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19 And when the virgins were gathered together the second time, Mordecai [a]was sitting at the king’s gate. 20 Esther had not revealed her family or her people [that is, her Jewish background], just as Mordecai had instructed her; for Esther did what Mordecai told her just as when she was under his care.

Mordecai Saves the King

21 In those days, while Mordecai was sitting at the king’s gate, Bigthan and Teresh, two of the king’s eunuchs who guarded the door, became [b]angry and [c]conspired to attack King Ahasuerus. 22 But the plot became known to Mordecai, who informed Queen Esther, and Esther told the king in Mordecai’s name. 23 Now when the plot was investigated and found to be true, both men were [d]hanged on the gallows. And it was recorded in the Book of the Chronicles in the king’s presence.

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Footnotes

  1. Esther 2:19 The phrase sitting at the king’s gate implies that Mordecai was some sort of an official in the service of the king.
  2. Esther 2:21 The reasons for their anger is never explained. The ancient rabbis suggested that the king had replaced them with Mordecai, whom they considered a barbarian.
  3. Esther 2:21 Lit sought to lay hands on.
  4. Esther 2:23 Or impaled on a stake. It is uncertain which method was used.

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