KJV ORIGINAL
Esther had not shewed her people nor her kindred: for Mordecai had charged her that she should not shew it.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
Esther had not revealed her nationality or her family background, because Mordecai had instructed her not to tell anyone about it.
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
This verse explains that Esther kept her Jewish identity secret on Mordecai's advice when she entered the Persian palace.
📚 Historical Context
This takes place during the Jewish exile in Persia around 480 BC, when many Jews lived as minorities in foreign lands. Anti-Jewish sentiment existed in the Persian Empire, so revealing one's Jewish identity could be dangerous. Mordecai wisely advised Esther to conceal her heritage as she competed to become queen, knowing it could disqualify or endanger her.
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