Definition: So Esther was taken unto king Ahasuerus into his house royal in the tenth month, which [is] the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Esther 2:16. It’s a really important and fascinating part of the story! Here's what it means in simple terms: Basically, Esther was brought to King Ahasuerus – that’s a very powerful name – because he needed her help. Let’s unpack it a little more: “So Esther was taken unto king Ahasuerus into his house royal” : This means Esther was invited to stay in the palace of King Ahasuerus. It's like a special, important visit. “in the tenth month, which [is] the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign.” : This is the key part! “The tenth month” refers to the tenth month of the year – it’s often called "Tebeth" in Jewish tradition. “In the seventh year of his reign” means King Ahasuerus was about seven years old when Esther was brought. So, what's happening? King Ahasuerus was having a really difficult time. He had a huge problem – his wife, Vashti, had committed a serious sin by publicly displaying her nakedness. This was considered bad luck and upsetting to the royal family. Esther, who is a young Jewish woman, stepped up to help him. She’s essentially acting as a diplomat and advisor. The story then describes how she quietly worked behind the scenes to prevent a potential crisis. In short, this verse tells us that Esther was chosen to be in charge of King Ahasuerus because he needed her to solve a problem – a very significant one. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a story about bravery and selfless service. It’s a powerful example of how even someone who seems small can make a big difference! --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the Esther story? Discuss what this verse might symbolize?