Ester 2:17-18

2:17 And the king loved Esther more than all the other women, and she met with his loving approval ¹  more than all the other young women. ²  So he placed the royal high turban on her head and appointed her queen ³  in place of Vashti. 2:18 Then the king prepared a large banquet for all his officials and his servants – it was actually Esther’s banquet. He also set aside a holiday for the provinces, and he provided for offerings at the king’s expense. ⁴ 

[2:17]  ¹ tn Heb “grace and loyal love.” The expression is probably a hendiadys.

[2:17]  ² tc The LXX does not include the words “more than all the other young women.”

[2:17]  ³ tn Heb “caused her to rule.”

[2:18]  ⁴ tc The LXX does not include the words “and he provided for offerings at the king’s expense.”