⁹ Because the young lady appeared pleasing to him and had gained favor in his sight, he quickly gave her the ointments and cosmetics, her allotted food, and seven young chosen women from the king’s palace. He also transferred her and her young women to the best place of the harem.

¹⁰ Esther had not disclosed her people or her lineage because Mordecai had charged her not to disclose it. ¹¹ Every day Mordecai walked around the courtyard of the harem to find out how Esther fared and what might be done with her.