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18 Then the king gave a great banquet to all his officials and ministers: “Esther’s banquet.” He also granted a holiday[a] to the provinces and gave gifts with royal liberality.(A)

Mordecai Discovers a Plot

19 When the virgins were being gathered together,[b] Mordecai was sitting at the king’s gate. 20 Now Esther had not revealed her kindred or her people, as Mordecai had charged her, for Esther obeyed Mordecai just as when she was brought up by him.(B)

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Footnotes

  1. 2.18 Or an amnesty or a release from taxes
  2. 2.19 Heb adds a second time

18 And the king gave a great banquet,(A) Esther’s banquet, for all his nobles and officials.(B) He proclaimed a holiday throughout the provinces and distributed gifts with royal liberality.(C)

Mordecai Uncovers a Conspiracy

19 When the virgins were assembled a second time, Mordecai was sitting at the king’s gate.(D) 20 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.(E)

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