Esther:2:8-14

---

Seeker Overlay ON

* 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 shewed her people nor her kindred : for Mordecai had charged her that she should not shew 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 wit , 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 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 .

---