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.
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. This verse describes the permanent consequence of that single night with the king. Each maiden "went in the evening" and "on the morrow"—the next morning—"returned into the second house," permanently reassigned to Shaashgaz's custody as a concubine. The phrase "she came in unto the king no more" emphasizes finality: one night determined her entire future. Unless the king specifically "delighted in her" and "called by name," she would spend the rest of her life in virtual widowhood—technically the king's wife but never seeing him again. This demonstrates the exploitative nature of the system: hundreds of young women conscripted, used once, then permanently sequestered. God's providence operated within and despite this unjust system.
Historical Context
The "second house of the women" distinguished concubines (who had been with the king once) from virgins (awaiting their turn). Shaashgaz managed the concubines' quarters—a separate administrative structure from Hegai's virgin quarters. Archaeological evidence confirms Persian palaces had multiple women's facilities accommodating different categories and statuses. Being called "by name" signified personal recognition and favor. Most concubines would never be summoned again, living in comfortable but restricted circumstances—provided for materially but denied freedom, future marriage, or meaningful purpose. The system benefited the king's pleasure while discarding hundreds of lives. This background makes Esther's selection as queen even more significant—she escaped permanent concubinage.
Questions for Reflection
How should believers respond when God's providence operates within deeply unjust systems—neither endorsing the injustice nor denying God's sovereignty?
What does this passage teach about the permanent consequences of single moments and the importance of wisdom in critical opportunities?
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Analysis & Commentary
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. This verse describes the permanent consequence of that single night with the king. Each maiden "went in the evening" and "on the morrow"—the next morning—"returned into the second house," permanently reassigned to Shaashgaz's custody as a concubine. The phrase "she came in unto the king no more" emphasizes finality: one night determined her entire future. Unless the king specifically "delighted in her" and "called by name," she would spend the rest of her life in virtual widowhood—technically the king's wife but never seeing him again. This demonstrates the exploitative nature of the system: hundreds of young women conscripted, used once, then permanently sequestered. God's providence operated within and despite this unjust system.