amit Hégaj, a király háremőre, az asszonyok őrizője mondott. Eszter mégis mindenkinek megtetszett, aki csak látta. 
Így került Eszter Ahasvérós királyhoz a királyi palotába, a tizedik hónapban, azaz Tébét hónapban, a király uralkodásának hetedik évében. 
És a király minden nőnél jobban megszerette Esztert&#59; minden leánynál jobban megnyerte tetszését és szeretetét. Ezért az ő fejére tette a királyi koronát, és királynévá tette Vasti helyett. 
Azután nagy lakomát rendezett a király minden vezető és udvari emberének Eszter tiszteletére. A tartományokban közkegyelmet adott, és királyi bőkezűséggel ajándékokat osztogatott. 
Amikor másodszor is gyűjtöttek össze szűzeket, Mordokaj a királyi udvarban volt. 
Eszter nem mondta meg, hogy kik a rokonai, és melyik népből való, mert Mordokaj így parancsolta neki. Eszter éppenúgy megfogadta Mordokaj szavát, mint amikor még a gyámsága alatt volt. 
Egyszer, amikor Mordokaj a királyi udvarban volt, Bigtán és Teres, a király küszöbét őrző két háremőr megharagudott Ahasvérós királyra, és merényletet tervezett ellene. 
Mordokaj azonban megtudta a dolgot, megmondta Eszter királynénak, Eszter pedig elmondta Mordokaj nevében a királynak. 
Kivizsgálták a dolgot, és igaznak találták, ezért mind a kettőt felakasztották. Föl is jegyezték ezt a történetek könyvébe a király jelenlétében. 

DOPO queste cose, quando l’ira del re Assuero fu racquetata, egli si ricordò di Vasti, e di quello che ella avea fatto, e del decreto ch’era stato fatto contro a lei. 
Laonde i servitori del re che gli ministravano, dissero: Cerchinsi al re delle fanciulle vergini le più belle. 
Ed ordini il re de’ commessari per tutte le provincie del suo reame, i quali adunino tutte le fanciulle vergini, le più belle, in Susan, stanza reale, nell’ostello delle femmine, sotto la cura di Hegai, eunuco del re, guardiano delle femmine; e sieno lor date le cose richieste ad abbellirsi. 
E sia la giovane che piacerà al re, fatta regina, in luogo di Vasti. E la cosa piacque al re, ed egli fece così. 
Or vi era in Susan, stanza reale, un uomo Giudeo, il cui nome era Mardocheo, figliuolo di Iair, figliuolo di Simi, figliuolo di Chis, Beniaminita; 
il quale era stato menato in cattività da Gerusalemme fra i prigioni, che furono menati in cattività con Ieconia, re di Giuda, il quale Nebucadnesar, re di Babilonia, avea menato in cattività. 
Ed egli allevava Hadassa, la quale è Ester, figliuola del suo zio; perciocchè ella non avea nè padre nè madre; e la fanciulla era formosa, e bella di aspetto; e dopo la morte di suo padre e di sua madre, Mardocheo se l’avea presa per figliuola. 
E, quando la parola del re, e il suo decreto fu inteso, molte fanciulle essendo raunate in Susan, stanza reale, sotto la cura di Hegai, Ester fu anch’essa assunta nella casa del re, sotto la cura di Hegai, guardiano delle femmine. 
E la fanciulla piacque ad Hegai, ed acquistò la sua grazia; laonde egli prestamente le diede le cose che si richiedevano per abbellirsi, e i suoi alimenti; le diede ancora le sette più ragguardevoli donzelle della casa del re; poi la tramutò, insieme con le sue donzelle, nella più bella parte dell’ostello delle femmine. 
Ora Ester non dichiarò il suo popolo, nè il suo parentado; perciocchè Mardocheo le avea divietato di dichiararlo. 
E Mardocheo passeggiava ogni dì davanti al cortile dell’ostello delle femmine, per sapere se Ester stava bene, e ciò che si farebbe di lei. 
Ora, quando veniva la volta a ciascuna fanciulla di entrare dal re Assuero, al termine che si era fatto inverso essa, ciò ch’era ordinato intorno alla femmine, cioè, di dodici mesi conciossiachè così si compiesse il tempo de’ loro abbellimenti: sei mesi con olio di mirra, e sei mesi con odori, e con altre cose da abbellir femmine; 
allora la fanciulla, entrando in questo stato dal re, tutto ciò che diceva le era dato, per portarlo addosso, dall’ostello delle femmine fino alla casa del re. 
Ella entrava la sera, e la mattina ritornava nel secondo ostello delle femmine, sotto la cura di Saasgaz, eunuco del re, guardiano delle concubine; ella non entrava più dal re, se non che il re la volesse, e che fosse chiamata per nome. 
Così, quando fu venuta la volta ad Ester, figliuola di Abihail, zio di Mardocheo, il quale se l’avea presa per figliuola, di entrar dal re, ella non chiese nulla se non ciò che Hegai, eunuco del re, guardiano delle femmine, direbbe. Ed Ester acquistò la grazia di chiunque la vide. 
Ester adunque fu menata al re Assuero, nel palazzo reale di esso, al decimo mese, che è il mese di Tebet, l’anno settimo del regno di esso. 
E il re amò Ester sopra tutte le altre femmine; ed ella acquistò la sua grazia e benevolenza, più che tutte le altre vergini; laonde egli le pose la corona reale in sul capo, e la costituì regina in luogo di Vasti. 
E il re fece un gran convito a tutti i suoi baroni e servitori, cioè, il convito delle nozze di Ester; e sgravò le provincie, e fece presenti secondo il poter reale. 
Ora, mentre le vergini si adunavano la seconda volta, Mardocheo sedeva alla porta del re. 
Ester non dichiarò il suo parentado, nè il suo popolo, secondo che Mardocheo le avea divietato; ed ella faceva ciò che Mardocheo diceva, come quando era allevata appresso di lui 
IN que’ dì, sedendo Mardocheo alla porta del re, due eunuchi del re, d’infra i guardiani della soglia, Bigtan e Teres, per alcuno sdegno, cercavano di metter la mano addosso al re Assuero. 
Il che essendo venuto a notizia a Mardocheo, egli lo fece assapere alla regina Ester; ed Ester lo disse al re da parte di Mardocheo. 
Ed essendo fatta inquisizione del fatto, fu trovato che così era; laonde amendue furono appiccati ad un legno; e ciò fu scritto nel libro delle Croniche, in presenza del re 

Dopo queste cose, quando la collera del re si fu calmata, egli si ricordò di Vasti, di ciò che essa aveva fatto e di quanto era stato deciso a suo riguardo. 
Allora quelli che stavano al servizio del re dissero: Si cerchino per il re fanciulle vergini e d'aspetto avvenente; 
stabilisca il re in tutte le province del suo regno commissari, i quali radunino tutte le fanciulle vergini e belle nella reggia di Susa, nella casa delle donne, sotto la sorveglianza di Egài, eunuco del re e guardiano delle donne, che darà loro quanto è necessario per abbigliarsi; 
la fanciulla che piacerà al re diventerà regina al posto di Vasti. La cosa piacque al re e così si fece. 
Ora nella cittadella di Susa c'era un Giudeo chiamato Mardocheo, figlio di Iair, figlio di Simei, figlio di un Beniaminita, 
che era stato deportato da Gerusalemme fra quelli condotti in esilio con Ieconìa re di Giuda da Nabucodònosor re di Babilonia. 
Egli aveva allevato Hadàssa, cioè Ester, figlia di un suo zio, perché essa era orfana di padre e di madre. La fanciulla era di bella presenza e di aspetto avvenente; alla morte del padre e della madre, Mardocheo l'aveva presa come propria figlia. 
Quando l'ordine del re e il suo editto furono divulgati e un gran numero di fanciulle venivano radunate nella cittadella di Susa sotto la sorveglianza di Egài, anche Ester fu presa e condotta nella reggia, sotto la sorveglianza di Egài, guardiano delle donne. 
La fanciulla piacque a Egài ed entrò nelle buone grazie di lui; egli si preoccupò di darle il necessario per l'abbigliamento e il vitto; le diede sette ancelle scelte nella reggia e assegnò a lei e alle sue ancelle l'appartamento migliore nella casa delle donne. 
Ester non aveva detto nulla né del suo popolo né della sua famiglia, perché Mardocheo le aveva proibito di parlarne. 
Mardocheo tutti i giorni passeggiava davanti al cortile della casa delle donne per sapere se Ester stava bene e che cosa succedeva di lei. 
Quando veniva il turno per una fanciulla di andare dal re Assuero alla fine dei dodici mesi prescritti alle donne per i loro preparativi, sei mesi per profumarsi con olio di mirra e sei mesi con aromi e altri cosmetici usati dalle donne, 
la fanciulla andava dal re e poteva portare con sé dalla casa delle donne alla reggia quanto chiedeva. 
Vi andava la sera e la mattina seguente passava nella seconda casa delle donne, sotto la sorveglianza di Saasgàz, eunuco del re e guardiano delle concubine. Poi non tornava più dal re a meno che il re la desiderasse ed essa fosse richiamata per nome. 
Quando arrivò per Ester figlia di Abicàil, zio di Mardocheo, che l'aveva adottata per figlia, il turno di andare dal re, essa non domandò se non quello che le fu indicato da Egài, eunuco del re e guardiano delle donne. Ester attirava la simpatia di quanti la vedevano. 
Ester fu dunque condotta presso il re Assuero nella reggia il decimo mese, cioè il mese di Tebèt, il settimo anno del suo regno. 
Il re amò Ester più di tutte le altre donne ed essa trovò grazia e favore agli occhi di lui più di tutte le altre vergini. Egli le pose in testa la corona regale e la fece regina al posto di Vasti. 
Poi il re fece un gran banchetto a tutti i principi e ai ministri, che fu il banchetto di Ester; concesse un giorno di riposo alle province e fece doni con munificenza regale. 
Ora la seconda volta che si radunavano le fanciulle, Mardocheo aveva stanza alla porta del re. 
Ester, secondo l'ordine che Mardocheo le aveva dato, non aveva detto nulla né della sua famiglia né del suo popolo poiché essa faceva quello che Mardocheo le diceva, come quando era sotto la sua tutela. 
In quei giorni, quando Mardocheo aveva stanza alla porta del re, Bigtàn e Tères, due eunuchi del re e tra i custodi della soglia, irritati contro il re Assuero, cercarono il modo di mettere le mani sulla persona del re. 
La cosa fu risaputa da Mardocheo, che avvertì la regina Ester ed Ester ne parlò al re in nome di Mardocheo. 
Fatta investigazione e scoperto il fatto, i due eunuchi furono impiccati a un palo. E la cosa fu registrata nel libro delle cronache, alla presenza del re. 

Dopo queste cose, quando lIra del re Assuero si fu calmata, egli si ricordò di Vashti, di ciò che essa. Aveva fatto e di quanto era stato deciso a suo riguardo. 
Allora i servi del re che stavano al suo servizio dissero: »Si cerchino per il re fanciulle vergini e di bellAspetto 
stabilisca il re in tutte le province del suo regno dei commissari, i quali radunino tutte le fanciulle vergini e di bellaspetto nella cittadella di Susa, nella casa delle donne sotto la sorveglianza di Hegai, eunuco del re e guardiano delle donne, che darà loro gli unguenti per purificarsi 
La fanciulla che piacerà al re diventi regina al posto di Vashti«. La proposta piacque al re, e cosí fu fatto. 
Nella cittadella di Susa cera un giudeo chiamato Mardocheo, figlio di Jair, figlio di Scimei, figlio di Kish, un Beniaminita, 
che era stato deportato da Gerusalemme, assieme agli esuli portati in cattività con Jeconiah, re di Giuda, da Nebukadnetsar, re di Babilonia. 
Egli aveva allevato Hadassah, cioè Ester, la figlia di suo zio, perché ella non aveva né padre né madre. La fanciulla era avvenente di forma e di bellaspetto; alla morte del padre e della madre Mardocheo la prese come sua figlia. 
Quando lordine del re e il suo editto furono divulgati, e molte fanciulle furono radunate nella cittadella di Susa sotto la sorveglianza di Hegai, anche Ester fu condotta nel palazzo del re sotto la sorveglianza di Hegai, guardiano delle donne. 
La fanciulla gli piacque e si guadagnò il suo favore; cosí egli si affrettò a darle gli unguenti per la purificazione e il suo vitto; inoltre le diede sette donzelle scelte nel palazzo del re e la spostò assieme alle sue donzelle nellappartamento migliore nella casa delle donne. 
Ester non aveva fatto sapere nulla né del suo popolo né del suo paese dorigine, perché Mardocheo le aveva ordinato di non dirlo. 
Mardocheo tutti i giorni passeggiava davanti al cortile della casa delle donne per sapere come stava Ester e che cosa si faceva di lei. 
Quando veniva il turno per ciascuna fanciulla di entrare dal re Assuero, dopo aver trascorso dodici mesi di preparazione, secondo i regolamenti delle donne, perché cosí erano ultimati i giorni della loro purificazione: sei mesi per ungersi con olio di mirra e sei mesi con aromi e unguenti delle donne per purificarsi, 
la fanciulla andava dal re; le si permetteva di portare con sé dalla casa delle donne al palazzo del re tutto quello che chiedeva. 
Vi andava la sera e la mattina dopo passava nella seconda casa delle donne sotto la sorveglianza di Shaashgaz, eunuco del re e guardiano delle concubine Ella non tornava piú dal re, a meno che il re la desiderasse ed ella fosse chiamata per nome. 
Quando giunse per Ester, la figlia di Abihall, zio di Mardocheo, che laveva presa con sé come figlia, il turno di andare dal re, ella non chiese nulla se non quello che le fu indicato da Hegai, eunuco del re, guardiano delle donne. Ed Ester si guadagnò il favore di tutti quelli che la vedevano. 
Ester fu condotta dal re Assuero nel suo palazzo reale il decimo mese, cioè il mese di Tebeth, il settimo anno del suo regno. 
Il re amò Ester piú di tutte le altre donne, ed ella trovò grazia e favore ai suoi occhi piú di tutte le altre fanciulle. Cosí egli le pose in capo la corona reale e la fece regina al posto di Vashti. 
Poi il re fece un gran banchetto per tutti i suoi principi e servi, il banchetto di Ester, inoltre concesse un giorno di riposo nelle province e fece doni con munificenza regale. 
Quando le fanciulle si radunarono la seconda volta, Mardocheo stava seduto alla porta del re. 
Ester, secondo lordine che Mardocheo le aveva dato, non aveva fatto sapere nulla né del suo paese dorigine né del suo popolo. Ester infatti eseguiva gli ordini di Mardocheo, come quando era sotto la sua tutela, Mardocheo sventa una congiura contro il re 
In quei giorni, come Mardocheo stava seduto alla porta del re, Bightan e Teresh, due eunuchi del re e guardie della soglia, andarono in collera e cercarono di stendere la mano contro il re Assuero. 
Venuto a conoscenza della cosa, Mardocheo avvertí la regina Ester, ed Ester informò il re a nome di Mardocheo. 
Si fecero indagini e, trovato che la cosa era vera, i due eunuchi furono impiccati sul patibolo; il fatto fu poi registrato nel libro delle Cronache, alla presenza del re. 

Dopo queste cose, quando lira del re fu calmata, egli si ricordò di Vashti, di ciò chella avea fatto, e di quanto era stato deciso a suo riguardo. 
E quelli che stavano al servizio del re dissero: "Si cerchino per il re delle fanciulle vergini e belle daspetto; 
stabilisca il re in tutte le province del regno de commissari, i quali radunino tutte le fanciulle vergini e belle alla residenza reale di Susa, nella casa delle donne, sotto la sorveglianza di Hegai, eunuco del re, guardiano delle donne, che darà loro i cosmetici di cui abbisognano; 
e la fanciulla che piacerà al re diventi regina invece di Vashti". La cosa piacque al re, e così si fece. 
Or nella residenza reale di Susa vera un giudeo per nome Mardocheo, figliuolo di Jair, figliuolo di cimei, figliuolo di Kis, un Beniaminita, 
chera stato menato via da Gerusalemme fra gli schiavi trasportati in cattività con Jeconia, re di Giuda, da Nebucadnetsar, re di Babilonia. 
Egli aveva allevata la figliuola di suo zio, Hadassa, che è Ester, perchessa non avea né padre né madre; e la fanciulla era formosa e di bellaspetto; e alla morte del padre e della madre, Mardocheo laveva adottata per figliuola. 
E come lordine del re e il suo editto furon divulgati, e un gran numero di fanciulle furon radunate nella residenza reale di Susa sotto la sorveglianza di Hegai, Ester fu menata anchessa nella casa del re, sotto la sorveglianza di Hegai, guardiano delle donne. 
La fanciulla piacque a Hegai, ed entrò nelle buone grazie di lui; ei saffrettò a fornirle i cosmetici di cui ellavea bisogno e i suoi alimenti, le diede sette donzelle scelte nella casa del re, e assegnò a lei e alle sue donzelle lappartamento migliore della casa delle donne. 
Ester non avea detto nulla né del suo popolo né del suo parentado, perché Mardocheo le avea proibito di parlarne. 
E Mardocheo tutti i giorni passeggiava davanti al cortile della casa delle donne per sapere se Ester stava bene e che cosa si farebbe di lei. 
Or quando veniva la volta per una fanciulla dandare dal re Assuero alla fine dei dodici mesi prescritti alle donne per i loro preparativi perché tanto durava il tempo dei loro preparativi: sei mesi per profumarsi con olio di mirra e sei mesi con aromi e altri cosmetici usati dalle donne, la fanciulla andava dal re, 
e le si permetteva di portar seco, dalla casa delle donne alla casa del re, tutto quello che chiedeva. 
Vandava la sera, e la mattina dipoi passava nella seconda casa delle donne, sotto la sorveglianza di Shaashgaz, eunuco del re, guardiano delle concubine. Ella non tornava più dal re, a meno che il re la desiderasse ed ella fosse chiamata nominatamente. 
Quando venne la volta per Ester la figliuola dAbihail, zio di Mardocheo che laveva adottata per figliuola dandare dal re, ella non domandò altro fuori di quello che le fu indicato da Hegai, eunuco del re, guardiano delle donne. Ed Ester si guadagnava il favore di tutti quelli che la vedevano. 
Ester fu dunque condotta dal re Assuero, nella casa reale, il decimo mese, chè il mese di Tebeth, il ettimo anno del regno di lui. 
E il re amò Ester più di tutte le altre donne, ed ella trovò grazia e favore agli occhi di lui più di tutte le altre fanciulle. Ei le pose in testa la corona reale e la fece regina in luogo di Vashti. 
E il re fece un gran convito a tutti i suoi principi ed ai suoi servi, che fu il convito dEster; concedette sgravi alle province, e fece doni con munificenza di re. 
Or la seconda volta che si radunavano delle fanciulle, Mardocheo stava seduto alla porta del re. 
Ester, secondo lordine che Mardocheo le avea dato, non avea detto nulla né del suo parentado né del suo popolo; perché ella faceva quello che Mardocheo le diceva, come quandera sotto la tutela di lui. 
In que giorni, come Mardocheo stava seduto alla porta del re, Bightan e Teresh, due eunuchi del re di fra le guardie della soglia, irritatisi contro il re Assuero, cercarono dattentargli alla vita. 
Mardocheo, avuto sentore della cosa, ne informò la regina Ester ed Ester ne parlò al re in nome di ardocheo. 
Investigato e verificato il fatto, i due eunuchi furono appiccati a un legno; e la cosa fu registrata nel libro delle Cronache, in presenza del re. 

그 후에 아하수에로왕의 노가 그치매 와스디와 그의 행한 일과 그에 대하여 내린 조서를 생각하거늘 
왕의 시신이 아뢰되 `왕은 왕을 위하여 아리따운 처녀들을 구하게 하시되 
전국 각 도에 관리를 명령하여 아리따운 처녀를 다 도성 수산으로 모아 후궁으로 들여 궁녀를 주관하는 내시 헤개의 손에 붙여 그 몸을 정결케 하는 물품을 주게 하시고 
왕의 눈에 아름다운 처녀로 와스디를 대신하여 왕후를 삼으소서' 왕이 그 말을 선히 여겨 그대로 행하니라 
도성 수산에 한 유다인이 있으니 이름은 모르드개라 저는 베냐민 자손이니 기스의 증손이요, 시므이의 손자요, 야일의 아들이라 
전에 바벨론 왕 느부갓네살이 예루살렘에서 유다 왕 여고냐와 백성을 사로잡아 갈 때에 모르드개도 함께 사로잡혔더라 
저의 삼촌의 딸 하닷사 곧 에스더는 부모가 없고 용모가 곱고 아리따운 처녀라 그 부모가 죽은 후에 모르드개가 자기 딸같이 양육하더라 
왕의 조명이 반포되매 처녀들이 도성 수산에 많이 모여 헤개의 수하에 나아갈 때에 에스더도 왕궁으로 이끌려 가서 궁녀를 주관하는 헤개의 수하에 속하니 
헤개가 이 처녀를 기뻐하여 은혜를 베풀어 몸을 정결케 할 물품과 일용품을 곧 주며 또 왕궁에서 의례히 주는 일곱 궁녀를 주고 에스더와 그 궁녀들을 후궁 아름다운 처소로 옮기더라 
에스더가 자기의 민족과 종족을 고하지 아니하니 이는 모르드개가 명하여 고하지 말라 하였음이라 
모르드개가 날마다 후궁 뜰 앞으로 왕래하며 에스더의 안부와 어떻게 될 것을 알고자 하더라 
처녀마다 차례대로 아하수에로 왕에게 나아가기 전에 여자에 대하여 정한 규례대로 열 두달 동안을 행하되 여섯달은 몰약 기름을 쓰고 여섯달은 향품과 여자에게 쓰는 다른 물품을 써서 몸을 정결케 하는 기한을 마치며 
처녀가 왕에게 나아갈 때에는 그 구하는 것을 다 주어 후궁에서 왕궁으로 가지고 가게 하고 
저녁이면 갔다가 아침에는 둘째 후궁으로 돌아와서 비빈을 주관하는 내시 사아스가스의 수하에 속하고 왕이 저를 기뻐하여 그 이름을 부르지 아니하면 다시 왕에게 나아가지 못하더라 
모르드개의 삼촌 아비하일의 딸 곧 모르드개가 자기의 딸같이 양육하는 에스더가 차례대로 왕에게 나아갈 때에 궁녀를 주관하는 내시 헤개의 정한 것 외에는 다른 것을 구하지 아니하였으나 모든 보는 자에게 굄을 얻더라 
아하수에로왕의 칠년 시월 곧 데벳월에 에스더가 이끌려 왕궁에 들어가서 왕의 앞에 나아가니 
왕이 모든 여자보다 에스더를 더욱 사랑하므로 저가 모든 처녀보다 왕의 앞에 더욱 은총을 얻은지라 왕이 그 머리에 면류관을 씌우고 와스디를 대신하여 왕후를 삼은 후에 
왕이 크게 잔치를 베푸니 이는 에스더를 위한 잔치라 모든 방백과 신복을 향응하고 또 각 도의 세금을 면제하고 왕의 풍부함을 따라 크게 상 주니라 
처녀들을 다시 모을 때에는 모르드개가 대궐 문에 앉았더라 
에스더가 모르드개의 명한대로 그 종족과 민족을 고하지 아니하니 저가 모르드개의 명을 양육받을 때와 같이 좇음이더라 
모르드개가 대궐 문에 앉았을 때에 문 지킨 왕의 내시 빅단과 데레스 두 사람이 아하수에로왕을 원한하여 모살하려 하거늘 
모르드개가 알고 왕후 에스더에게 고하니 에스더가 모르드개의 이름으로 왕에게 고한지라 
사실하여 실정을 얻었으므로 두 사람을 나무에 달고 그 일을 왕의 앞에서 궁중 일기에 기록하니라 

his itaque gestis postquam regis Asueri deferbuerat indignatio recordatus est Vasthi et quae fecisset vel quae passa esset 
dixeruntque pueri regis ac ministri eius quaerantur regi puellae virgines ac speciosae 
et mittantur qui considerent per universas provincias puellas speciosas et virgines et adducant eas ad civitatem Susan et tradant in domum feminarum sub manu Aegaei eunuchi qui est praepositus et custos mulierum regiarum et accipiant mundum muliebrem et cetera ad usus necessaria 
et quaecumque inter omnes oculis regis placuerit ipsa regnet pro Vasthi placuit sermo regi et ita ut suggesserant iussit fieri 
erat vir iudaeus in Susis civitate vocabulo Mardocheus filius Iair filii Semei filii Cis de stirpe Iemini 
qui translatus fuerat de Hierusalem eo tempore quo Iechoniam regem Iuda Nabuchodonosor rex Babylonis transtulerat 
qui fuit nutricius filiae fratris sui Edessae quae altero nomine Hester vocabatur et utrumque parentem amiserat pulchra nimis et decora facie mortuisque patre eius ac matre Mardocheus sibi eam adoptavit in filiam 
cumque percrebuisset regis imperium et iuxta mandata illius multae virgines pulchrae adducerentur Susan et Aegaeo traderentur eunucho Hester quoque inter ceteras puellas ei tradita est ut servaretur in numero feminarum 
quae placuit ei et invenit gratiam in conspectu illius ut adceleraret mundum muliebrem et traderet ei partes suas et septem puellas speciosissimas de domo regis et tam ipsam quam pedisequas eius ornaret atque excoleret 
quae noluit indicare ei populum et patriam suam Mardocheus enim praeceperat ut de hac re omnino reticeret 
qui deambulabat cotidie ante vestibulum domus in qua electae virgines servabantur curam agens salutis Hester et scire volens quid ei accideret 
cum autem venisset tempus singularum per ordinem puellarum ut intrarent ad regem expletis omnibus quae ad cultum muliebrem pertinebant mensis duodecimus vertebatur ita dumtaxat ut sex menses oleo unguerentur myrtino et aliis sex quibusdam pigmentis et aromatibus uterentur 
ingredientesque ad regem quicquid postulassent ad ornatum pertinens accipiebant et ut eis placuerat conpositae de triclinio feminarum ad regis cubiculum transiebant 
et quae intraverat vespere egrediebatur mane atque inde in secundas aedes deducebatur quae sub manu Sasagazi eunuchi erant qui concubinis regis praesidebat nec habebat potestatem ad regem ultra redeundi nisi voluisset rex et eam venire iussisset ex nomine 
evoluto autem tempore per ordinem instabat dies quo Hester filia Abiahil fratris Mardochei quam sibi adoptaverat in filiam intrare deberet ad regem quae non quaesivit muliebrem cultum sed quaecumque voluit Aegaeus eunuchus custos virginum haec ei ad ornatum dedit erat enim formonsa valde et incredibili pulchritudine omnium oculis gratiosa et amabilis videbatur 
ducta est itaque ad cubiculum regis Asueri mense decimo qui vocatur tebeth septimo anno regni eius 
et amavit eam rex plus quam omnes mulieres habuitque gratiam et misericordiam coram eo super omnes mulieres et posuit diadema regni in capite eius fecitque eam regnare in loco Vasthi 
et iussit convivium praeparari permagnificum cunctis principibus et servis suis pro coniunctione et nuptiis Hester et dedit requiem in universis provinciis ac dona largitus est iuxta magnificentiam principalem 
cumque et secundo quaererentur virgines et congregarentur Mardocheus manebat ad regis ianuam 
necdumque prodiderat Hester patriam et populum suum iuxta mandatum eius quicquid enim ille praecipiebat observabat Hester et ita cuncta faciebat ut eo tempore solita erat quo eam parvulam nutriebat 
eo igitur tempore quo Mardocheus ad regis ianuam morabatur irati sunt Bagathan et Thares duo eunuchi regis qui ianitores erant et in primo palatii limine praesidebant volueruntque insurgere in regem et occidere eum 
quod Mardocheum non latuit statimque nuntiavit reginae Hester et illa regi ex nomine Mardochei qui ad se rem detulerat 
quaesitum est et inventum et adpensus uterque eorum in patibulo mandatumque historiis et annalibus traditum coram rege 

His ita gestis, postquam regis Assueri indignatio deferbuerat, recordatus est Vasthi, et qu fecisset, vel qu passa esset : 
dixeruntque pueri regis ac ministri ejus : Qurantur regi puell virgines ac specios, 
et mittantur qui considerent per universas provincias puellas speciosas et virgines : et adducant eas ad civitatem Susan, et tradant eas in domum feminarum sub manu Egei eunuchi, qui est prpositus et custos mulierum regiarum : et accipiant mundum muliebrem, et cetera ad usus necessaria. 
Et qucumque inter omnes oculis regis placuerit, ipsa regnet pro Vasthi. Placuit sermo regi : et ita, ut suggesserant, jussit fieri. 
Erat vir Judus in Susan civitate, vocabulo Mardochus filius Jair, filii Semei, filii Cis, de stirpe Jemini, 
qui translatus fuerat de Jerusalem eo tempore quo Jechoniam regem Juda Nabuchodonosor rex Babylonis transtulerat, 
qui fuit nutritius fili fratris sui Ediss, qu altero nomine vocabatur Esther, et utrumque parentem amiserat : pulchra nimis, et decora facie. Mortuisque patre ejus ac matre, Mardochus sibi eam adoptavit in filiam. 
Cumque percrebruisset regis imperium, et juxta mandatum illius mult pulchr virgines adducerentur Susan, et Egeo traderentur eunucho, Esther quoque inter ceteras puellas ei tradita est, ut servaretur in numero feminarum. 
Qu placuit ei, et invenit gratiam in conspectu illius. Et prcepit eunucho, ut acceleraret mundum muliebrem, et traderet ei partes suas, et septem puellas speciosissimas de domo regis, et tam ipsam quam pedissequas ejus ornaret atque excoleret. 
Qu noluit indicare ei populum et patriam suam : Mardochus enim prceperat ei, ut de hac re omnino reticeret : 
qui deambulabat quotidie ante vestibulum domus, in qua elect virgines servabantur, curam agens salutis Esther, et scire volens quid ei accideret. 
Cum autem venisset tempus singularum per ordinem puellarum ut intrarent ad regem, expletis omnibus qu ad cultum muliebrem pertinebant, mensis duodecimus vertebatur : ita dumtaxat, ut sex mensibus oleo ungerentur myrrhino, et aliis sex quibusdam pigmentis et aromatibus uterentur. 
Ingredientesque ad regem, quidquid postulassent ad ornatum pertinens, accipiebant : et ut eis placuerat, composit de triclinio feminarum ad regis cubiculum transibant. 
Et qu intraverat vespere, egrediebatur mane, atque inde in secundas des deducebatur, qu sub manu Susagazi eunuchi erant, qui concubinis regis prsidebat : nec habebat potestatem ad regem ultra redeundi, nisi voluisset rex, et eam venire jussisset ex nomine. 
Evoluto autem tempore per ordinem, instabat dies quo Esther filia Abihail fratris Mardochi, quam sibi adoptaverat in filiam, deberet intrare ad regem. Qu non qusivit muliebrem cultum, sed qucumque voluit Egeus eunuchus custos virginum, hc ei ad ornatum dedit. Erat enim formosa valde, et incredibili pulchritudine : omnium oculis gratiosa et amabilis videbatur. 
Ducta est itaque ad cubiculum regis Assueri mense decimo, qui vocatur Tebeth, septimo anno regni ejus. 
Et adamavit eam rex plus quam omnes mulieres, habuitque gratiam et misericordiam coram eo super omnes mulieres : et posuit diadema regni in capite ejus, fecitque eam regnare in loco Vasthi. 
Et jussit convivium prparari permagnificum cunctis principibus et servis suis pro conjunctione et nuptiis Esther. Et dedit requiem universis provinciis, ac dona largitus est juxta magnificentiam principalem. 
Cumque secundo qurerentur virgines et congregarentur, Mardochus manebat ad januam regis : 
necdum prodiderat Esther patriam et populum suum, juxta mandatum ejus. Quidquid enim ille prcipiebat, observabat Esther : et ita cuncta faciebat ut eo tempore solita erat, quo eam parvulam nutriebat. 
Eo igitur tempore, quo Mardochus ad regis januam morabatur, irati sunt Bagathan et Thares duo eunuchi regis, qui janitores erant, et in primo palatii limine prsidebant : volueruntque insurgere in regem, et occidere eum. 
Quod Mardochum non latuit, statimque nuntiavit regin Esther : et illa regi ex nomine Mardochi, qui ad se rem detulerat. 
Qusitum est, et inventum : et appensus est uterque eorum in patibulo. Mandatumque est historiis, et annalibus traditum coram rege. 

His ita gestis, postquam regis Asueri deferbuerat indignatio, recordatus est Vasthi, et quae fecisset vel quae passa esset. 
Dixeruntque pueri regis ac ministri eius: " Quaerantur regi puellae virgines ac speciosae, 
et constituantur, qui considerent per universas provincias puellas speciosas et virgines et adducant eas ad civitatem Susan et tradant in domum feminarum sub manu Egei eunuchi, qui est praepositus et custos mulierum regiarum; et accipiant mundum muliebrem. 
Et, quaecumque inter omnes oculis regis placuerit, ipsa regnet pro Vasthi ". Placuit sermo regi; et ita, ut suggesserant, iussit fieri. 
Erat vir Iudaeus in Susan civitate vocabulo Mardochaeus filius Iair filii Semei filii Cis de tribu Beniamin, 
qui translatus fuerat de Ierusalem cum captivis, qui ducti fuerant cum Iechonia rege Iudae, quem Nabuchodonosor rex Babylonis transtulerat. 
Qui fuit nutricius filiae patrui sui Edissae, quae altero nomine Esther vocabatur et utrumque parentem amiserat: pulchra aspectu et decora facie. Mortuisque patre eius ac matre, Mardochaeus sibi eam adoptavit in filiam. 
Et factum est, cum percrebruisset regis imperium, et iuxta mandatum illius multae virgines pulchrae adducerentur Susan et Egeo traderentur, Esther quoque in domum regis in manus Egei custodis feminarum tradita est. 
Quae placuit ei et invenit gratiam in conspectu illius; et acceleravit mundum muliebrem et tradidit ei partes suas et septem puellas speciosissimas de domo regis, et tam ipsam quam pedisequas eius transtulit in optimam partem domus feminarum. 
Quae non indicaverat ei populum et cognationem suam; Mardochaeus enim praeceperat, ut de hac re omnino reticeret. 
Qui deambulabat cotidie ante vestibulum domus, in qua electae virgines servabantur, curam agens salutis Esther et scire volens quid ei accideret. 
Cum autem venisset tempus singularum per ordinem puellarum, ut intrarent ad regem, expletis omnibus, quae ad cultum muliebrem pertinebant, per menses duodecim; ita dumtaxat, ut sex mensibus oleo ungerentur myrrhino et aliis sex feminarum pigmentis et aromatibus uterentur, 
ingredientesque ad regem, quidquid postulassent, accipiebant, ut portarent secum de triclinio feminarum ad regis cubiculum. 
Et, quae intraverat vespere, mane iterum in domum feminarum deducebatur, sub manu Sasagazi eunuchi, qui concubinis praesidebat. Nec habebat potestatem ad regem ultra redeundi, nisi voluisset rex et eam venire iussisset ex nomine. 
Evoluto autem tempore per ordinem, instabat dies, quo Esther filia Abihail patrui Mardochaei, quam sibi adoptaverat in filiam, intrare deberet ad regem. Quae non quaesivit quidquam, nisi quae voluit Egeus eunuchus custos feminarum, et omnium oculis gratiosa et amabilis videbatur. 
Ducta est itaque ad cubiculum regis Asueri mense decimo, qui vocatur Tebeth, septimo anno regni eius. 
Et amavit eam rex plus quam omnes mulieres; habuitque gratiam et favorem coram eo super omnes virgines, et posuit diadema regni in capite eius fecitque eam regnare in loco Vasthi. 
Et iussit convivium praeparari magnificum cunctis principibus et servis suis, convivium Esther; et dedit remissionem tributi universis provinciis ac dona largitus est iuxta magnificentiam principalem. 
Mardochaeus autem manebat ad regis ianuam, 
necdum prodiderat Esther cognationem et populum suum iuxta mandatum eius; quidquid enim ille praecipiebat, observabat Esther, ut eo tempore solita erat, quo eam parvulam nutriebat. 
Eo igitur tempore, quo Mardochaeus ad regis ianuam morabatur, irati sunt Bagathan et Thares, duo eunuchi regis, qui ianitores erant volueruntque in regem mittere manus. 
Quod Mardochaeum non latuit; statimque nuntiavit reginae Esther, et illa regi ex nomine Mardochaei. 
Quaesitum est et inventum, et appensus uterque eorum in patibulo; mandatumque est libro annalium coram rege. 

I muri iho i enei mea, i te mea kua marie te riri o Kingi Ahahueruha, ka mahara ia ki a Wahati, ki tana i mea ai, ki te mea hoki i whakaritea mona. 
Na ka mea nga tangata a te kingi i mahi nei ki a ia, Kia rapua mai etahi kotiro ataahua ma te kingi. 
Kia whakaritea hoki e te kingi etahi kaititiro puta noa i nga kawanatanga o tona kingitanga, a ma ratou e huihui mai nga kotiro ataahua, he wahine, ki Huhana, ki te whare kini, ki te whare wahine, ki a Hekai, ki ta te kingi rangatira ruma, ko ia nei te kaitiaki o nga wahine; a kia hoatu nga mea hei tahi mo to ratou poke; 
Na, ko te kotiro e pai ki ta te kingi titiro, ko ia hei kuini i te wahi o Wahati. Na pai tonu taua mea ki te whakaaro o te kingi, a pera ana ano ia. 
I Huhana, i te whare kingi tetahi tangata, he Hurai, ko tona ingoa ko Mororekai, he tama na Haira, tama a Himei, tama a Kihi, he tangata no Pineamine. 
He mea whakaheke mai i Hiruharama i roto i te whakahekenga i whakahekea ai a Hekonia kingi o Hura, i tera i whakahekea ra e Nepukaneha kingi o Papurona. 
Na he mea atawhai nana a Haraha, ara a Ehetere, te tamahine a tona matua keke; no te mea kahore ona papa, ona whaea, a he atanga taua kotiro, he ataahua; i te matenga hoki o tona papa, o tona whaea, ka tangohia ia e Mororekai hei tamahine mana. 
Heoi, ka rangona te kupu a te kingi, me tana ture, a ka tokomaha ano nga kotiro ka huihuia ki Huhana, ki te whare kingi, ki te ringa o Hekai, na ka mauria ano hoki a Ehetere ki te whare o te kingi, ki te ringa o Hekai kaitiaki wahine. 
Na he pai taua kotiro ki tana titiro, ka atawhaitia hoki e ia; i hohoro hoki tana homai i nga mea hei tahi mo tona poke, me era atu mea ano mana, me nga kotiro tokowhitu i tika nei kia hoatu ki a ia, no roto i te whare o te kingi: i nekehia atu h oki ia, ratou ko ana kotiro ki te wahi pai rawa o te whare wahine. 
Kihai i whakaaturia e Ehetere tona iwi me ona whanaunga; na Mororekai hoki i ako ki a ia kia kaua e whakaaturia. 
Na haere ai a Mororekai i tenei ra, i tenei ra, ki mua i te marae o te whare wahine, kia mohio ai ia kei te pehea a Ehetere, a ka peheatia ranei ia. 
A, no ka rite te wa mo tenei kotiro, mo tenei kotiro, e haere ai ki a Kingi Ahahueruha, i te mea ka taka ona marama kotahi tekau ma rua, ko te ritenga hoki ia mo nga wahine, ko reira hoki rite ai nga ra mo te tahi o to ratou poke, ara e ono nga marama o te hinu maira, a e ono nga marama o nga mea kakara, o era atu mea ano e tahia ai te poke o nga wahine; 
Ko te tikanga tenei mo te haerenga atu o tetahi kotiro ki te kingi; ko nga mea katoa i hiahia ai ia, i hoatu ki a ia, a ka riro i a ia i roto i te whare wahine ki te whare o te kingi. 
I haere mai ia i te ahiahi, a i te ata ka hoki ki to nga wahine whare tuarua, ki te ringa o Haahakata, o ta te kingi rangatira ruma, ko ia nei te kaitiaki o nga wahine iti; heoi ano ona haerenga mai ki te kingi, kia hiahia ra ano te kingi ki a i a, kia whakahuatia ano hoki tona ingoa. 
A, ka rite te wa e haere ai ki te kingi a Ehetere tamahine a Apihaira, a te matua keke o Mororekai, he mea tango nei hoki ia na tenei hei tamahine mana, kihai tera i mea ki tetahi mea mana, heoi ano ko ta Hekai i whakarite ai, ko ia nei ta te ki ngi rangatira ruma, te kaitiaki o nga wahine. Na ahuareka rawa a Ehetere ki te titiro a te hunga katoa i kite i a ia. 
Heoi ka mauria a Ehetere ki a Kingi Ahahueruha, ki tona whare kingi, i te tekau o nga marama, ko Tepete hoki taua marama, i te whitu o nga tau o tona kingitanga. 
Na nui atu te aroha o te kingi ki a Ehetere i tona ki nga wahine katoa, ahuareka tonu ia, manakohia rawatia ana ia e ia i nga whaina katoa, potaea ana e ia te karauna kuini ki tona mahunga, meinga ana ia e ia hei kuini i te wahi o Wahati. 
Katahi ka tukua e te kingi he hakari nui ma ana rangatira katoa ratou ko ana tangata, ara te hakari o Ehetere; whakangawaritia ano hoki e ia nga mea ki nga kawanatanga, a hoatu ana etahi hakari e ia, he mea i rite ki ta te kingi tikanga. 
Na i te rua o nga huihuinga o nga wahine, kei te noho a Mororekai i te kuwaha o te kingi. 
Kihai ano i whakaaturia e Ehetere ona whanaunga me tona iwi; ko ta Mororekai hoki tera i ako ai ki a ia; i whakarite hoki a Ehetere i te kupu a Mororekai, i pera me ia e whakatupuria ake ana i tona whare. 
I aua ra, i te mea e noho ana a Mororekai i te kuwaha o te kingi, ka riri a Pikitana raua ko Terehe, tokorua o nga rangatira ruma a te kingi, he kaitiaki i te tatau, a ka whai kia pa te ringa ki a Kingi Ahahueruha. 
Na kua mohiotia taua mea e Mororekai, a ka whakaaturia e ia ki a Ehetere, ki te kuini; korerotia ana e Ehetere ki te kingi i runga ano i te ingoa o Mororekai. 
Na, ka oti taua mea te uiui, a ka kitea he tika, ka taronatia raua tokorua ki runga ki te rakau, a ka tuhituhia taua mea ki te pukapuka o nga meatanga o nga ra i te aroaro o te kingi. 

I muri iho i enei mea, i te mea kua marie te riri o Kingi Ahahueruha, ka mahara ia ki a Wahati, ki tana i mea ai, ki te mea hoki i whakaritea mona. 
Na ka mea nga tangata a te kingi i mahi nei ki a ia, Kia rapua mai etahi kotiro ataahua ma te kingi. 
Kia whakaritea hoki e te kingi etahi kaititiro puta noa i nga kawanatanga o tona kingitanga, a ma ratou e huihui mai nga kotiro ataahua, he wahine, ki Huhana, ki te whare kini, ki te whare wahine, ki a Hekai, ki ta te kingi rangatira ruma, ko ia nei te kaitiaki o nga wahine; a kia hoatu nga mea hei tahi mo to ratou poke; 
Na, ko te kotiro e pai ki ta te kingi titiro, ko ia hei kuini i te wahi o Wahati. Na pai tonu taua mea ki te whakaaro o te kingi, a pera ana ano ia. 
I Huhana, i te whare kingi tetahi tangata, he Hurai, ko tona ingoa ko Mororekai, he tama na Haira, tama a Himei, tama a Kihi, he tangata no Pineamine. 
He mea whakaheke mai i Hiruharama i roto i te whakahekenga i whakahekea ai a Hekonia kingi o Hura, i tera i whakahekea ra e Nepukaneha kingi o Papurona. 
Na he mea atawhai nana a Haraha, ara a Ehetere, te tamahine a tona matua keke; no te mea kahore ona papa, ona whaea, a he atanga taua kotiro, he ataahua; i te matenga hoki o tona papa, o tona whaea, ka tangohia ia e Mororekai hei tamahine mana. 
Heoi, ka rangona te kupu a te kingi, me tana ture, a ka tokomaha ano nga kotiro ka huihuia ki Huhana, ki te whare kingi, ki te ringa o Hekai, na ka mauria ano hoki a Ehetere ki te whare o te kingi, ki te ringa o Hekai kaitiaki wahine. 
Na he pai taua kotiro ki tana titiro, ka atawhaitia hoki e ia; i hohoro hoki tana homai i nga mea hei tahi mo tona poke, me era atu mea ano mana, me nga kotiro tokowhitu i tika nei kia hoatu ki a ia, no roto i te whare o te kingi: i nekehia atu h oki ia, ratou ko ana kotiro ki te wahi pai rawa o te whare wahine. 
Kihai i whakaaturia e Ehetere tona iwi me ona whanaunga; na Mororekai hoki i ako ki a ia kia kaua e whakaaturia. 
Na haere ai a Mororekai i tenei ra, i tenei ra, ki mua i te marae o te whare wahine, kia mohio ai ia kei te pehea a Ehetere, a ka peheatia ranei ia. 
A, no ka rite te wa mo tenei kotiro, mo tenei kotiro, e haere ai ki a Kingi Ahahueruha, i te mea ka taka ona marama kotahi tekau ma rua, ko te ritenga hoki ia mo nga wahine, ko reira hoki rite ai nga ra mo te tahi o to ratou poke, ara e ono nga marama o te hinu maira, a e ono nga marama o nga mea kakara, o era atu mea ano e tahia ai te poke o nga wahine; 
Ko te tikanga tenei mo te haerenga atu o tetahi kotiro ki te kingi; ko nga mea katoa i hiahia ai ia, i hoatu ki a ia, a ka riro i a ia i roto i te whare wahine ki te whare o te kingi. 
I haere mai ia i te ahiahi, a i te ata ka hoki ki to nga wahine whare tuarua, ki te ringa o Haahakata, o ta te kingi rangatira ruma, ko ia nei te kaitiaki o nga wahine iti; heoi ano ona haerenga mai ki te kingi, kia hiahia ra ano te kingi ki a i a, kia whakahuatia ano hoki tona ingoa. 
A, ka rite te wa e haere ai ki te kingi a Ehetere tamahine a Apihaira, a te matua keke o Mororekai, he mea tango nei hoki ia na tenei hei tamahine mana, kihai tera i mea ki tetahi mea mana, heoi ano ko ta Hekai i whakarite ai, ko ia nei ta te ki ngi rangatira ruma, te kaitiaki o nga wahine. Na ahuareka rawa a Ehetere ki te titiro a te hunga katoa i kite i a ia. 
Heoi ka mauria a Ehetere ki a Kingi Ahahueruha, ki tona whare kingi, i te tekau o nga marama, ko Tepete hoki taua marama, i te whitu o nga tau o tona kingitanga. 
Na nui atu te aroha o te kingi ki a Ehetere i tona ki nga wahine katoa, ahuareka tonu ia, manakohia rawatia ana ia e ia i nga whaina katoa, potaea ana e ia te karauna kuini ki tona mahunga, meinga ana ia e ia hei kuini i te wahi o Wahati. 
Katahi ka tukua e te kingi he hakari nui ma ana rangatira katoa ratou ko ana tangata, ara te hakari o Ehetere; whakangawaritia ano hoki e ia nga mea ki nga kawanatanga, a hoatu ana etahi hakari e ia, he mea i rite ki ta te kingi tikanga. 
Na i te rua o nga huihuinga o nga wahine, kei te noho a Mororekai i te kuwaha o te kingi. 
Kihai ano i whakaaturia e Ehetere ona whanaunga me tona iwi; ko ta Mororekai hoki tera i ako ai ki a ia; i whakarite hoki a Ehetere i te kupu a Mororekai, i pera me ia e whakatupuria ake ana i tona whare. 
I aua ra, i te mea e noho ana a Mororekai i te kuwaha o te kingi, ka riri a Pikitana raua ko Terehe, tokorua o nga rangatira ruma a te kingi, he kaitiaki i te tatau, a ka whai kia pa te ringa ki a Kingi Ahahueruha. 
Na kua mohiotia taua mea e Mororekai, a ka whakaaturia e ia ki a Ehetere, ki te kuini; korerotia ana e Ehetere ki te kingi i runga ano i te ingoa o Mororekai. 
Na, ka oti taua mea te uiui, a ka kitea he tika, ka taronatia raua tokorua ki runga ki te rakau, a ka tuhituhia taua mea ki te pukapuka o nga meatanga o nga ra i te aroaro o te kingi. 

Na deze geschiedenissen, toen de grimmigheid van den koning Ahasveros gestild was, gedacht hij aan Vasthi, en wat zij gedaan had, en wat over haar besloten was. 
Toen zeiden de jongelingen des konings, die hem dienden: Men zoeke voor den koning jonge dochters, maagden, schoon van aangezicht. 
En de koning bestelle toezieners in al de landschappen zijns koninkrijks, dat zij vergaderen alle jonge dochters, maagden, schoon van aangezicht, tot den burg Susan, tot het huis der vrouwen, onder de hand van Hegai, des konings kamerling, bewaarder der vrouwen; en men geve haar haar versierselen. 
En de jonge dochter, die in des konings oog schoon wezen zal, worde koningin in stede van Vasthi. Deze zaak nu was goed in de ogen des konings, en hij deed alzo. 
Er was een Joods man op den burg Susan, wiens naam was Mordechai, een zoon van Jair, den zoon van Simei, den zoon van Kis, een man van Jemini; 
Die weggevoerd was van Jeruzalem met de weggevoerden, die weggevoerd waren met Jechonia, den koning van Juda, denwelken Nebukadnezar, de koning van Babel, had weggevoerd. 
En hij was het, die opvoedde Hadassa (deze is Esther, de dochter zijns ooms); want zij had geen vader noch moeder; en zij was een jonge dochter, schoon van gedaante, en schoon van aangezicht; en als haar vader en haar moeder stierven, had Mordechai ze zich tot een dochter aangenomen. 
Het geschiedde nu, toen het woord des konings en zijn wet ruchtbaar was, en toen vele jonge dochters samenvergaderd werden op den burg Susan, onder de hand van Hegai, werd Esther ook genomen in des konings huis, onder de hand van Hegai, den bewaarder der vrouwen. 
En die jonge dochter was schoon in zijn ogen, en zij verkreeg gunst voor zijn aangezicht; daarom haastte hij met haar versierselen en met haar delen haar te geven, en zeven aanzienlijke jonge dochters haar te geven uit het huis des konings; en hij verplaatste haar en haar jonge dochters naar het beste van het huis der vrouwen. 
Esther had haar volk en haar maagschap niet te kennen gegeven; want Mordechai had haar geboden, dat zij het niet zou te kennen geven. 
Mordechai nu wandelde allen dag voor het voorhof van het huis der vrouwen, om te vernemen naar den welstand van Esther, en wat met haar geschieden zou. 
Als nu de beurt van elke jonge dochter naakte, om tot den koning Ahasveros te komen, nadat haar twaalf maanden lang naar de wet der vrouwen geschied was; want alzo werden vervuld de dagen harer versieringen, zes maanden met mirre-olie, en zes maanden met specerijen, en met andere versierselen der vrouwen; 
Daarmede kwam dan de jonge dochter tot den koning; al wat zij zeide, werd haar gegeven, dat zij daarmede ging uit het huis der vrouwen tot het huis des konings. 
Des avonds ging zij daarin, en des morgens ging zij weder naar het tweede huis der vrouwen, onder de hand van Saasgaz, den kamerling des konings, bewaarder der bijwijven, zij kwam niet weder tot den koning, ten ware de koning lust tot haar had, en zij bij name geroepen werd. 
Als de beurt van Esther, de dochter van Abichail, den oom van Mordechai, (die hij zich ter dochter genomen had) naakte, dat zij tot den koning komen zou, begeerde zij niet met al, dan wat Hegai, des konings kamerling, de bewaarder der vrouwen, zeide; en Esther verkreeg genade in de ogen van allen, die haar zagen. 
Alzo werd Esther genomen tot den koning Ahasveros, tot zijn koninklijk huis, in de tiende maand, welke is de maand Tebeth, in het zevende jaar zijns rijks. 
En de koning beminde Esther boven alle vrouwen, en zij verkreeg genade en gunst voor zijn aangezicht, boven alle maagden; en hij zette de koninklijke kroon op haar hoofd, en hij maakte haar koningin in de plaats van Vasthi. 
Toen maakte de koning een groten maaltijd al zijn vorsten en zijn knechten, den maaltijd van Esther; en hij gaf den landschappen rust, en hij gaf geschenken naar des konings vermogen. 
Toen ten anderen male maagden vergaderd werden, zo zat Mordechai in de poort des konings. 
Esther nu had haar maagschap en haar volk niet te kennen gegeven, gelijk als Mordechai haar geboden had; want Esther deed het bevel van Mordechai, gelijk als toen zij bij hem opgevoed werd. 
In die dagen, als Mordechai in de poort des konings zat, werden Bigthan en Theres, twee kamerlingen des konings van de dorpelwachters, zeer toornig, en zij zochten de hand te slaan aan den koning Ahasveros. 
En deze zaak werd Mordechai bekend gemaakt, en hij gaf ze de koningin Esther te kennen; en Esther zeide het den koning in Mordechai's naam. 
Als men de zaak onderzocht, is het zo bevonden, en zij beiden werden aan een galg gehangen; en het werd in de kronieken geschreven voor het aangezicht des konings. 

Da nogen tid var gått, og kongens vrede hadde lagt sig, kom han atter til å tenke på Vasti og det hun hadde gjort, og det som var besluttet om henne. 
Da sa kongens menn som gjorde tjeneste hos ham: Der skulde letes efter unge og fagre jomfruer for kongen, 
og kongen skulde sette menn i alle sitt rikes landskaper til å samle alle unge og fagre jomfruer til kvinnenes hus i borgen Susan under tilsyn av kongens hoffmann Hege, kvinnevokteren, og la dem få salver til å salve sig med, 
og så skulde den unge pike som behager kongen, bli dronning i Vastis sted! Det råd syntes kongen godt om, og han gjorde så. 
I borgen Susan var det dengang en jødisk mann som hette Mordekai; han var sønn av Ja'ir, som var sønn av Sime'i og sønnesønn av Kis, av Benjamins ætt. 
Han var blitt bortført fra Jerusalem med de fanger som blev bortført sammen med Judas konge Jekonja da han blev bortført av Babels konge Nebukadnesar. 
Han var fosterfar til Hadassa, det er Ester, en datter av hans farbror; for hun hadde hverken far eller mor. Den unge pike var velskapt og fager, og da hennes far og mor døde, hadde Mordekai tatt henne til sig som sin egen datter. 
Da nu kongens bud og befaling blev kjent, og mange unge piker samledes til borgen Susan under Hegais tilsyn, da blev også Ester hentet til kongens hus under tilsyn av Hegai, kvinnevokteren. 
Den unge pike behaget ham og vant hans yndest; derfor skyndte han sig med å gi henne salver til å salve sig med og den mat hun skulde ha, og de syv unge piker fra kongens hus som var utsett til å tjene henne; og han lot henne og hennes piker flytte inn i de beste rum i kvinnehuset. 
Ester hadde ikke sagt noget om sitt folk og sin ætt; for Mordekai hadde pålagt henne at hun ikke skulde si noget om det. 
Hver eneste dag gikk Mordekai frem og tilbake utenfor forgården til kvinnehuset for å få vite hvorledes det stod til med Ester, og hvad de gjorde med henne. 
Nu var det så at når raden kom til en av de unge piker at hun skulde gå inn til kong Ahasverus, efterat der i tolv måneder var blitt gjort med henne således som det var foreskrevet om kvinnene - for så lang tid gikk det med til deres salving, seks måneder med myrraolje og seks måneder med velluktende saker og med andre salver for kvinner - 
når da den unge pike gikk inn til kongen, fikk hun ta med sig fra kvinnenes hus til kongens hus alt det hun bad om. 
Om aftenen gikk hun inn, og om morgenen vendte hun tilbake til det andre kvinnehus og stod siden under tilsyn av kongens hoffmann Sa'asgas, medhustruenes vokter; hun kom ikke mere inn til kongen, medmindre kongen hadde slik hu til henne at hun blev kalt til ham med navns nevnelse. 
Da raden til å gå inn til kongen kom til Ester, datter av Abiha'il, som var farbror til hennes fosterfar Mordekai, krevde hun ikke annet enn det som kongens hoffmann Hegai, kvinnevokteren, rådet til. Og Ester vant yndest hos alle som så henne. 
Ester blev hentet til kong Ahasverus i hans kongelige hus i den tiende måned, det er måneden tebet, i hans regjerings syvende år. 
Kongen fikk Ester mere kjær enn alle de andre kvinner; hun vant nåde og yndest hos ham fremfor alle de andre jomfruer. Han satte en kongelig krone på hennes hode og gjorde henne til dronning i Vastis sted. 
Og kongen gjorde et stort gjestebud for alle sine fyrster og tjenere til ære for Ester, og han tilstod landskapene eftergivelse av skatter og delte ut gaver, som det høvde for en konge. 
Da det for annen gang blev samlet sammen jomfruer, satt Mordekai i kongens port. 
Men Ester hadde ikke sagt noget om sin ætt og sitt folk; for det hadde Mordekai pålagt henne, og Ester gjorde i alle ting som Mordekai sa, således som hun hadde gjort da hun blev opfostret hos ham. 
På den tid da Mordekai satt i kongens port, blev Bigtan og Teres, to av de hoffmenn hos kongen som holdt vakt ved dørtreskelen, vrede på kong Ahasverus og søkte å legge hånd på ham. 
Dette fikk Mordekai kunnskap om, og han fortalte det til dronning Ester; og Ester sa det til kongen på Mordekais vegne. 
Saken blev gransket, og da det viste sig at det var så, blev de begge hengt i en galge. Dette blev opskrevet i krønikeboken for kongens øine. 

Da nogen tid var gått, og kongens vrede hadde lagt sig, kom han atter til å tenke på Vasti og det hun hadde gjort, og det som var besluttet om henne. 
Da sa kongens menn som gjorde tjeneste hos ham: Der skulde letes efter unge og fagre jomfruer for kongen, 
og kongen skulde sette menn i alle sitt rikes landskaper til å samle alle unge og fagre jomfruer til kvinnenes hus i borgen Susan under tilsyn av kongens hoffmann Hege, kvinnevokteren, og la dem få salver til å salve sig med, 
og så skulde den unge pike som behager kongen, bli dronning i Vastis sted! Det råd syntes kongen godt om, og han gjorde så. 
I borgen Susan var det dengang en jødisk mann som hette Mordekai; han var sønn av Ja'ir, som var sønn av Sime'i og sønnesønn av Kis, av Benjamins ætt. 
Han var blitt bortført fra Jerusalem med de fanger som blev bortført sammen med Judas konge Jekonja da han blev bortført av Babels konge Nebukadnesar. 
Han var fosterfar til Hadassa, det er Ester, en datter av hans farbror; for hun hadde hverken far eller mor. Den unge pike var velskapt og fager, og da hennes far og mor døde, hadde Mordekai tatt henne til sig som sin egen datter. 
Da nu kongens bud og befaling blev kjent, og mange unge piker samledes til borgen Susan under Hegais tilsyn, da blev også Ester hentet til kongens hus under tilsyn av Hegai, kvinnevokteren. 
Den unge pike behaget ham og vant hans yndest; derfor skyndte han sig med å gi henne salver til å salve sig med og den mat hun skulde ha, og de syv unge piker fra kongens hus som var utsett til å tjene henne; og han lot henne og hennes piker flytte inn i de beste rum i kvinnehuset. 
Ester hadde ikke sagt noget om sitt folk og sin ætt; for Mordekai hadde pålagt henne at hun ikke skulde si noget om det. 
Hver eneste dag gikk Mordekai frem og tilbake utenfor forgården til kvinnehuset for å få vite hvorledes det stod til med Ester, og hvad de gjorde med henne. 
Nu var det så at når raden kom til en av de unge piker at hun skulde gå inn til kong Ahasverus, efterat der i tolv måneder var blitt gjort med henne således som det var foreskrevet om kvinnene - for så lang tid gikk det med til deres salving, seks måneder med myrraolje og seks måneder med velluktende saker og med andre salver for kvinner - 
når da den unge pike gikk inn til kongen, fikk hun ta med sig fra kvinnenes hus til kongens hus alt det hun bad om. 
Om aftenen gikk hun inn, og om morgenen vendte hun tilbake til det andre kvinnehus og stod siden under tilsyn av kongens hoffmann Sa'asgas, medhustruenes vokter; hun kom ikke mere inn til kongen, medmindre kongen hadde slik hu til henne at hun blev kalt til ham med navns nevnelse. 
Da raden til å gå inn til kongen kom til Ester, datter av Abiha'il, som var farbror til hennes fosterfar Mordekai, krevde hun ikke annet enn det som kongens hoffmann Hegai, kvinnevokteren, rådet til. Og Ester vant yndest hos alle som så henne. 
Ester blev hentet til kong Ahasverus i hans kongelige hus i den tiende måned, det er måneden tebet, i hans regjerings syvende år. 
Kongen fikk Ester mere kjær enn alle de andre kvinner; hun vant nåde og yndest hos ham fremfor alle de andre jomfruer. Han satte en kongelig krone på hennes hode og gjorde henne til dronning i Vastis sted. 
Og kongen gjorde et stort gjestebud for alle sine fyrster og tjenere til ære for Ester, og han tilstod landskapene eftergivelse av skatter og delte ut gaver, som det høvde for en konge. 
Da det for annen gang blev samlet sammen jomfruer, satt Mordekai i kongens port. 
Men Ester hadde ikke sagt noget om sin ætt og sitt folk; for det hadde Mordekai pålagt henne, og Ester gjorde i alle ting som Mordekai sa, således som hun hadde gjort da hun blev opfostret hos ham. 
På den tid da Mordekai satt i kongens port, blev Bigtan og Teres, to av de hoffmenn hos kongen som holdt vakt ved dørtreskelen, vrede på kong Ahasverus og søkte å legge hånd på ham. 
Dette fikk Mordekai kunnskap om, og han fortalte det til dronning Ester; og Ester sa det til kongen på Mordekais vegne. 
Saken blev gransket, og da det viste sig at det var så, blev de begge hengt i en galge. Dette blev opskrevet i krønikeboken for kongens øine. 

Etter ei tid var gjengi og sinne hadde runne av kong Ahasveros, tenkte han på Vasti, og åtferda hennar, og domen yver henne. 
Hirdmennerne som gjorde tenesta hjå kongen, sagde då: «Lat folk leita upp åt kongen fagre ungmøyar! 
Lat kongen setja folk i alle kongens jarlerike til å samla alle fagre ungmøyar til kvendehuset i borgi Susan under tilsyn av kongens hirdmann Hege, kvendevaktaren, so dei kann få det dei treng til å hama seg. 
Den ungmøyi som kongen likar, ho skal då verta dronning i staden for Vasti.» Dette tykte kongen vel um, og han so gjorde. 
I borgi Susan var det ein jøde som heitte Mordokai, son åt Ja’ir, son åt Sime’i, son åt Kis, av Benjamins-ætti. 
Han var burtførd frå Jerusalem millom dei fangarne som vart burtførde saman med Juda-kongen Jekonja, dei som Babel-kongen Nebukadnessar førde burt. 
Han var fosterfar åt Hadassa, som og heitte Ester, dotter åt farbror hans; ho åtte korkje far eller mor. Gjenta var velvaksi og væn. Og då foreldri hennar døydde, tok Mordokai henne til seg som si eigi dotter. 
Då kongebodet og fyreseigni vart kunngjort, og dei samla saman mange ungmøyar i borgi Susan under tilsyn av Hegai, henta dei ogso Ester til kongshuset under tilsyn av kvendevaktaren Hegai. 
Han lika gjenta godt og fann hugnad i henne. Difor skunda han seg å gjeva henne alt turvande til å hama seg, like eins gav han henne den maten ho skulde hava, og dei sju ternor ho skulde hava frå kongshuset. Han let henne og ternorne hennar flytja inn i beste romet i kvendehuset. 
Ester gat ikkje eit ord um folket sitt eller ætti si; Mordokai hadde sagt henne fyre å tegja um det. 
Kvar einaste dag gjekk Mordokai att og fram utanfor garden ved kvendehuset, han vilde få vita kor det stod til med Ester, og kor det gjekk henne. 
Kvar ungmøy kom inn til kong Ahasveros etter tur. Det gjekk tolv månader til å stella med deim etter påbodet um kvendi: seks månader med myrra-olje, og seks månader med angande salvar og anna som kvende treng til å hama seg. 
Når so ungmøyi gjekk inn til kongen, fekk ho med seg frå kvendehuset til kongshuset alt det ho ynskte. 
Um kvelden gjekk ho inn; um morgonen gjekk ho attende, men då til eit anna kvendehus, under tilsyn av kongens hirdmann Sa’asgaz, vaktaren yver fylgjekonorne. Ho fekk då ikkje koma inn att til kongen, minder kongen lika henne so godt, at han sende bod etter henne med namns nemning. 
Då radi kom til Ester, dotter åt Abiha’il, som var farbror åt Mordokai, fosterfar hennar, so kravde ho ikkje anna med seg enn det hirdmannen Hegai, kvendevaktaren, rådde til. Og alle som såg Ester, fann hugnad i henne. 
Ester vart henta til kong Ahasveros i kongshuset hans i den tiande månaden, månaden tebet, i sjuande styringsåret hans. 
Kongen vart gladare i Ester enn i alle dei andre kvendi; ho vann meir hugnad og godhug hjå honom enn alle dei andre ungmøyarne. Han sette kongskruna på hovudet hennar og gjorde henne til dronning i staden for Vasti. 
Og kongen gjorde eit stort gjestebod for alle hovdingarne og tenarane sine, eit Ester-gjestebod, og han gav skattelette i alle jarleriki og gav gåvor med kongeleg raustleik. 
Andre gongen samla dei saman ungmøyar, og Mordokai sat då kongsporten. 
Ester hadde ikkje gjete ord um ætti si og folket sitt, etter pålegget frå Mordokai; Ester lydde framleides bodet hans Mordokai, like eins som då ho vart fostra hjå honom. 
Den tid Mordokai sat i kongsporten, vart Bigtan og Teres, tvo konglege hirdmenner som heldt vakt ved dørstokken, harme og freista finne høve til å leggja hand på kong Ahasveros. 
Mordokai fekk vita dette, og sagde det med dronning Ester; so nemde Ester det med kongen på Mordokais vegner. 
Saki vart granska, og det viste seg at det var sant, og dei tvo vart hengde i ein galge. Dette vart uppskrive i krønikeboki for kongen. 

To gdy się stało, a uśmierzył się gniew króla Aswerusa, wspomniał na Wasty, i na to, co była uczyniła, i na dekret, który był wydan przeciwko niej. 
I rzekli dworzanie królewscy, słudzy jego: Niech poszukają królowi dzieweczek, panienek pięknej urody; 
A niech postanowi król starostów po wszystkich krainach królestwa swego, którzyby zebrali wszystkie dzieweczki, panienki pięknej urody, do Susan miasta stołecznego, do domu białych głów, pod dozór Hegaja, komornika królewskiego, stróża białych głó w, a dali im ochędostwa ich. 
A panienka, któraby się upodobała w oczach królewskich, niech króluje miasto Wasty. I podobała się ta rzecz w oczach królewskich, i uczynił tak. 
A był Żyd w Susan, w mieście stołecznem, imieniem Mardocheusz, syn Jaira, syna Symhy, syna Cysowego, z pokolenia Benjaminowego. 
A ten był przeniesiony z Jeruzalemu z innymi pojmanymi, którzy byli przeniesieni z Jechonijaszem, królem Judzkim, których był zawiódł w niewolę Nabuchodonozor, król Babiloński. 
Ten chował Hadassę, którą też zwano Ester, córkę stryja swego, przeto, iż nie miała ojca, ani matki; a była panienka pięknej urody, i wdzięcznej twarzy, którą Mardocheusz po śmierci ojca jej i matki jej za córkę przyjął. 
A gdy się rozgłosiło rozkazanie królewskie, i wyrok jego, i gdy zgromadzono panienek wiele do Susan, miasta stołecznego, pod dozór Hegaja, wzięto też i Esterę do domu królewskiego pod dozór Hegaja, stróża białych głów. 
I podobała mu się ona dzieweczka, a znalazła łaskę w oczach jego. Przetoż jej zaraz kazał dać ochędostwo jej, i dział jej, i siedm panienek nadobnych kazał jej dać z domu królewskiego; nadto opatrzenia jej i panienek jej polepszył w domu białogłowskim. 
Ale nie oznajmiła Ester ludu swego, ani rodziny swej; albowiem jej był Mardocheusz przykazał, aby nie oznajmowała. 
Ale Mardocheusz na każdy dzień przechadzał się przed sienią domu białogłowskiego, chcąc się dowiedzieć, jakoby się miała Ester, i coby się z nią działo. 
A gdy przychodził pewny czas każdej panny, aby weszła do króla Aswerusa, gdy się wypełniło przy niej wszystko według prawa białych głów przez dwanaście miesięcy; (bo się tak wypełniały dni ochędażania ich, mażąc się przez sześć miesięcy olejkiem z myrry, a przez drugie sześć miesięcy rzeczami wonnemi, i innem ochędostwem białogłowskiem.) 
Zatem panna wchodziła do króla, a o cokolwiek rzekła, to jej dano, aby z tem poszła z domu białogłowskiego aż do pokoju królewskiego. 
W wieczór wchadzała, a rano się zaś wracała do drugiego domu białogłowskiego pod straż Saasgazy, komornika królewskiego, stróża założnic; nie wchadzała więcej do króla, ale jeźli się upodobała królowi, przyzywano jej z imienia. 
A gdy przyszedł czas pewny Esterze, córce Abihaila, stryja Mardocheuszowego, (który ją był sobie wziął za córkę.) aby weszła do króla, nie żądała niczego, tylko co jej rzekł Hegaj, komornik królewski, stróż białych głów. I miała Ester łaskę w ocz ach wszystkich, którzy ją widzieli. 
A tak wzięta jest Ester do króla Aswerusa, do domu jego królewskiego, miesiąca dziesiątego, (ten jest miesiąc Tebet,)roku siódmego królowania jego. 
I rozmiłował się król Estery nad wszystkie białe głowy, a miała łaskę i miłość u niego nad wszystkie panny, tak, iż włożył koronę królewską na głowę jej, a uczynił ją królową miasto Wasty. 
Nadto sprawił król ucztę wielką na wszystkich książąt swoich, i sług swoich, to jest ucztę Estery, i dał odpoczynek krainom, i rozdawał dary, tak jako przystoi królowi. 
A gdy powtóre zebrane były panny, a Mardocheusz siedział u bramy królewskiej; 
(A Ester nie oznajmiła była narodu swego, ani ludu swego, jako jej był rozkazał Mardocheusz; bo rozkazaniu Mardocheuszowemu dosyć czyniła Ester, jako gdy ją wychowywał u siebie.) 
W oneż dni, gdy Mardocheusz siedział u bramy królewskiej, rozgniewał się Bigtan i Teres, dwaj komornicy królewscy, z tych, którzy strzegli progu, i szukali jakoby ściągnąć rękę na króla Aswerusa. 
Czego dowiedziawszy się Mardocheusz, oznajmił to królowej Esterze, a Estera to oznajmiła królowi imieniem Mardocheuszowem. 
A gdy się tego dowiadywano, znalazło się tak; i powieszono obu na szubienicy, a napisano to w księgach kroniki przed królem. 

După aceste lucruri, cînd s'a potolit mînia împăratului Ahaşveroş, s'a gîndit la Vasti, la ce făcuse ea, şi la hotărîrea luată cu privire la ea. 
Atunci cei ce slujeau împăratului au zis: ,,Să se caute pentru împărat nişte fete, fecioare şi frumoase. 
Împăratul să pună în toate ţinuturile din împărăţia lui dregători însărcinaţi să strîngă pe toate fetele, fecioare şi frumoase, în capitala Susa, în casa femeilor, supt privegherea lui Hegai, famenul împăratului şi păzitorul femeilor, care să le dea cele trebuincioase pentru gătit. 
Şi fata care -i va plăcea împăratului, să fie împărăteasă în locul Vastii.`` Părerea aceasta a fost primită de împărat, şi aşa a făcut. 
În capitala Susa era un Iudeu numit Mardoheu, fiul lui Iair, fiul lui Şimei, fiul lui Chis, bărbat din Beniamin, 
care fusese luat din Ierusalim printre robii strămutaţi împreună cu Ieconia, împăratul lui Iuda, de Nebucadneţar, împăratul Babilonului. 
El creştea pe Hadasa, adică Estera, fata unchiului său; căci ea n'avea nici tată nici mamă. Fata era frumoasă la statură şi plăcută la vedere. După moartea tatălui şi a mamei sale, Mardoheu o luase de suflet. 
Cînd s'a auzit porunca împăratului şi hotărîrea lui, au fost strînse un mare număr de fete în capitala Susa, supt privegherea lui Hegai. Odată cu ele a fost luată şi Estera şi adusă în casa împăratului, subt privegherea lui Hegai, păzitorul femeilor. 
Fata i -a plăcut, şi a căpătat trecere înaintea lui. El s'a grăbit să -i dea cele de trebuinţă pentru găteală şi hrană, i -a dat şapte slujnice alese din casa împăratului, şi a pus -o împreună cu slujnicile ei în cea mai bună încăpere din casa femeilor. 
Estera nu şi -a făcut cunoscut nici poporul, nici naşterea, căci Mardoheu o oprise să vorbească despre aceste lucruri. 
Şi în fiecare zi Mardoheu se ducea şi venea înaintea curţii casei femeilor, ca să afle cum îi merge Esterei şi ce se face cu ea. 
Fiecare fată se ducea la rîndul ei la împăratul Ahaşveroş, după ce timp de douăsprezece luni împlinea ce era poruncit femeilor. În timpul acesta, aveau grijă să se gătească, ungîndu-se şase luni cu untdelemn de mirt, şi şase luni cu miresme de mirozne femeieşti. 
Aşa se ducea fiecare fată la împărat. Şi, cînd trecea din casa femeilor în casa împăratului, o lăsau să ia cu ea tot ce voia. 
Se ducea seara; şi a doua zi dimineaţa trecea în a doua casă a femeilor, supt privegherea lui Şaaşgaz, famenul împăratului şi păzitorul ţiitoarelor împăratului. Nu se mai întorcea la împărat, decît cînd ar fi dorit împăratul şi ar fi chemat -o pe nume. 
Cînd i -a venit rîndul să se ducă la împărat, Estera, fata lui Abihail, unchiul lui Mardoheu, care o înfiase, n'a cerut decît ce a fost rînduit de Hegai, famenul împăratului şi păzitorul femeilor. Estera căpăta trecere înaintea tuturor celor ce o vedeau. 
Estera a fost dusă la împăratul Ahaşveroş, în casa împărătească, în luna zecea, adică luna Tebet, în al şaptelea an al domniei lui. 
Împăratul a iubit pe Estera mai mult decît pe toate celelalte femei, şi ea a căpătat trecere şi iubire înaintea lui mai mult decît toate celelalte fete. I -a pus cununa împărătească pe cap, şi a făcut -o împărăteasă în locul Vastii. 
Împăratul a dat un mare ospăţ tuturor domnitorilor şi slujitorilor lui, un ospăţ în cinstea Esterei. Cu prilejul acesta a uşurat sarcinile ţinuturilor, şi a împărţit daruri cu o dărnicie împărătească. 
A doua oară, cînd s'au strîns fetele, Mardoheu şedea la poarta împăratuluui. 
Estera nu-şi spusese nici naşterea nici poporul, căci o oprise Mardoheu. Şi ea urma acum poruncile lui Mardoheu cu tot atîta scumpătate ca atunci cînd o creştea el. 
În acelaş timp, pe cînd Mardoheu stătea la poarta împăratului, Bigtan şi Tereş, doi fameni ai împăratului, păzitorii pragului, s'au lăsat biruiţi de o supărare şi au vrut să întindă mîna împotriva împăratului Ahaşveroş. 
Mardoheu a avut cunoştinţă de lucrul acesta, şi a dat de ştire împărătesei Estera, care l -a spus împăratului din partea lui Mardoheu. 
Faptul fiind cercetat şi găsit întocmai, cei doi fameni au fost spînzuraţi de un lemn. Şi lucrul acesta a fost scris în cartea Cronicilor în faţa împăratului. 

După aceste lucruri, cînd s'a potolit mînia împăratului Ahaşveroş, s'a gîndit la Vasti, la ce făcuse ea, şi la hotărîrea luată cu privire la ea. 
Atunci cei ce slujeau împăratului au zis: ,,Să se caute pentru împărat nişte fete, fecioare şi frumoase. 
Împăratul să pună în toate ţinuturile din împărăţia lui dregători însărcinaţi să strîngă pe toate fetele, fecioare şi frumoase, în capitala Susa, în casa femeilor, supt privegherea lui Hegai, famenul împăratului şi păzitorul femeilor, care să le dea cele trebuincioase pentru gătit. 
Şi fata care -i va plăcea împăratului, să fie împărăteasă în locul Vastii.`` Părerea aceasta a fost primită de împărat, şi aşa a făcut. 
În capitala Susa era un Iudeu numit Mardoheu, fiul lui Iair, fiul lui Şimei, fiul lui Chis, bărbat din Beniamin, 
care fusese luat din Ierusalim printre robii strămutaţi împreună cu Ieconia, împăratul lui Iuda, de Nebucadneţar, împăratul Babilonului. 
El creştea pe Hadasa, adică Estera, fata unchiului său; căci ea n'avea nici tată nici mamă. Fata era frumoasă la statură şi plăcută la vedere. După moartea tatălui şi a mamei sale, Mardoheu o luase de suflet. 
Cînd s'a auzit porunca împăratului şi hotărîrea lui, au fost strînse un mare număr de fete în capitala Susa, supt privegherea lui Hegai. Odată cu ele a fost luată şi Estera şi adusă în casa împăratului, subt privegherea lui Hegai, păzitorul femeilor. 
Fata i -a plăcut, şi a căpătat trecere înaintea lui. El s'a grăbit să -i dea cele de trebuinţă pentru găteală şi hrană, i -a dat şapte slujnice alese din casa împăratului, şi a pus -o împreună cu slujnicile ei în cea mai bună încăpere din casa femeilor. 
Estera nu şi -a făcut cunoscut nici poporul, nici naşterea, căci Mardoheu o oprise să vorbească despre aceste lucruri. 
Şi în fiecare zi Mardoheu se ducea şi venea înaintea curţii casei femeilor, ca să afle cum îi merge Esterei şi ce se face cu ea. 
Fiecare fată se ducea la rîndul ei la împăratul Ahaşveroş, după ce timp de douăsprezece luni împlinea ce era poruncit femeilor. În timpul acesta, aveau grijă să se gătească, ungîndu-se şase luni cu untdelemn de mirt, şi şase luni cu miresme de mirozne femeieşti. 
Aşa se ducea fiecare fată la împărat. Şi, cînd trecea din casa femeilor în casa împăratului, o lăsau să ia cu ea tot ce voia. 
Se ducea seara; şi a doua zi dimineaţa trecea în a doua casă a femeilor, supt privegherea lui Şaaşgaz, famenul împăratului şi păzitorul ţiitoarelor împăratului. Nu se mai întorcea la împărat, decît cînd ar fi dorit împăratul şi ar fi chemat -o pe nume. 
Cînd i -a venit rîndul să se ducă la împărat, Estera, fata lui Abihail, unchiul lui Mardoheu, care o înfiase, n'a cerut decît ce a fost rînduit de Hegai, famenul împăratului şi păzitorul femeilor. Estera căpăta trecere înaintea tuturor celor ce o vedeau. 
Estera a fost dusă la împăratul Ahaşveroş, în casa împărătească, în luna zecea, adică luna Tebet, în al şaptelea an al domniei lui. 
Împăratul a iubit pe Estera mai mult decît pe toate celelalte femei, şi ea a căpătat trecere şi iubire înaintea lui mai mult decît toate celelalte fete. I -a pus cununa împărătească pe cap, şi a făcut -o împărăteasă în locul Vastii. 
Împăratul a dat un mare ospăţ tuturor domnitorilor şi slujitorilor lui, un ospăţ în cinstea Esterei. Cu prilejul acesta a uşurat sarcinile ţinuturilor, şi a împărţit daruri cu o dărnicie împărătească. 
A doua oară, cînd s'au strîns fetele, Mardoheu şedea la poarta împăratuluui. 
Estera nu-şi spusese nici naşterea nici poporul, căci o oprise Mardoheu. Şi ea urma acum poruncile lui Mardoheu cu tot atîta scumpătate ca atunci cînd o creştea el. 
În acelaş timp, pe cînd Mardoheu stătea la poarta împăratului, Bigtan şi Tereş, doi fameni ai împăratului, păzitorii pragului, s'au lăsat biruiţi de o supărare şi au vrut să întindă mîna împotriva împăratului Ahaşveroş. 
Mardoheu a avut cunoştinţă de lucrul acesta, şi a dat de ştire împărătesei Estera, care l -a spus împăratului din partea lui Mardoheu. 
Faptul fiind cercetat şi găsit întocmai, cei doi fameni au fost spînzuraţi de un lemn. Şi lucrul acesta a fost scris în cartea Cronicilor în faţa împăratului. 

После сего, когда утих гнев царя Артаксеркса, он вспомнил об Астинь и о том, что она сделала, и что было определено о ней. 
И сказали отроки царя, служившие при нем: пусть бы поискали царю молодых красивых девиц, 
и пусть бы назначил царь наблюдателей во все области своего царства, которые собрали бы всех молодых девиц, красивых видом, в престольный город Сузы, в дом жен под надзор Гегая, царского евнуха, стража жен, и пусть бы выдавали им притиранья, 
и девица, которая понравится глазам царя, пусть будет царицею вместо Астинь. И угодно было слово это в глазах царя, и он так и сделал. 
Был в Сузах, городе престольном, один Иудеянин, имя его Мардохей, сын Иаира, сын Семея, сын Киса, из колена Вениаминова. 
Он был переселен из Иерусалима вместе с пленниками, выведенными с Иехониею, царем Иудейским, которых переселил Навуходоносор, царь Вавилонский. 
И был он воспитателем Гадассы, --она же Есфирь, --дочери дяди его, так как не было у нее ни отца, ни матери. Девица эта была красива станом и пригожа лицем. И по смерти отца ее и матери ее, Мардохей взял ее к себе вместо дочери. 
Когда объявлено было повеление царя и указ его, и когда собраны были многие девицы в престольный город Сузы под надзор Гегая, тогда взята была и Есфирь в царский дом под надзор Гегая, стража жен. 
И понравилась эта девица глазам его и приобрела у него благоволение, и он поспешил выдать ей притиранья и [все, назначенное на] часть ее, и приставить к ней семь девиц, достойных быть при ней, из дома царского, и переместил ее и девиц ее в лучшее отделение женского дома. 
Не сказывала Есфирь ни о народе своем, ни о родстве своем, потому что Мардохей дал ей приказание, чтобы она не сказывала. 
И всякий день Мардохей приходил ко двору женского дома, чтобы наведываться о здоровье Есфири и о том, что делается с нею. 
Когда наступало время каждой девице входить к царю Артаксерксу, после того, как в течение двенадцати месяцев выполнено было над нею все, определенное женщинам, --ибо столько времени продолжались дни притиранья их: шесть месяцев мирровым маслом и шесть месяцев ароматами и другими притираньями женскими, -- 
тогда девица входила к царю. Чего бы она ни потребовала, ей давали всё для выхода из женского дома в дом царя. 
Вечером она входила и утром возвращалась в другой дом женский под надзор Шаазгаза, царского евнуха, стража наложниц; и уже не входила к царю, разве только царь пожелал бы ее, и она призывалась бы по имени. 
Когда настало время Есфири, дочери Аминадава, дяди Мардохея, который взял ее к себе вместо дочери, --идти к царю, тогда она не просила ничего, кроме того, о чем сказал ей Гегай, евнух царский, страж жен. И приобрела Есфирь расположение [к себе] в глазах всех, видевших ее. 
И взята была Есфирь к царю Артаксерксу, в царский дом его, в десятом месяце, то есть в месяце Тебефе, в седьмой год его царствования. 
И полюбил царь Есфирь более всех жен, и она приобрела его благоволение и благорасположение более всех девиц; и он возложил царский венец на голову ее и сделал ее царицею на место Астинь. 
И сделал царь большой пир для всех князей своих и для служащих при нем, --пир ради Есфири, и сделал льготу областям и роздал дары с царственною щедростью. 
И когда во второй раз собраны были девицы, и Мардохей сидел у ворот царских, 
Есфирь все еще не сказывала о родстве своем и о народе своем, как приказал ей Мардохей; а слово Мардохея Есфирь выполняла [и теперь] так же, как тогда, когда была у него на воспитании. 
В это время, как Мардохей сидел у ворот царских, два царских евнуха, Гавафа и Фарра, оберегавшие порог, озлобились, и замышляли наложить руку на царя Артаксеркса. 
Узнав о том, Мардохей сообщил царице Есфири, а Есфирь сказала царю от имени Мардохея. 
Дело было исследовано и найдено [верным], и их обоих повесили на дереве. И было вписано о благодеянии Мардохея в книгу дневных записей у царя. 

По цих подіях, коли затихла лютість царя Ахашвероша, згадав він про Вашті, і що вона зробила, і що було заряджене про неї. 
І сказали царські отроки, його слуги: Нехай пошукають для царя дівчат, уродливих на вигляд паннів, 
і нехай цар призначить урядників по всіх округах свого царства, і нехай вони зберуть усіх дівчат, паннів уродливого вигляду, до замку Сузи, до дому жінок під руку Геґая, царського євнуха, сторожа жінок, і дати їм потрібне для їхнього причепурення. 
А та дівчина, що буде найкраща в царських очах, буде царювати замість Вашті. І була приємна ця рада у царевих очах, і він зробив так. 
А в замку Сузи був один юдеянин, а ім'я йому Мордехай, син Яіра, сина Шім'ї, сина Кішового, муж Веніяминівець, 
що був узятий з Єрусалиму з тим полоном, який був узятий разом з Єхонією, царем Юдиним, якого взяв був Навуходоносор, цар вавилонський. 
І він виховував Гадассу, вона ж Естер, дочку свого дядька, бо не мала вона ні батька, ні матері. А ця дівчина була хорошої постави та вродливого вигляду, а коли помер її батько та мати її, Мордехай узяв її собі за дочку. 
І сталося, коли був оголошений царський наказ та закон його, і коли збирали багато дівчат до замку Сузи під руку Геґая, то взята була й Естер до царського дому під руку Геґая, сторожа жінок. 
І була та дівчина хороша в його очах, і мала ласку перед ним, і він приспішив видати їй потрібне для її причепурення й її частки, та дати їй сімох відповідних дівчат із царського дому. І він перемістив її та дівчат її до найкращого місця в домі жінок. 
Естер не виявила ні про народ свій, ні про місце свого народження, бо Мордехай наказав їй, щоб цього вона не виявляла. 
А кожного дня Мордехай ходив до подвір'я дому жінок, щоб довідатись, як мається Естер та що вона робить. 
А коли приходила черга для кожної дівчини входити до царя Ахашвероша, коли кінчалися дванадцять місяців установленого порядку для жінок, бо так виповнялися дні їхнього причепурювання: шість місяців мирровою оливою, а шість місяців пахощами та іншим потрібним для причепурювання жінок, 
то з тим дівчина приходила до царя: давалося їй усе, що вона скаже, щоб воно йшло з нею з дому жінок до дому царського. 
Ввечорі вона приходила, а ранком вона верталася до другого дому жінок під руку Шаазґаза, царського евнуха, сторожа наложниць. Вона вже не входила до царя, хіба б що цар пожадав її, і вона була покликана за ім'ям. 
А коли настала черга для Естери, дочки Авіхая, Мордехаєвого дядька, що взяв її собі за дочку, щоб іти до царя, вона нічого не жадала, як тільки того, що казав Геґай, царський евнух, сторож жінок. І Естер мала ласку в очах усіх, хто її бачив! 
І була взята Естер до царя Ахашвероша, до царського дому його, десятого місяця, він місяць тевет, сьомого року царювання його. 
І цар покохав Естер понад усіх жінок, і вона мала прихильність та ласку перед його обличчям понад усіх дівчат, і він поклав царську корону на її голову, і зробив її царицею замість Вашті. 
І справив цар велику гостину для всіх своїх князів та своїх слуг, гостину для Естери, і зробив полегшення для округ, і дав дарунка за царською спроможністю. 
А коли збирали дівчат другий раз, то Мордехай сидів при царській брамі. 
Естер же не виявляла місця свого народження та народу свого, як наказав був їй Мордехай, бо Естер виконувала Мордехаєве слово так, як коли була в нього на вихованні. 
Тими днями, коли Мордехай сидів у царській брамі, розгнівалися Біґтан та Тереш, два царські евнухи зо сторожів порогів, і задумували простягнути руку на царя Ахашвероша. 
І стала відома ця річ Мордехаєві, і він доніс про це цариці Естер, а Естер переказала цареві в імені Мордехая. 
І була розвідана ця справа, і знайдено так, і ті обоє були повішені на шибениці. І було записане це в хроніці перед обличчям царським. 

После сего, когда утих гнев царя Артаксеркса, он вспомнил об Астинь и о том, что она сделала, и что было определено о ней. 
И сказали отроки царя, служившие при нем: пусть бы поискали царю молодых красивых девиц, 
и пусть бы назначил царь наблюдателей во все области своего царства, которые собрали бы всех молодых девиц, красивых видом, в престольный город Сузы, в дом жен под надзор Гегая, царского евнуха, стража жен, и пусть бы выдавали им притиранья, 
и девица, которая понравится глазам царя, пусть будет царицею вместо Астинь. И угодно было слово это в глазах царя, и он так и сделал. 
Был в Сузах, городе престольном, один Иудеянин, имя его Мардохей, сын Иаира, сын Семея, сын Киса, из колена Вениаминова. 
Он был переселен из Иерусалима вместе с пленниками, выведенными с Иехониею, царем Иудейским, которых переселил Навуходоносор, царь Вавилонский. 
И был он воспитателем Гадассы, – она же Есфирь, – дочери дяди его, так как не было у нее ни отца, ни матери. Девица эта была красива станом и пригожа лицем. И по смерти отца ее и матери ее, Мардохей взял ее к себе вместо дочери. 
Когда объявлено было повеление царя и указ его, и когда собраны были многие девицы в престольный город Сузы под надзор Гегая, тогда взята была и Есфирь в царский дом под надзор Гегая, стража жен. 
И понравилась эта девица глазам его и приобрела у него благоволение, и он поспешил выдать ей притиранья и [все, назначенное на] часть ее, и приставить к ней семь девиц, достойных быть при ней, из дома царского, и переместил ее и девиц ее в лучшее отделение женского дома. 
Не сказывала Есфирь ни о народе своем, ни о родстве своем, потому что Мардохей дал ей приказание, чтобы она не сказывала. 
И всякий день Мардохей приходил ко двору женского дома, чтобы наведываться о здоровье Есфири и о том, что делается с нею. 
Когда наступало время каждой девице входить к царю Артаксерксу, после того, как в течение двенадцати месяцев выполнено было над нею все, определенное женщинам, – ибо столько времени продолжались дни притиранья их: шесть месяцев мирровым маслом и шесть месяцев ароматами и другими притираньями женскими, – 
тогда девица входила к царю. Чего бы она ни потребовала, ей давали все для выхода из женского дома в дом царя. 
Вечером она входила и утром возвращалась в другой дом женский под надзор Шаазгаза, царского евнуха, стража наложниц; и уже не входила к царю, разве только царь пожелал бы ее, и она призывалась бы по имени. 
Когда настало время Есфири, дочери Аминадава, дяди Мардохея, который взял ее к себе вместо дочери, – идти к царю, тогда она не просила ничего, кроме того, о чем сказал ей Гегай, евнух царский, страж жен. И приобрела Есфирь расположение [к себе] в глазах всех, видевших ее. 
И взята была Есфирь к царю Артаксерксу, в царский дом его, в десятом месяце, то есть в месяце Тебефе, в седьмой год его царствования. 
И полюбил царь Есфирь более всех жен, и она приобрела его благоволение и благорасположение более всех девиц; и он возложил царский венец на голову ее и сделал ее царицею на место Астинь. 
И сделал царь большой пир для всех князей своих и для служащих при нем, – пир ради Есфири, и сделал льготу областям и роздал дары с царственною щедростью. 
И когда во второй раз собраны были девицы, и Мардохей сидел у ворот царских, 
Есфирь все еще не сказывала о родстве своем и о народе своем, как приказал ей Мардохей; а слово Мардохея Есфирь выполняла [и теперь] так же, как тогда, когда была у него на воспитании. 
В это время, как Мардохей сидел у ворот царских, два царских евнуха, Гавафа и Фарра, оберегавшие порог, озлобились, и замышляли наложить руку на царя Артаксеркса. 
Узнав о том, Мардохей сообщил царице Есфири, а Есфирь сказала царю от имени Мардохея. 
Дело было исследовано и найдено [верным], и их обоих повесили на дереве. И было вписано о благодеянии Мардохея в книгу дневных записей у царя. 

Mbas këtyre ngjarjeve, kur zemërimi i mbretit Asuero u qetësua, atij iu kujtua Vashti, atë që kishte bërë ajo dhe çfarë kishte vendosur lidhur me të. 
Atëherë shërbëtorët e mbretit që ishin në shërbim të tij i thanë: &quot;Të kërkohen për mbretin vajza të virgjëra dhe të hijshme; 
mbreti le të caktojë në tërë krahinat e mbretërisë së tij komisarë, të cilët të mbledhin tërë vajzat e virgjëra të hijshme në qytetin e Suzës, në shtëpinë e grave nën mbikqyrjen e Hegait, eunukut të mbretit dhe rojtar i grave, që do t'u japë atyre melhemet për t'u pastruar. 
Vajza që do t'i pëlqejë mbretit të bëhet mbretëreshë në vend të Vashtit&quot;. Ky propozim u pëlqye nga mbreti dhe kështu u veprua. 
Në qytetin e Suzës ishte një jude i quajtur Mardoke, bir i Jairit, bir i Shimeit, bir i Kishit, një Beniaminit, 
që e kishin internuar nga Jeruzalemi bashkë me mërgimtarët e sjellë në robëri me Jekoniahun, mbretin e Judës, nga Nebukadnetsari, mbret i Babilonisë. 
Ai e kishte rritur Hadasahun, domethënë Esterin, bijën e ungjit të tij, sepse ajo nuk kishte as baba as nënë. Vajza ishte e hijshme dhe kishte trup të bukur; pas vdekjes së atit dhe të nënes së saj, Mardokeu e mori si bijën e tij. 
Kur urdhëri i mbretit dhe dekreti i tij u përhapën, dhe shumë vajza u mblodhën në qytetin e Suzës nën mbikqyrjen e Hegait, edhe Esterin e çuan në pallatin e mbretit nën mbikëqyrjen e Hegait, rojtarit të grave. 
Vajza i pëlqeu dhe fitoi simpatinë e tij; kështu ai u shpejtua t'i japë melhemet për pastrimin dhe ushqimin e saj; i dha gjithashtu shtatë vajza të reja të zgjedhura në pallatin e mbretit dhe e zhvendosi bashkë me to në apartamentin më të mirë të shtëpisë së grave. 
Esteri nuk kishte treguar asgjë as për popullin e saj as për vendin e prejardhjes së saj, sepse Mardokeu e kishte urdhëruar të mos tregonte. 
Çdo ditë Mardokeu shëtiste përpara oborrit të shtëpisë së grave për të marrë vesh si ishte Esteri dhe ç'po bëhej me të. 
Kur i vinte radha çdo vajzë të hynte te mbreti Asuero, mbasi kishte bërë dymbëdhjetë muaj përgatitjesh, sipas rregulloreve të grave, sepse kështu plotësoheshin ditët e pastrimit të tyre; gjashtë muaj për t'u lyer me vaj të mirrës dhe gjashtë muaj me aroma dhe melheme të grave për t'u pastruar, 
vajza shkonte te mbreti; i lejohej të merrte me vete nga shtëpia e grave në pallatin e mbretit tërë ato që donte. 
Atje ajo shkonte në mbrëmje dhe të nesërmen në mëngjes kalonte në shtëpinë e dytë të grave, nën mbikëqyrjen e Shaashgazit, eunukut të mbretit dhe rojtar i konkubinave. Ajo nuk kthehej më te mbreti, veçse po ta kërkonte mbreti dhe ta thërrisnin me emër. 
Kur i erdhi radha për të shkuar te mbreti Esterit, bijës së Abihailit, ungji i Mardokeut, që e kishte marrë me vete si bijën e tij, ajo nuk kërkoi asgjë veç asaj që i tregoi Hegai, eunuku i mbretit, rojtari i grave. Dhe Esteri fitoi simpatinë e të gjithë atyre që e shihnin. 
Esterin e çuan te mbreti Asuero në pallatin e tij mbretëror muajin e dhjetë, domethënë në muajin e Tebethit, në vitin e shtatë të mbretërimit të tij. 
Mbreti e dashuroi Esterin më tepër se gjithë gratë e tjera, dhe ajo gjeti hir dhe mirëdashje në sytë e tij më tepër se tërë vajzat e tjera. Kështu ai i vuri mbi kokë kurorën mbretërore dhe e bëri mbretëreshë në vend të Vashtit. 
Pastaj mbreti shtroi një banket të madh për tërë princat dhe shërbëtorët e tij, banketin e Esterit; përveç kësaj ai u dha një ditë pushimi krahinave dhe bëri dhurata me bujari mbretërore. 
Kur vajzat u mblodhën herën e dytë, Mardokeu rrinte ulur te porta e mbretit. 
Esteri, sipas urdhrit që Mardokeu i kishte dhënë, nuk kishte treguar asgjë as për vendin e prejardhjes së saj, as për popullin e saj. Në të vërtetë Esteri zbatonte urdhërat e Mardokeut, ashtu si në kohën kur ishte nën kujdestarinë e tij. 
Në ato ditë, ndërsa Mardokeu rrinte ulur te porta e mbretit, Bigtani dhe Tereshi, dy eunukë të mbretit dhe rojtarë të pragut, u zemëruan dhe kërkuan të shtrinin dorën kundër mbretit Asuero. 
I njoftuar për këtë gjë, Mardokeu lajmëroi mbretëreshën Ester, dhe Esteri informoi mbretin në emër të Mardokeut. 
U bënë hetime dhe u provua se gjëja ishte e vërtetë, të dy eunukët u varën në trekëmbësh; pastaj kjo ngjarje u regjistrua në librin e Kronikave, në prani të mbretit. 

Efter någon tid, när kung Ahasveros vrede hade lagt sig, tänkte han åter på Vasti och vad hon hade gjort och vad som beslutats om henne. 
Då sade de unga män som var i tjänst hos kungen: "Må man för konungens räkning söka upp unga och vackra orörda kvinnor. 
Och må konungen i sitt rikes alla provinser utse tillsyningsmän, som samlar alla dessa unga och vackra kvinnor till kvinnohuset i Susans borg och överlämna dem åt konungens hovman Hegaj, som har tillsynen över kvinnorna, och må man ge dem vad som behövs för deras förberedelse. 
Den unga kvinna som vinner konungens gunst må bli drottning i Vastis ställe." Det förslaget fann kungen gott, och man gjorde så. 
I Susans borg fanns då en judisk man som hette Mordokaj, son till Jair, son till Simei, son till Kish, en benjaminit. 
Han hade förts bort från Jerusalem med de fångar som tvingades följa med Jekonja, Juda kung, när denne fördes bort av Nebukadnessar, kungen i Babel. 
Mordokaj var fosterfar åt Hadassa, det är Ester, hans farbrors dotter, för hon hade varken far eller mor. Den unga kvinnan var välskapt och mycket vacker. Sedan hennes far och mor dött hade Mordokaj adopterat henne som sin egen dotter. 
När kungens befallning och förordning blev känd och många unga kvinnor samlades i Susans borg och överlämnades till Hegaj, blev också Ester hämtad till kungens hus och överlämnad till Hegaj som hade tillsynen över kvinnorna. 
Flickan behagade honom och vann hans gunst. Därför skyndade han att ge henne vad som behövdes för hennes förberedelse samt den mat hon skulle ha. Dessutom gav han henne sju tjänsteflickor utvalda från kungens hus. Och han flyttade henne och hennes tjänsteflickor till den bästa delen av kvinnohuset. 
Ester hade inte nämnt något om sitt folk och sin släkt, ty Mordokaj hade förbjudit henne att göra det. 
Mordokaj gick varje dag fram och tillbaka utanför gården till kvinnohuset för att få veta om Ester hade det bra och vad som hände henne. 
I tur och ordning gick de unga kvinnorna in till kung Ahasveros, sedan de under tolv månader hade genomgått vad som var föreskrivet för dem. Så många var nämligen deras förberedelsedagar: sex månader med myrraolja och sex månader med väldoftande kryddor och annat som var nödvändigt för kvinnornas förberedelse. 
När den unga kvinnan skulle gå in till kungen, fick hon ta med sig allt hon ville från kvinnornas hus till kungens hus. 
På kvällen gick hon dit in, men när hon nästa morgon vände tillbaka, gick hon in i ett annat kvinnohus för att stå under uppsikt av kungens hovman Saasgaz, som hade ansvaret för bihustrurna. Hon fick inte komma in till kungen igen, om han inte hade funnit sådant behag i henne att hon blev särskilt kallad till honom. 
Och när turen att gå in till kungen kom till Ester, flickan som Mordokaj adopterat, men som var hans farbror Abihajils dotter, begärde hon ingenting annat än det som kungens hovman Hegaj, kvinnovaktaren, rådde henne till. Alla som såg Ester tyckte om henne. 
Hon blev hämtad till kung Ahasveros i hans kungliga palats i tionde månaden, det är månaden Tebet, i hans sjunde regeringsår. 
Kungen älskade Ester mer än alla de andra kvinnorna, och hon vann hans ynnest och välvilja mer än alla de andra unga kvinnorna. Han satte den kungliga kronan på hennes huvud och gjorde henne till drottning i Vastis ställe. 
Och kungen gjorde ett stort gästabud för alla sina furstar och tjänare, ett gästabud till Esters ära. Han beviljade skattelindring åt sina provinser och delade ut gåvor som det anstår en kung. 
När man för andra gången samlade ihop unga kvinnor, satt Mordokaj i kungens port. 
Ester hade inte nämnt något om sin släkt eller sitt folk i enlighet med vad Mordokaj hade sagt åt henne. Ester gjorde som Mordokaj hade sagt liksom när hon var under hans vård. 
I de dagarna, medan Mordokaj satt i kungens port, blev Bigtan och Teres, två av de hovmän hos kungen som höll vakt vid porten, så förbittrade på kung Ahasveros att de sökte efter tillfälle att döda honom. 
Mordokaj fick veta detta och berättade det för drottning Ester, och hon förde det vidare till kungen på Mordokajs vägnar. 
Saken blev undersökt och man fann att det var sant. Hovmännen blev båda upphängda på trä. Detta nertecknades i krönikan, i kungens närvaro. 

Efter en tids förlopp, sedan konung Ahasveros' vrede hade lagt sig, tänkte han åter på Vasti och vad hon hade gjort, och vad som var beslutet om henne. 
Då sade konungens män som betjänade honom: »Må man för konungens räkning söka upp unga och fagra jungfrur, 
och må konungen i sitt rikes alla hövdingdömen förordna vissa män som samla tillhopa alla dessa unga och fagra jungfrur till fruhuset i Susans borg och överlämna dem åt konungens hovman Hege, kvinnovaktaren, och man give dem vad nödigt är till deras beredelse. 
Och den kvinna som konungen finner behag i blive drottning i Vastis ställe.» Detta tal behagade konungen, och han gjorde så. 
I Susans borg fanns då en judisk man som hette Mordokai, son till Jair, son till Simei, son till Kis, en benjaminit; 
denne hade blivit bortförd från Jerusalem med de fångar som fördes bort tillsammans med Jekonja, Juda konung, när denne fördes bort av Nebukadnessar, konungen i Babel. 
Han var fosterfader åt Hadassa, som ock kallades Ester, hans farbroders dotter; ty hon hade varken fader eller moder. Hon var en flicka med skön gestalt, fager att skåda; och efter hennes faders och moders död hade Mordokai upptagit henne såsom sin egen dotter. 
Då nu konungens befallning och påbud blev kunnigt, och många unga kvinnor samlades tillhopa till Susans borg och överlämnades åt Hegai, blev ock Ester hämtad till konungshuset och överlämnad åt kvinnovaktaren Hegai. 
Och flickan behagade honom och fann nåd inför honom; därför skyndade han att giva henne vad nödigt var till hennes beredelse, så ock den kost hon skulle hava, ävensom att giva henne från konungshuset de sju tärnor som utsågos åt henne. Och han lät henne med sina tärnor flytta in i den bästa delen av fruhuset. 
Men om sitt folk och sin släkt hade Ester icke yppat något, ty Mordokai hade förbjudit henne att yppa något därom. 
Och Mordokai gick var dag fram och åter utanför gården till fruhuset, för att få veta huru det stod till med Ester, och vad som vederfors henne. 
Nu var det så, att när ordningen kom till den ena eller andra av de unga kvinnorna att gå in till konung Ahasveros, sedan med henne hade förfarits i tolv månader såsom det var påbjudet om kvinnorna (så lång tid åtgick nämligen till att bereda dem: sex månader med myrraolja och sex månader med välluktande kryddor och annat som var nödigt till kvinnornas beredelse), 
när alltså en kvinna gick in till konungen, då fick hon taga med sig ifrån fruhuset till konungshuset allt vad hon begärde. 
Och sedan hon om aftonen hade gått ditin, skulle hon om morgonen, när hon gick tillbaka, gå in i det andra fruhuset och överlämnas åt konungens hovman Saasgas, som hade vakten över bihustrurna. Hon fick sedan icke mer komma in till konungen, om icke konungen hade funnit sådant behag i henne, att hon uttryckligen blev kallad till honom. 
Då nu ordningen att gå in till konungen kom till Ester, dotter till Abihail, farbroder till Mordokai, som hade upptagit henne till sin dotter, begärde hon intet annat än det som konungens hovman Hegai, kvinnovaktaren, rådde henne till. Och Ester fann nåd för allas ögon, som sågo henne. 
Ester blev hämtad till konung Ahasveros i hans kungliga palats i tionde månaden, det är månaden Tebet, i hans sjunde regeringsår. 
Och Ester blev konungen kärare än alla de andra kvinnorna, och hon fann nåd och ynnest inför honom mer än alla de andra jungfrurna, så att han satte en kunglig krona på hennes huvud och gjorde henne till drottning i Vastis ställe. 
Och konungen gjorde ett stort gästabud för alla sina furstar och tjänare, ett gästabud till Esters ära; och han beviljade skattelindring åt sina hövdingdömen och delade ut skänker, såsom det hövdes en konung. 
När sedermera jungfrur för andra gången samlades tillhopa och Mordokai satt i konungens port 
(men Ester hade, såsom Mordokai bjöd henne, icke yppat något om sin släkt och sitt folk, ty Ester gjorde efter Mordokais befallning, likasom när hon var under hans vård), 
vid den tiden, under det att Mordokai satt i konungens port, blevo Bigetan och Teres, två av de hovmän hos konungen, som höllo vakt vid tröskeln, förbittrade på konung Ahasveros och sökte tillfälle att bära hand på honom. 
Härom fick Mordokai kunskap, och han berättade det för drottning Ester; därefter omtalade Ester det för konungen på Mordokais vägnar. 
Saken blev nu undersökt och så befunnen; och de blevo båda upphängda på trä. Och detta upptecknades i krönikan, för konungen. 

ภายหลังเหตุการณ์เหล่านี้ เมื่อพระพิโรธของกษัตริย์อาหสุเอรัสสงบลง พระองค์ทรงระลึกถึงวัชทีและสิ่งที่พระนางทรงกระทำ และกฤษฎีกาที่พระองค์ทรงออกเรื่องพระนาง 
ข้าราชการของกษัตริย์ผู้ปรนนิบัติพระองค์อยู่จึงทูลว่า "ขอทรงให้หาหญิงพรหมจารีสาวสวยมาถวายกษัตริย์ 
และขอกษัตริย์ทรงแต่งตั้งเจ้าหน้าที่ทุกมณฑลแห่งราชอาณาจักรของพระองค์ เพื่อให้คนเหล่านี้รวบรวมหญิงสาวพรหมจารีงดงามทั้งหลายมายังฮาเร็มในสุสาปราสาท ให้อยู่ในอารักขาของเฮกัยข้าราชบริพารในพระราชสำนักของกษัตริย์ ผู้ดูแลสตรี และขอประทานเครื่องชำระล้างและประเทืองผิวสำหรับหญิงเหล่านั้น 
และขอให้หญิงสาวคนที่กษัตริย์พอพระทัยได้เป็นพระราชินีแทนวัชที" ข้อนี้พอพระทัยกษัตริย์ พระองค์จึงทรงกระทำตามนั้น 
ยังมียิวคนหนึ่งในสุสาปราสาทชื่อโมรเดคัย บุตรชายยาอีร์ ผู้เป็นบุตรชายชิเมอี ผู้เป็นบุตรชายคีช คนเบนยามิน 
ผู้ถูกกวาดต้อนจากเยรูซาเล็มในหมู่เชลยที่ถูกกวาดต้อนไปพร้อมกับเยโคนิยาห์กษัตริย์ของยูดาห์ ผู้ซึ่งเนบูคันเนสซาร์กษัตริย์ของบาบิโลนได้กวาดต้อนไปนั้น 
ท่านได้เลี้ยงดูฮาดาชาห์คือเอสเธอร์บุตรสาวลุงของท่าน เพราะเธอไม่มีพ่อแม่ สาวคนนี้รูปงามแลน่าดู เมื่อบิดามารดาของเธอสิ้นชีวิตแล้ว โมรเดคัยก็รับเธอมาเลี้ยงเป็นบุตรสาว 
ต่อมาเมื่อพระบัญชาของกษัตริย์และกฤษฎีกาของพระองค์ประกาศออกไป และเมื่อเขารวบรวมหญิงสาวเป็นอันมากเข้ามาในสุสาปราสาทให้อยู่ภายใต้อารักขาของเฮกัย เอสเธอร์ก็ถูกนำเข้ามาไว้ในราชสำนักภายใต้อารักขาของเฮกัยผู้ดูแลสตรี 
หญิงนั้นเป็นที่พอใจเขาและเธอก็เป็นที่โปรดปรานแก่เขา เขาจึงรีบจัดหาเครื่องประเทืองผิว และส่วนของเธอให้เธอ พร้อมกับสาวใช้ที่คัดเลือกแล้วเจ็ดคนจากราชสำนัก แล้วก็เลื่อนเธอและสาวใช้ของเธอขึ้นไปยังสถานที่ที่ดีที่สุดในฮาเร็ม 
เอสเธอร์มิได้บอกให้ทราบถึงชาติและญาติของเธอ เพราะโมรเดคัยกำชับเธอไม่ให้ใครรู้ 
ทุกๆวันโมรเดคัยเดินมาหน้าลานของฮาเร็ม เพื่อฟังข่าวเอสเธอร์เป็นอย่างไร และมีอะไรเกิดขึ้นแก่เธอ 
เมื่อถึงเวรที่สาวๆทุกคนจะเข้าไปเฝ้ากษัตริย์อาหสุเอรัส หลังจากได้เตรียมตัวตามระเบียบของหญิงสิบสองเดือนแล้ว (และนี่เป็นเวลาปกติสำหรับประเทืองผิว คือชโลมกายหญิงด้วยน้ำมันกำยานหกเดือน และหกเดือนด้วยเครื่องเทศและน้ำมันประเทืองผิวผู้หญิง) 
เมื่อสาวๆทุกคนจะเข้าไปเฝ้ากษัตริย์อย่างนี้ เธอจะต้องการเอาอะไรจากฮาเร็มไปยังราชสำนัก ก็เอาไปได้ 
เธอเข้าไปเฝ้าเวลาเย็น และในเวลาเช้าเธอกลับออกมาในฮาเร็มที่สองในอารักขาของชาอัชกาสขันทีของกษัตริย์ผู้ดูแลนางห้าม เธอไม่ได้เข้าไปเฝ้ากษัตริย์อีก นอกจากกษัตริย์จะพอพระทัยในเธอ และทรงเรียกชื่อเธอให้เข้าเฝ้า 
บัดนี้เมื่อถึงเวรของเอสเธอร์ บุตรสาวของอาบีฮาอิล ลุงของโมรเดคัยผู้ซึ่งรับเธอไว้เป็นบุตรสาว จะเข้าเฝ้ากษัตริย์ เธอมิได้ขอสิ่งใด นอกจากสิ่งที่เฮกัยข้าราชสำนักของกษัตริย์ผู้ดูแลพวกสตรีแนะนำ ฝ่ายเอสเธอร์ได้รับความโปรดปรานในสายตาของทุกคนที่ได้พบเห็น 
เมื่อเขาพาเอสเธอร์เข้าไปเฝ้ากษัตริย์อาหสุเอรัสในพระราชสำนัก ในเดือนสิบซึ่งเป็นเดือนเทเบทในปีที่เจ็ดแห่งรัชกาลของพระองค์ 
กษัตริย์ทรงรักเอสเธอร์ยิ่งกว่าบรรดาหญิงทั้งปวงนั้น และเธอได้รับพระกรุณาและความโปรดปรานในสายพระเนตรของพระองค์มากกว่าหญิงพรหมจารีทั้งสิ้น พระองค์จึงทรงสวมพระมงกุฎบนศีรษะของเธอ และทรงตั้งเธอให้เป็นพระราชินีแทนวัชที 
แล้วกษัตริย์พระราชทานการเลี้ยงใหญ่แก่เจ้านายและข้าราชการทั้งปวงของพระองค์ เป็นการเลี้ยงของพระนางเอสเธอร์ พระองค์ทรงอนุมัติให้งดส่วยแก่มณฑลทั้งปวง และพระราชทานของกำนัล ด้วยพระทัยกว้างขวางของกษัตริย์ 
เมื่อเขารวบรวมหญิงพรหมจารีมาครั้งที่สอง โมรเดคัยนั่งอยู่ที่ประตูของกษัตริย์ 
ฝ่ายพระนางเอสเธอร์นั้นมิได้ทรงให้ใครทราบถึงพระญาติหรือชนชาติของพระนางดังที่โมรเดคัยกำชับพระนางไว้ เพราะพระนางเอสเธอร์ทรงทำตามคำสั่งของโมรเดคัย เช่นเดียวกับเมื่อเขาเลี้ยงดูพระนางมา 
ในครั้งนั้นเมื่อโมรเดคัยนั่งอยู่ที่ประตูของกษัตริย์ บิกธานและเทเรช ขันทีสองคนของกษัตริย์ ผู้เฝ้าธรณีประตู มีความโกรธและหาช่องที่จะประทุษร้ายกษัตริย์อาหสุเอรัส 
เรื่องนี้รู้ถึงโมรเดคัยและท่านก็ทูลพระราชินีเอสเธอร์ พระนางเอสเธอร์กราบทูลกษัตริย์ในนามของโมรเดคัย 
เมื่อมีการสอบสวนเรื่องนี้ว่าเป็นความจริงแล้ว กษัตริย์ก็ทรงให้แขวนสองคนนั้นเสียที่ต้นไม้ และบันทึกเรื่องไว้ในหนังสือพงศาวดารต่อพระพักตร์กษัตริย์ 

Pagkatapos ng mga bagay na ito, nang mapayapa ang pagiinit ng haring Assuero kaniyang inalaala si Vasthi, at kung ano ang kaniyang ginawa, at kung ano ang ipinasiya laban sa kaniya. 
Nang magkagayo'y sinabi ng mga lingkod ng hari na nagsisipaglingkod sa kaniya: Ihanap ng magagandang batang dalaga ang hari: 
At maghalal ang hari ng mga pinuno sa lahat ng mga lalawigan ng kaniyang kaharian, upang kanilang mapisan ang lahat na magandang batang dalaga sa Susan na bahay-hari, sa bahay ng mga babae, sa pamamahala ni Hegai, na kamarero ng hari, na tagapagingat ng mga babae; at ibigay sa kanila ang kanilang mga bagay na kailangan sa paglilinis: 
At ang dalaga na kalugdan ng hari ay maging reina na kahalili ni Vasthi. At ang bagay ay nakalugod sa hari; at ginawa niyang gayon. 
May isang Judio sa Susan na bahay-hari, na ang pangala'y Mardocheo, na anak ni Jair, na anak ni Simi, na anak ni Cis na Benjamita; 
Na nadala mula sa Jerusalem na kasama ng mga bihag na nangadalang kasama ni Jechonias na hari sa Juda, na dinala ni Nabucodonosor na hari sa Babilonia. 
At pinalaki niya si Hadasa, sa makatuwid baga'y si Esther, na anak na babae ng kaniyang amain: sapagka't siya'y wala kahit ama o ina man, at ang dalaga ay maganda at may mabuting anyo; at nang mamatay ang kaniyang ama't ina inari siya ni Mardocheo na parang tunay na anak. 
Sa gayo'y nangyari nang mabalitaan ang utos ng hari at ang kaniyang pasiya, at nang napipisan ang maraming dalaga sa Susan na bahay-hari, sa pamamahala ni Hegai, na si Esther ay dinala sa bahay ng hari, sa pamamahala ni Hegai, na tagapagingat sa mga babae. 
At ang dalaga ay nakalugod sa kaniya, at nilingap niya; at nagbigay siyang madali sa kaniya ng mga bagay na ukol sa paglilinis, pati ng mga bahagi niya, at ng pitong dalaga na marapat na ibigay sa kaniya, na mula sa bahay ng hari: at inilipat niya siya at ang kaniyang mga dalaga sa pinaka mabuting dako ng bahay ng mga babae. 
Hindi ipinakilala ni Esther ang kaniyang bayan o ang kaniyang kamaganakan man; sapagka't ibinilin sa kaniya ni Mardocheo na huwag niyang ipakilala. 
At si Mardocheo ay lumakad araw-araw sa harap ng looban ng bahay ng mga babae, upang maalaman kung anong ginagawa ni Esther, at kung ano ang mangyayari sa kaniya. 
Nang sumapit nga ang paghahalihalili ng bawa't dalaga na pasukin ang haring Assuero, pagkatapos na magawa sa kaniya ang ayon sa kautusan sa mga babae, na labing dalawang buwan, (sapagka't ganito nagaganap ang mga araw ng kanilang paglilinis, sa makatuwid baga'y anim na buwan na ma'y langis na mirra, at anim na buwan na may mainam na pabango, at ng mga bagay na ukol sa paglilinis ng mga babae.) 
Sa ganito ngang paraan naparoroon ang dalaga sa hari: Na anomang kaniyang nasain ay ibinibigay sa kaniya upang yumaong kasama niya na mula sa bahay ng mga babae hanggang sa bahay ng hari. 
Sa kinahapunan ay naparoroon siya, at sa kinaumagahan ay bumabalik siya sa ikalawang bahay ng mga babae, sa pamamahala ni Saasgaz, na kamarero ng hari, na nagiingat sa mga babae; hindi na niya pinapasok ang hari malibang ang hari ay malugod sa kaniya, at siya'y tawagin sa pangalan. 
Nang sumapit ang paghalili nga ni Esther, na anak ni Abihail, na amain ni Mardocheo, na umaring anak kay Esther, upang pasukin ang hari, wala siyang tinamong anoman, kundi ang ibinigay ni Hegai na kamarero ng hari, na tagapagingat sa mga babae. At si Esther ay nilingap ng lahat na nakakita sa kaniya. 
Sa gayo'y dinala si Esther sa haring Assuero sa loob ng kaniyang bahay-hari, nang ikasangpung buwan na siyang buwan ng Tebeth nang ikapitong taon ng kaniyang paghahari. 
At sininta ng hari si Esther ng higit kay sa lahat na babae, at siya'y nilingap at minahal na higit kay sa lahat na dalaga; na anopa't kaniyang ipinutong ang putong na pagkareina sa kaniyang ulo, at ginawa siyang reina na kahalili ni Vasthi. 
Nang magkagayo'y gumawa ang hari ng malaking kapistahan sa kaniyang lahat na prinsipe at kaniyang mga lingkod, sa makatuwid baga'y kapistahan ni Esther; at siya'y gumawa ng pagpapatawad ng sala sa mga lalawigan, at nagbigay ng mga kaloob, ayon sa kalooban ng hari. 
At nang mapisan na ikalawa ang mga dalaga, naupo nga si Mardocheo sa pintuang-daan ng hari. 
Hindi pa ipinakikilala ni Esther ang kaniyang kamaganakan o ang kaniyang bayan man; gaya ng ibinilin sa kaniya ni Mardocheo: sapagka't ginawa ni Esther ang utos ni Mardocheo, na gaya ng siya'y palakihing kasama niya. 
Sa mga araw na yaon, samantalang nauupo si Mardocheo sa pintuang-daan ng hari, dalawa sa kamarero ng hari, si Bigthan at si Teres, sa nangagiingat ng pintuan, ay nangapoot at nangagaakalang buhatan ng kamay ang haring Assuero. 
At ang bagay ay naalaman ni Mardocheo na siyang nagturo kay Esther na reina: at sinaysay ni Esther sa hari, sa pangalan ni Mardocheo. 
At nang siyasatin ang bagay at masumpungang gayon, sila'y kapuwa binigti sa punong kahoy: at nasulat sa aklat ng mga alaala sa harap ng hari. 

Bu olaylardan sonra öfkesi dinen Kral Ahaşveroş, Vaştiyi, yaptıklarını ve ona karşı alınan kararı anımsadı. 
Kralın özel hizmetkârları, ‹‹Kral için genç, güzel, el değmemiş kızlar aransın›› dediler, 
‹‹Kral, egemen olduğu bütün illerde görevliler atasın. Bu görevliler bütün genç, güzel, el değmemiş kızları toplayıp Sus Kalesindeki hareme getirsinler, kralın kızlardan sorumlu haremağası Hegaya teslim etsinler. Güzelleşmeleri için ne gerekiyorsa verilsin. 
Sonunda kralın hoşuna giden kız, Vaştinin yerine kraliçe olsun.›› Kral bu öneriyi beğendi ve söyleneni yaptı. 
Sus Kalesinde Mordekay adında bir Yahudi vardı. Benyamin oymağından olan Mordekay, Kiş oğlu Şimi oğlu Yairin oğluydu. 
Kiş, Babil Kralı Nebukadnessarın Yahuda Kralı Yehoyakin ile birlikte Yeruşalimden sürgün ettiği kişilerden biriydi. 
Mordekayın Hadassa adında bir amca kızı vardı. Annesiyle babasını yitiren Hadassayı Mordekay evlat edinip büyütmüştü. Hadassanın öbür adı Esterdi; endamı ve yüzü güzeldi. 
Kralın buyruğu ve fermanı yayınlandıktan sonra çok sayıda genç kız Sus Kalesine getirilip harem sorumlusu Hegaya teslim edildi. Saraya getirilen kızlar arasında Ester de vardı. 
Hegay Esteri beğendi ve ona ayrıcalık tanıdı. En iyi biçimde beslenip güzelleşmesi için ne gerekiyorsa hemen sağladı; ayrıca kralın sarayından seçilen yedi hizmetçiyi buyruğuna verdi. Sonra onu hizmetçileriyle birlikte haremin en güzel bölümüne yerleştirdi. 
Ester halkını da, soyunu da açıklamadı. Çünkü Mordekay bunları açıklamasını yasaklamıştı. 
Mordekay, Esterin nasıl olduğunu ve ona nasıl davranıldığını öğrenmek için her gün haremin avlusunun önünde gezinip dururdu. 
Her genç kız sırası geldiğinde Kral Ahaşveroşun huzuruna çıkacaktı. Ama kızlarla ilgili kurallar uyarınca, önce on iki ay süren güzellik bakımını tamamlaması gerekiyordu. Altı ay süreyle her kıza mür yağı sürülüyor, altı ay da kremler, losyonlar uygulanıyordu. 
Kralın yanına girme sırası gelen genç kız, haremden her istediğini alıp birlikte saraya götürürdü. 
Akşam kralın yanına giren kız, ertesi sabah ikinci hareme, cariyelerden sorumlu haremağası Şaaşgazın yönetimindeki hareme dönerdi. Yalnız kralın beğendiği, adıyla çağırdığı kız yeniden onun yanına girebilirdi. 
Kralın yanına girme sırası Mordekayın evlat edindiği Estere -Mordekayın amcası Avihayilin kızına- gelince, Ester, kralın kızlardan sorumlu haremağası Hegayın kendisine önerdiklerinden başka bir şey istemedi. Kendisini gören herkesin beğenisini kazandı. 
Ahaşveroşun krallığının yedinci yılında, Tevet diye adlandırılan onuncu ayda, Ester saraya, kralın yanına götürüldü. 
Kral Esteri öbür kızlardan daha çok sevdi, en çok ondan hoşlandı, en çok ona ayrıcalık tanıdı. Kraliçelik tacını ona giydirip Vaştinin yerine kraliçe yaptı. 
Ardından Esterin onuruna büyük bir şölen verdi. Bu şölende bütün önderler ve görevliler hazır bulundu. Kral bütün illerde bayram ilan etti ve krallara yaraşır cömertlikle armağanlar dağıttı. 
Kızlar ikinci kez toplandıklarında Mordekay, kralın kapı görevlilerinden biri olmuştu. 
Ester, Mordekayın verdiği buyruk uyarınca, soyunu ve halkını henüz açıklamamıştı; kendisini büyüttüğü günlerde olduğu gibi, Mordekayın sözünü dinlemeye devam etti. 
Mordekay kralın kapı görevlisiyken, kapı nöbetçilerinden ikisi, Bigtan ve Tereş, Kral Ahaşveroşa öfkelendiler; onu öldürmek için fırsat kollamaya başladılar. 
Durumu öğrenen Mordekay bunu Kraliçe Estere iletti; o da Mordekay adına krala bildirdi. 
Durum araştırıldı; doğru olduğu anlaşılınca da iki adam darağacına asıldı ve olay kralın önünde tarih kayıtlarına geçirildi. 

Cách ít lâu, khi vua A-suê-ru đã nguôi giận, vua nhớ đến Vả-thi, hành động của bà, và sắc lệnh ký truất bỏ bà. 
Các cận thần hầu vua đề nghị: "Xin bệ hạ truyền lệnh tìm cho bệ hạ những trinh nữ trẻ đẹp. 
Xin bệ hạ chỉ định những viên chức trong khắp các tỉnh của đế quốc lo tập họp những trinh nữ trẻ đẹp về hậu cung tại thành nội Su-san, giao cho Hê-gai, quan thái giám của vua, là quan canh giữ các cung nữ, coi sóc. Xin bệ hạ truyền phân phối mỹ phẩm cho các cô ấy. 
Rồi cô nào đẹp lòng vua sẽ làm hoàng hậu thay cho Vả-thi." Lời đề nghị này đẹp ý vua. Vua ra lệnh thi hành y như lời. 
Tại thành nội Su-san có một người Do Thái tên Mạc-đô-chê, con trai Giai-rơ, cháu Si-mê-i, chắt của Kích, thuộc chi tộc Bên-gia-min. 
Kích bị Nê-bu-cát-nết-sa, vua Ba-by-lôn, bắt đi lưu đày từ Giê-ru-sa-lem cùng với đoàn người lưu đày, cùng lúc với Giê-cô-nia, vua Giu-đa. 
Mạc-đô-chê có nuôi dưỡng Ha-đa-sa, cũng gọi là Ê-xơ-tê, con gái của chú mình, vì Ê-xơ-tê mồ côi cha mẹ. Thiếu nữ này dáng người đẹp đẽ, nét mặt xinh tươi. Khi cha mẹ Ê-xơ-tê qua đời, Mạc-đô-chê nhận cô làm con. 
Khi sắc lệnh vua ban hành, nhiều trinh nữ bị gom về thành nội Su-san, giao cho Hê-gai coi sóc. Ê-xơ-tê cũng bị đưa về hoàng cung giao cho Hê-gai, quan canh giữ các cung nữ. 
Thiếu nữ này đẹp lòng Hê-gai. Cô chiếm được cảm tình của ông, nên ông vội vàng cung cấp mỹ phẩm và phần ăn cho cô. Ông cũng phân cho cô bảy nữ tỳ chọn lọc từ hoàng cung, rồi dời cô và các nữ tỳ về nơi tốt nhất trong hậu cung. 
Ê-xơ-tê không tiết lộ cho ai biết về dân tộc và dòng dõi cô, vì Mạc-đô-chê đã căn dặn cô đừng tiết lộ gì cả. 
Ngày nào Mạc-đô-chê cũng lảng vảng trước sân hậu cung để dò thăm sức khỏe Ê-xơ-tê và việc gì xảy ra cho cô. 
Các thiếu nữ lần lượt theo phiên mình đến với vua A-suê-ru, sau khi hoàn tất chế độ mười hai tháng ấn định cho phụ nữ, vì đó là thời gian trau dồi sắc đẹp cho các cô: sáu tháng với dầu một dược, và sáu tháng với các hương liệu và mỹ phẩm của phụ nữ. 
Đây là cách thức thiếu nữ đến cùng vua: bất cứ điều gì cô xin đều ban cho cô để mang theo từ cung phi tần đến cung điện vua. 
Buổi tối cô đến với vua, và sáng hôm sau, cô trở về hậu cung thứ nhì, dưới quyền quản đốc của Sa-ách-ga, quan thái giám của vua, quan canh giữ các cung phi. Cô không bao giờ vào cùng vua nữa, trừ trường hợp vua ưa thích cô và cho gọi đích danh. 
Đến phiên Ê-xơ-tê (con gái A-bi-ha-đin, cháu mà Mạc-đô-chê đã nhận làm con) vào cùng vua, cô không xin chi hết ngoại trừ những gì thái giám Hê-gai, quan canh giữ các cung nữ, khuyên cô mang theo. Tuy nhiên mọi người thấy Ê-xơ-tê đều trầm trồ ca ngợi. 
Ê-xơ-tê được đưa vào cung cùng vua A-suê-ru, trong hoàng cung, vào tháng mười, tức tháng Tê-bết, năm thứ bảy triều vua. 
Vua yêu thương Ê-xơ-tê hơn tất cả các phụ nữ khác. Cô chiếm được tình cảm và lòng quý chuộng của vua hơn tất cả các trinh nữ khác. Vua đội vương miện lên đầu cô và lập cô làm hoàng hậu thay cho Vả-thi. 
Vua mở yến tiệc linh đình thết đãi tất cả các thượng quan và triều thần, gọi là "Tiệc của Ê-xơ-tê." Vua công bố ngày lễ nghỉ trong các tỉnh và ban phát tặng phẩm rộng rãi, xứng hiệp với tư cách nhà vua. 
Tóm lại, từ khi người ta tập họp các trinh nữ, và Mạc-đô-chê trở thành một quan chức trong triều đình, 
Ê-xơ-tê vẫn không hề tiết lộ cho ai biết về dòng dõi hoặc dân tộc cô, y như Mạc-đô-chê căn dặn. Ê-xơ-tê vẫn vâng lời Mạc-đô-chê y như lúc cô còn dưới quyền giám hộ của ông. 
Vào thời ấy, khi Mạc-đô-chê làm việc tại triều đình, Bích-than và Thê-rết, hai thái giám của vua, thuộc đội vệ binh canh gác ngưỡng cửa, oán giận vua A-suê-ru và mưu đồ ám hại vua. 
Biết được tin này, Mạc-đô-chê báo cho hoàng hậu Ê-xơ-tê, và Ê-xơ-tê lấy danh nghĩa của Mạc-đô-chê tâu lên vua. 
Sau khi điều tra và thấy đúng như vậy, cả hai thái giám đều bị treo cổ. Biến cố này được ghi vào sách Sử Biên Niên, theo lệnh vua. 

Sau các việc ấy, khi cơn thạnh nộ vua A-suê-ru đã nguôi lại, thì người bèn nhớ lại Vả-thi, và việc nàng đã làm, cùng sự đã chỉ định cho nàng. 
Các cận thần vua thưa rằng: Khá tìm cho vua những người nữ đồng trinh tốt đẹp; 
và xin vua hãy sai khiến những quan đi khắp các tỉnh của nước vua, nhóm hiệp hết thảy những người nữ đồng trinh tốt đẹp, đến Su-sơ, là kinh đô, dẫn vào hậu cung, và giao phó cho Hê-gai, hoạn quan của vua, thái giám những cung phi; rồi phát cho chúng những hương phẩm cần dùng cho sự tẩy uế; 
hễ con gái trẻ nào được đẹp lòng vua khá lập làm hoàng hậu thế cho Vả-thi. Lời ấy đẹp lòng vua; vua bèn làm như vậy. 
Ở tại kinh đô Su-sơ, có một người Giu-đa, tên là Mạc-đô-chê, con trai của Giai-rơ, cháu của Si-mê -i, chắt của Kích, người Bên-gia-min, 
người bị bắt dẫn khỏi Giê-ru-sa-lem với những kẻ bị bắt làm phu tù đồng một lượt với Giê-cô-nia, vua Giu-đa, mà Nê-bu-cát-nết-sa, vua Ba-by-lô, đã bắt làm phu tù. 
Người bảo dưỡng Ha-đa-xa (tức Ê-xơ-tê) con gái của cậu mình, vì nàng không có cha mẹ. Người thiếu nữ ấy là tốt tươi hình dạng, đẹp đẽ dung nhan. Vậy, khi cha mẹ nàng đã qua đời rồi, Mạc-đô-chê nhận nàng làm con gái mình. 
Xảy ra khi mạng lịnh của vua và chiếu chỉ người đã được rõ biết, khi có nhiều con gái trẻ đã nhóm hiệp tại kinh đô Su-sơ, giao phó cho Hê-gai chưởng quản, thì Ê-xơ-tê cũng được đem đến cung vua, giao phó cho Hê-gai, quan thái giám các cung phi. 
Con gái trẻ đó đẹp lòng Hê-gai và được ơn trước mặt người; người lật đật ban ho nàng những hương phẩm cần dùng sự tẩy uế, và những vật nhựt dụng của nàng, cung cấp cho nàng bảy con gái tơ chọn lấy trong cung vua; đoạn Hê-gai dời nàng với các con gái tơ vào trong một cái phòng tốt nhứt của cung phi tần. 
Ê-xơ-tê chẳng tỏ ra dân mình và quê hương mình; vì Mạc-đô-chê có dặn nàng đừng tỏ cho ai biết. 
Mỗi ngày, Mạc-đô-chê đi dạo chơi trước sân của các cung phi tần, để cho biết Ê-xơ-tê có bằng-yên chăng, và nàng sẽ ra thể nào. 
Mỗi con gái trẻ chiếu theo lệ định mà dọn mình cho tinh sạch trong mười hai tháng: sáu tháng dùng dầu một dược, sáu tháng dùng thuốc thơm, cùng những hương phẩm cần dùng về sự tẩy uế. Sau kỳ ấy đã mãn rồi, mỗi con gái trẻ theo phiên thứ mà đến cùng vua A-suê-ru. 
Họ vào chầu vua như vầy: Phàm vật gì nàng muốn đem theo từ cung phi tần đến cung điện vua, thì họ liền ban cho. 
Buổi tối thì nàng đến, còn sớm mai trở về hầu cung thứ nhì, có Sa-ách-ga là hoạn quan của vua, thái giám các phi tần, coi sóc. Nàng không hề vào cung vua nữa, miễn là nàng đẹp ý vua, và được vua đòi tên mình. 
Khi phiên Ê-xơ-tê, con gái của A-bi-hai, cậu của Mạc-đô-chê, là người đã nhận nàng làm con, đã đến để đi vào cùng vua, thì nàng chẳng cầu xin gì hết, ngoại trừ điều Hê-gai, hoạn quan vua, thái-giam các phi tần, đã định cho. Ê-xơ-tê được ơn trước mặt mọi người thấy nàng. 
Ay vậy, E-xơ-tê được đưa đến cùng vua A-suê-ru trong cung vua, nhằm tháng mười (là tháng Tê-bết) năm thứ bảy đời người trị vì. 
Vua thương mến Ê-xơ-tê nhiều hơn các cung nữ khác, và nàng được ơn trước mặt vua hơn những người nữ đồng trinh; vua đội mão triều thiên trên đầu nàng, và lập nàng làm hoàng hậu thế cho Vả-thi. 
Đoạn, vua bày một tiệc lớn đãi các quan trưởng và thần bộc mình, tức tiệc yến của bà Ê-xơ-tê; vua rộng tha thuế cho các tỉnh, và ban thưởng xứng đáng theo bực giàu sang của vua. 
Khi các người nữ đồng trinh hiệp lại lần thứ nhì, thì Mạc-đô-chê ngồi ở nơi cửa vua. 
Ê-xơ-tê, y như lời Mạc-đô-chê đã dặn mình, không tỏ cho ai biết quê hương và tông tộc mình; vì Ê-xơ-tê làm theo điều Mạc-đô-chê dặn nàng, như khi nàng còn được bảo dưỡng nơi nhà người. 
Trong các ngày đó, Mạc-đô-chê đương ngồi nơi cửa vua, có hai hoạn quan của vua, trong bọn kẻ giữ cửa, là Bích-than và Thê-rết, nổi giận toan mưu tra tay vào vua A-suê-ru. 
Việc ấy thấu đến Mạc-đô-chê biết, người học lại cho hoàng hậu Ê-xơ-tê, bà Ê-xơ-tê nhơn tên Mạc-đô-chê tâu lại cho vua. 
Người ta bèn tra hạch việc đó, thấy quả thật như vậy, rồi cả hai đều bị treo nơi cây hình; đoạn họ chép điều đó trong sách sử ký tại trước mặt vua. 

這 事 以 後 、 亞 哈 隨 魯 王 的 忿 怒 止 息 、 就 想 念 瓦 實 提 和 他 所 行 的 、 並 怎 樣 降 旨 辦 他 。 
於 是 王 的 侍 臣 對 王 說 、 不 如 為 王 尋 找 美 貌 的 處 女 ． 
王 可 以 派 官 在 國 中 的 各 省 招 聚 美 貌 的 處 女 到 書 珊 城 〔 或 作 宮 〕 的 女 院 、 交 給 掌 管 女 子 的 太 監 希 該 、 給 他 們 當 用 的 香 品 ． 
王 所 喜 愛 的 女 子 、 可 以 立 為 王 后 、 代 替 瓦 實 提 ． 王 以 這 事 為 美 、 就 如 此 行 。 
書 珊 城 有 一 個 猶 大 人 、 名 叫 末 底 改 、 是 便 雅 憫 人 基 士 的 曾 孫 、 示 每 的 孫 子 、 睚 珥 的 兒 子 ． 
從 前 巴 比 倫 王 尼 布 甲 尼 撒 將 猶 大 王 耶 哥 尼 雅 （ 又 名 約 雅 斤 ） 和 百 姓 從 耶 路 撒 冷 擄 去 、 末 底 改 也 在 其 內 。 
末 底 改 撫 養 他 叔 叔 的 女 兒 哈 大 沙 、 （ 後 名 以 斯 帖 ） 、 因 為 他 沒 有 父 母 ． 這 女 子 又 容 貌 俊 美 、 他 父 母 死 了 、 末 底 改 就 收 他 為 自 己 的 女 兒 。 
王 的 諭 旨 傳 出 、 就 招 聚 許 多 女 子 到 書 珊 城 、 交 給 掌 管 女 子 的 希 該 、 以 斯 帖 也 送 入 王 宮 、 交 付 希 該 ． 
希 該 喜 悅 以 斯 帖 、 就 恩 待 他 、 急 忙 給 他 需 用 的 香 品 、 和 他 所 當 得 的 分 、 又 派 所 當 得 的 七 個 宮 女 服 事 他 、 使 他 和 他 的 宮 女 搬 入 女 院 上 好 的 房 屋 。 
以 斯 帖 未 曾 將 籍 貫 宗 族 告 訴 人 、 因 為 末 底 改 囑 咐 他 不 可 叫 人 知 道 。 
末 底 改 天 天 在 女 院 前 邊 行 走 、 要 知 道 以 斯 帖 平 安 不 平 安 、 並 後 事 如 何 。 
眾 女 子 照 例 先 潔 淨 身 體 十 二 個 月 、 六 個 月 用 沒 藥 油 、 六 個 月 用 香 料 和 潔 身 之 物 、 滿 了 日 期 、 然 後 挨 次 進 去 見 亞 哈 隨 魯 王 ． 
女 子 進 去 見 王 是 這 樣 、 從 女 院 到 王 宮 的 時 候 、 凡 他 所 要 的 、 都 必 給 他 ． 
晚 上 進 去 、 次 日 回 到 女 子 第 二 院 、 交 給 掌 管 妃 嬪 的 太 監 沙 甲 ． 除 非 王 喜 愛 他 、 再 提 名 召 他 、 就 不 再 進 去 見 王 。 
末 底 改 叔 叔 亞 比 孩 的 女 兒 、 就 是 末 底 改 收 為 自 己 女 兒 的 以 斯 帖 、 按 次 序 當 進 去 見 王 的 時 候 、 除 了 掌 管 女 子 的 太 監 希 該 所 派 定 給 他 的 、 他 別 無 所 求 ． 凡 看 見 以 斯 帖 的 都 喜 悅 他 。 
亞 哈 隨 魯 王 第 七 年 十 月 、 就 是 提 別 月 、 以 斯 帖 被 引 入 宮 見 王 ． 
王 愛 以 斯 帖 過 於 愛 眾 女 、 他 在 王 眼 前 蒙 寵 愛 比 眾 處 女 更 甚 ． 王 就 把 王 后 的 冠 冕 戴 在 他 頭 上 、 立 他 為 王 后 、 代 替 瓦 實 提 ． 
王 因 以 斯 帖 的 緣 故 給 眾 首 領 和 臣 僕 設 擺 大 筵 席 、 又 豁 免 各 省 的 租 稅 、 並 照 王 的 厚 意 大 頒 賞 賜 。 
第 二 次 招 聚 處 女 的 時 候 、 末 底 改 坐 在 朝 門 。 
以 斯 帖 照 著 末 底 改 所 囑 咐 的 還 沒 有 將 籍 貫 宗 族 告 訴 人 ． 因 為 以 斯 帖 遵 末 底 改 的 命 、 如 撫 養 他 的 時 候 一 樣 。 
當 那 時 候 、 末 底 改 坐 在 朝 門 、 王 的 太 監 中 有 兩 個 守 門 的 辟 探 和 提 列 惱 恨 亞 哈 隨 魯 王 、 想 要 下 手 害 他 ． 
末 底 改 知 道 了 、 就 告 訴 王 后 以 斯 帖 ． 以 斯 帖 奉 末 底 改 的 名 、 報 告 於 王 ． 
究 察 這 事 、 果 然 是 實 、 就 把 二 人 挂 在 木 頭 上 、 將 這 事 在 王 面 前 寫 於 歷 史 上 。 

这 事 以 后 ， 亚 哈 随 鲁 王 的 忿 怒 止 息 ， 就 想 念 瓦 实 提 和 他 所 行 的 ， 并 怎 样 降 旨 办 他 。 
于 是 王 的 侍 臣 对 王 说 ： 不 如 为 王 寻 找 美 貌 的 处 女 。 
王 可 以 派 官 在 国 中 的 各 省 招 聚 美 貌 的 处 女 到 书 珊 城 （ 或 译 ： 宫 ） 的 女 院 ， 交 给 掌 管 女 子 的 太 监 希 该 ， 给 他 们 当 用 的 香 品 。 
王 所 喜 爱 的 女 子 可 以 立 为 王 后 ， 代 替 瓦 实 提 。 」 王 以 这 事 为 美 ， 就 如 此 行 。 
书 珊 城 冇 一 个 犹 大 人 ， 名 叫 末 底 改 ， 是 便 雅 悯 人 基 士 的 曾 孙 ， 示 每 的 孙 子 ， 睚 珥 的 儿 子 。 
从 前 巴 比 伦 王 尼 布 甲 尼 撒 将 犹 大 王 耶 哥 尼 雅 （ 又 名 约 雅 斤 ） 和 百 姓 从 耶 路 撒 冷 掳 去 ， 末 底 改 也 在 其 内 。 
末 底 改 抚 养 他 叔 叔 的 女 儿 哈 大 沙 （ 后 名 以 斯 帖 ） ， 因 为 他 没 冇 父 母 。 这 女 子 又 容 貌 俊 美 ； 他 父 母 死 了 ， 末 底 改 就 收 他 为 自 己 的 女 儿 。 
王 的 谕 旨 传 出 ， 就 招 聚 许 多 女 子 到 书 珊 城 ， 交 给 掌 管 女 子 的 希 该 ； 以 斯 帖 也 送 入 王 宫 ， 交 付 希 该 。 
希 该 喜 悦 以 斯 帖 ， 就 恩 待 他 ， 急 忙 给 他 需 用 的 香 品 和 他 所 当 得 的 分 ， 又 派 所 当 得 的 七 个 宫 女 服 事 他 ， 使 他 和 他 的 宫 女 搬 入 女 院 上 好 的 房 屋 。 
以 斯 帖 未 曾 将 籍 贯 宗 族 告 诉 人 ， 因 为 末 底 改 嘱 咐 他 不 可 叫 人 知 道 。 
末 底 改 天 天 在 女 院 前 边 行 走 ， 要 知 道 以 斯 帖 平 安 不 平 安 ， 并 后 事 如 何 。 
众 女 子 照 例 先 洁 净 身 体 十 二 个 月 ： 六 个 月 用 没 葯 油 ， 六 个 月 用 香 料 和 洁 身 之 物 。 满 了 日 期 ， 然 后 挨 次 进 去 见 亚 哈 随 鲁 王 。 
女 子 进 去 见 王 是 这 样 ： 从 女 院 到 王 宫 的 时 候 ， 凡 他 所 要 的 都 必 给 他 。 
晚 上 进 去 ， 次 日 回 到 女 子 第 二 院 ， 交 给 掌 管 妃 嫔 的 太 监 沙 甲 ； 除 非 王 喜 爱 他 ， 再 题 名 召 他 ， 就 不 再 进 去 见 王 。 
末 底 改 叔 叔 亚 比 孩 的 女 儿 ， 就 是 末 底 改 收 为 自 己 女 儿 的 以 斯 帖 ， 按 次 序 当 进 去 见 王 的 时 候 ， 除 了 掌 管 女 子 的 太 监 希 该 所 派 定 给 他 的 ， 他 别 无 所 求 。 凡 看 见 以 斯 帖 的 都 喜 悦 他 。 
亚 哈 随 鲁 王 第 七 年 十 月 ， 就 是 提 别 月 ， 以 斯 帖 被 引 入 宫 见 王 。 
王 爱 以 斯 帖 过 于 爱 众 女 ， 他 在 王 眼 前 蒙 宠 爱 比 众 处 女 更 甚 。 王 就 把 王 后 的 冠 冕 戴 在 他 头 上 ， 立 他 为 王 后 ， 代 替 瓦 实 提 。 
王 因 以 斯 帖 的 缘 故 给 众 首 领 和 臣 仆 设 摆 大 筵 席 ， 又 豁 免 各 省 的 租 税 ， 并 照 王 的 厚 意 大 颁 赏 赐 。 
第 二 次 招 聚 处 女 的 时 候 ， 末 底 改 坐 在 朝 门 。 
以 斯 帖 照 着 末 底 改 所 嘱 咐 的 ， 还 没 冇 将 籍 贯 宗 族 告 诉 人 ； 因 为 以 斯 帖 遵 末 底 改 的 命 ， 如 抚 养 他 的 时 候 一 样 。 
当 那 时 候 ， 末 底 改 坐 在 朝 门 ， 王 的 太 监 中 冇 两 个 守 门 的 ， 辟 探 和 提 列 ， 恼 恨 亚 哈 随 鲁 王 ， 想 要 下 手 害 他 。 
末 底 改 知 道 了 ， 就 告 诉 王 后 以 斯 帖 。 以 斯 帖 奉 末 底 改 的 名 ， 报 告 于 王 ； 
究 察 这 事 ， 果 然 是 实 ， 就 把 二 人 挂 在 木 头 上 ， 将 这 事 在 王 面 前 写 于 历 史 上 。 

这些事以后， 亚哈随鲁王的怒气消减了， 就想念瓦实提和她所行的， 以及怎样降旨办她的事。 
于是有些侍臣对王说： "要差人为王寻找一些美貌的少女。 
王可以委派官员在国中各省， 把所有美貌的少女都召到书珊城的女院那里， 交在掌理女子的王家太监希该手下， 可以供给她们洁身用的香品。 
王喜悦的女子， 就可以作王后， 代替瓦实提。"王喜悦这话， 就这样行了。 
在书珊城里， 有一个犹大人， 名叫末底改， 是便雅悯人基士的曾孙、示每的孙子、睚珥的儿子。 
末底改在巴比伦王尼布甲尼撒掳走犹大王耶哥尼雅和别的俘虏的时候， 也同时被掳走。 
末底改抚养自己叔叔的女儿哈大沙（哈大沙就是以斯帖）， 因为她没有父母。这女子体态美丽， 容貌娟秀； 她父母死了， 末底改就收养她作自己的女儿。 
王的命令和谕旨传开了， 许多少女都被召到书珊城， 交在希该的手下； 以斯帖也被带到王宫里去， 交在管理女子的希该手下。 
希该喜悦以斯帖， 就恩待她， 急忙供给她洁身用的香品和她应得的食物， 又给她七个美丽的侍女， 都是从王宫里选出来给她的， 再把她和她的侍女搬进女院上好的房子里。 
以斯帖没有把自己的种族和身世告诉人， 因为末底改吩咐她不可告诉人。 
末底改天天都在女院的院子前面徘徊， 要知道以斯帖平安不平安， 她的情形怎样。 
每个少女轮流进宫见亚哈随鲁王之前， 都要照着女子的规例洁净身体十二个月， 因为女子洁身的规例是这样： 六个月用没药油， 六个月用香品和妇女洁身用的其他物品。 
那时， 少女进去见王是这样的： 从女院到王宫的时候， 她所要的都要给她。 
她晚上进去， 次日早晨回到第二女院去， 交给管理妃嫔的沙甲， 就是王的太监； 除非王喜悦她， 题名召她， 她就不再进去见王。 
末底改的叔叔亚比孩的女儿以斯帖， 就是末底改收养作自己女儿的， 轮到她进去见王的时候， 除了王的太监， 掌理女子的希该所预备的以外， 以斯帖别无所求； 看见以斯帖的， 都喜爱她。 
亚哈随鲁王执政第七年十月， 就是提别月， 以斯帖被带进王宫去见亚哈随鲁王。 
王爱以斯帖超过所有其他的女子； 在所有的处女中， 她在王的面前， 最得王的恩宠与喜爱； 王把王后的冠冕戴在她头上， 立她为王后， 代替瓦实提。 
王为他的文武百官大摆筵席， 就是以斯帖的婚筵， 又向各省颁布休假一天， 并且照着王的厚意， 颁赐礼物。 
第二次召集处女的时候， 末底改坐在朝门那里。 
以斯帖照着末底改吩咐她的， 没有把自己的身世和种族告诉人； 末底改所说的话， 以斯帖都遵行， 就像昔日养育她的时候一样。 
那时， 末底改坐在朝门那里， 王有两个守门的太监： 辟探和提列， 一时因为恼怒， 正想下手害亚哈随鲁王。 
这阴谋给末底改知道了， 他就告诉王后以斯帖； 以斯帖就以末底改的名义对王说起这事。 
那阴谋查究起来， 就发现真相； 于是把二人悬挂在木架上。这事在王面前曾写于史记。 

Ester 3

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