her her place at court and her throne. From her first entry into the palace she wins the favour of the eunuch in charge of the women, who gives her attendants of her own beside those usually assigned to the maidens (AT 3:8–9; MT 2:9). And she wins by her charm the favour of the king also: AT 3:9, 14, 17 ‘When she was taken to the king, she pleased him greatly. When evening came, she would be taken to him, and in the morning she would leave. And when the king had examined all the maidens, Esther proved
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