2:8 many maidens. The Jewish historian Josephus cites a tradition that four hundred beautiful virgins were conscripted for Xerxes’ harem.

2:8 Esther was brought. The fact that Esther “was brought” instead of “came” may suggest that her participation in this “contest” to become queen was not voluntary on her part, but compulsory. In any event, the Lord used it and her to deliver His people at a time of great crisis.