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He had been taken into captivity from Jerusalem along with the exiles who had been deported with Jeconiah, king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon had taken into exile.[a] Mordecai[b] had raised his cousin[c] Hadassah, or Esther,[d] because she had no father or mother. The young woman had a beautiful figure and was very attractive. After her mother and father died, Mordecai had taken her as his daughter.

The king’s order and edict was proclaimed, and many young women were brought to Susa the capital under the care of Hegai. Esther was taken to the palace into the care of Hegai, who was in charge of the women.

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Footnotes

  1. Esther 2:6 This deportation took place in 597 B.C.
  2. Esther 2:7 Lit. He
  3. Esther 2:7 Lit. his uncle’s daughter
  4. Esther 2:7 The Heb. name Hadassah means Myrtle; The Persian name Esther means Star