Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse together. It’s a really interesting passage about Esther’s bravery and strategic thinking! Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Story: This verse tells us about Esther’s incredible act of helping her father, King Mordecai, secure his throne after his death. Let’s unpack the parts: “In the evening she went, and on the morrow she returned into the second house of the women…” – This means Esther left the palace, probably in the late afternoon, and returned later that day. The “second house” refers to a specific room or area within the royal palace. “…to the custody of Shaashgaz, the king’s chamberlain, which kept the concubines:” – Shaashgaz was a very important person in the King’s household. He was responsible for looking after the queen’s concubines (women who were betrothed to the king). Esther was entrusted with taking care of these women. “She came in unto the king no more, except the king delighted in her, and that she were called by name.” – This is the most important part. The King loved Esther! He wasn’t just looking after her; he was genuinely enjoying her company. Because of this, he started calling her by her name – "Esther." So, what does it all mean? This verse shows that Esther acted out of a deep sense of loyalty and love. She risked everything to help her father secure his position. It highlights the idea that sometimes, even when things seem difficult or dangerous, doing what’s right – especially for someone you care about – can be incredibly rewarding. In essence, it's a story about: Loyalty: Esther was fiercely loyal to her father and kingdom. Love & Devotion: She prioritized the happiness of others over her own safety. Strategic Thinking: She understood that appearing vulnerable could be dangerous, so she used her position to her advantage – showing the King how much she cared. Do you want me to explain any of these points in more detail? Or would you like me to connect this verse to a larger theme in the Bible (like courage or faith)?