Esther 2:1
New International Version
Later when King Xerxes’ fury had subsided, he remembered Vashti and what she had done and what he had decreed about her.

New Living Translation
But after Xerxes’ anger had subsided, he began thinking about Vashti and what she had done and the decree he had made.

English Standard Version
After these things, when the anger of King Ahasuerus had abated, he remembered Vashti and what she had done and what had been decreed against her.

Berean Standard Bible
Some time later, when the anger of King Xerxes had subsided, he remembered Vashti and what she had done, and what had been decreed against her.

Berean Literal Bible
After these things, at the subsiding of the rage of King Ahasuerus, he remembered Vashti and what she had done and what had been decreed against her,

King James Bible
After these things, when the wrath of king Ahasuerus was appeased, he remembered Vashti, and what she had done, and what was decreed against her.

New King James Version
After these things, when the wrath of King Ahasuerus subsided, he remembered Vashti, what she had done, and what had been decreed against her.

New American Standard Bible
After these things, when the anger of King Ahasuerus had subsided, he remembered Vashti and what she had done, and what had been decided regarding her.

NASB 1995
After these things when the anger of King Ahasuerus had subsided, he remembered Vashti and what she had done and what had been decreed against her.

NASB 1977
After these things when the anger of King Ahasuerus had subsided, he remembered Vashti and what she had done and what had been decreed against her.

Legacy Standard Bible
After these things when the wrath of King Ahasuerus had subsided, he remembered Vashti and what she had done and what had been decided against her.

Amplified Bible
After these things, when the wrath of King Ahasuerus (Xerxes) had subsided, he remembered Vashti and what she had done and what had been decreed against her.

Berean Annotated Bible
Some time later, when the anger of King Xerxes (I will be silent and poor) had subsided, he remembered Vashti (beautiful) and what she had done, and what had been decreed against her.

Christian Standard Bible
Some time later, when King Ahasuerus’s rage had cooled down, he remembered Vashti, what she had done, and what was decided against her.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Some time later, when King Ahasuerus’s rage had cooled down, he remembered Vashti, what she had done, and what was decided against her.

American Standard Version
After these things, when the wrath of king Ahasuerus was pacified, he remembered Vashti, and what she had done, and what was decreed against her.

Contemporary English Version
After a while, King Xerxes got over being angry. But he kept thinking about what Vashti had done and the law that he had written because of her.

English Revised Version
After these things, when the wrath of king Ahasuerus was pacified, he remembered Vashti, and what she had done, and what was decreed against her.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Later, when King Xerxes got over his raging anger, he remembered Vashti, what she had done, and what had been decided against her.

Good News Translation
Later, even after the king's anger had cooled down, he kept thinking about what Vashti had done and about his proclamation against her.

International Standard Version
After this, when the anger of King Ahasuerus had subsided, he remembered Vashti, what she had done, and what had been decreed about her.

NET Bible
When these things had been accomplished and the rage of King Ahasuerus had diminished, he remembered Vashti and what she had done and what had been decided against her.

New Heart English Bible
After these things, when the wrath of King Achshayarsh was pacified, he remembered Vashti, and what she had done, and what was decreed against her.

Webster's Bible Translation
After these things, when the wrath of king Ahasuerus was appeased, he remembered Vashti, and what she had done, and what was decreed against her.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
Some time later, when the anger of King Xerxes had subsided, he remembered Vashti and what she had done, and what had been decreed against her.

World English Bible
After these things, when the wrath of King Ahasuerus was pacified, he remembered Vashti, and what she had done, and what was decreed against her.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
After these things, at the ceasing of the fury of King Ahasuerus, he has remembered Vashti, and that which she did, and that which has been decreed concerning her;

Berean Literal Bible
After these things, at the subsiding of the rage of King Ahasuerus, he remembered Vashti and what she had done and what had been decreed against her,

Young's Literal Translation
After these things, at the ceasing of the fury of the king Ahasuerus, he hath remembered Vashti, and that which she did, and that which hath been decreed concerning her;

Smith's Literal Translation
After these words, as the wrath of the king Ahasuerus was quiet, he remembered Vashti, and what she did, and what was decided against her:
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
After this, when the wrath of king Assuerus was appeased, he remembered Vasthi, and what she had done end what she had suffered:

Catholic Public Domain Version
And so, after this had been carried out, and the indignation of king Artaxerxes had subsided, he remembered Vashti, and what she had done, and what had happened to her.

New American Bible
After this, when King Ahasuerus’ wrath had cooled, he thought over what Vashti had done and what had been decreed against her.

New Revised Standard Version
After these things, when the anger of King Ahasuerus had abated, he remembered Vashti and what she had done and what had been decreed against her.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
AFTER these things, when the wrath of King Akhshirash was appeased, he remembered Vashti the queen and what she had done and what was decreed against her.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And after these matters, when the anger of King Akhashiresh was appeased, he remembered Vashti the Queen and everything that she had done and everything that he had decreed against her.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
After these things, when the wrath of king Ahasuerus was assuaged, he remembered Vashti, and what she had done, and what was decreed against her.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And after this the king's anger was pacified, and he no more mentioned Astin, bearing in mind what she had said, and how he had condemned her.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Seeking Vashti's Successor
1Some time later, when the anger of King Xerxes had subsided, he remembered Vashti and what she had done, and what had been decreed against her. 2Then the king’s attendants proposed, “Let a search be made for beautiful young virgins for the king,…

Cross References
Some time later,

Genesis 40:1
Some time later, the king’s cupbearer and baker offended their master, the king of Egypt.

1 Kings 17:7
Some time later, however, the brook dried up because there had been no rain in the land.

Esther 3:1
After these events, King Xerxes honored Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, elevating him to a position above all the princes who were with him.
when the anger of King Xerxes had subsided,

Esther 7:10
So they hanged Haman on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the fury of the king subsided.

Proverbs 16:14
The wrath of a king is a messenger of death, but a wise man will pacify it.

Psalm 30:5
For His anger is fleeting, but His favor lasts a lifetime. Weeping may stay the night, but joy comes in the morning.
he remembered Vashti

Esther 6:1
That night sleep escaped the king; so he ordered the Book of Records, the Chronicles, to be brought in and read to him.

Genesis 8:1
But God remembered Noah and all the animals and livestock that were with him in the ark. And God sent a wind over the earth, and the waters began to subside.

Exodus 2:24
So God heard their groaning, and He remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
and what she had done,

Esther 1:12
Queen Vashti, however, refused to come at the king’s command brought by his eunuchs. And the king became furious, and his anger burned within him.

Esther 1:16
And in the presence of the king and his princes, Memucan replied, “Queen Vashti has wronged not only the king, but all the princes and the peoples in all the provinces of King Xerxes.

Esther 1:17
For the conduct of the queen will become known to all women, causing them to despise their husbands and say, ‘King Xerxes ordered Queen Vashti to be brought before him, but she did not come.’
and what had been decreed against her.

Esther 1:19
So if it pleases the king, let him issue a royal decree, and let it be recorded in the laws of Persia and Media so that it cannot be repealed, that Vashti shall never again enter the presence of King Xerxes, and that her royal position shall be given to a woman better than she.

Esther 1:21
The king and his princes were pleased with this counsel; so the king did as Memucan advised.

Esther 1:22
He sent letters to all the provinces of the kingdom, to each province in its own script and to each people in their own language, proclaiming that every man should be master of his own household.
Esther 7:9-10
Then Harbonah, one of the eunuchs attending the king, said: “There is a gallows fifty cubits high at Haman’s house. He had it built for Mordecai, who gave the report that saved the king.” “Hang him on it!” declared the king. / So they hanged Haman on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the fury of the king subsided.


Treasury of Scripture

After these things, when the wrath of king Ahasuerus was appeased, he remembered Vashti, and what she had done, and what was decreed against her.

A.

Daniel 6:14-18
Then the king, when he heard these words, was sore displeased with himself, and set his heart on Daniel to deliver him: and he laboured till the going down of the sun to deliver him…

what was decreed.

Esther 1:12-21
But the queen Vashti refused to come at the king's commandment by his chamberlains: therefore was the king very wroth, and his anger burned in him…

Jump to Previous
Abated Ahasuerus Ahasu-E'rus Anger Appeased Assuaged Ceasing Decreed Feelings Fury King's Later Mind Order Pacified Remembered Subsided Thought Vashti Wrath Xerxes
Jump to Next
Abated Ahasuerus Ahasu-E'rus Anger Appeased Assuaged Ceasing Decreed Feelings Fury King's Later Mind Order Pacified Remembered Subsided Thought Vashti Wrath Xerxes
Esther 2
1. Out of the choice of virgins a queen is to be chosen.
5. Mordecai the nursing father of Esther.
8. Esther preferred before the rest.
12. The manner of purification, and going in to the king.
15. Esther, best pleasing the king, is made queen.
21. Mordecai, discovering a treason, is recorded in the chronicles.












Some time later
This phrase indicates a passage of time since the events of Esther 1, where Queen Vashti was deposed. Historically, this period may have included Xerxes' campaign against Greece, which ended in defeat. The time lapse suggests a cooling-off period for Xerxes, allowing for reflection and the setting of the stage for Esther's introduction.

when the anger of King Xerxes had subsided
Xerxes' anger was initially provoked by Vashti's refusal to appear before him and his guests. The subsiding of his anger suggests a return to rationality and a potential openness to new counsel. This change in demeanor is crucial for the unfolding of God's providential plan through Esther.

he remembered Vashti
Xerxes' remembrance of Vashti indicates a moment of reflection on past decisions. This could imply regret or nostalgia, highlighting the human tendency to reconsider past actions. It sets the stage for the search for a new queen, which is central to the narrative.

and what she had done
Vashti's actions were seen as defiance against the king's authority, leading to her removal. This phrase underscores the cultural expectations of women in the Persian Empire and the severe consequences of challenging royal authority. It also reflects the broader theme of power and submission in the book.

and what had been decreed against her
The decree against Vashti was irrevocable, as was typical of Persian law (cf. Daniel 6:8). This highlights the permanence of royal edicts and the legal framework within which the story unfolds. It also foreshadows the later decree concerning the Jews, which Esther and Mordecai must navigate.

Persons / Places / Events
1. King Xerxes (Ahasuerus)
The Persian king who ruled over a vast empire. Known for his temper and impulsive decisions, he plays a central role in the events of the Book of Esther.

2. Vashti
The former queen who was deposed for her refusal to appear before King Xerxes and his guests. Her actions set the stage for Esther's rise to queenship.

3. Persian Empire
The setting of the Book of Esther, a vast and powerful empire that stretched from India to Ethiopia, highlighting the influence and reach of King Xerxes' rule.

4. Decree Against Vashti
The royal edict that removed Vashti from her position as queen, illustrating the irreversible nature of Persian law and the king's authority.

5. Rage of King Xerxes
His anger at Vashti's disobedience, which led to her removal and the subsequent search for a new queen.
Teaching Points
The Consequences of Anger
King Xerxes' initial rage led to hasty decisions with lasting consequences. Believers are reminded to manage their emotions and seek wisdom before acting.

The Sovereignty of God
Despite human decisions and decrees, God's plan unfolds. Vashti's removal set the stage for Esther's rise, showing God's providence in seemingly secular events.

The Irreversibility of Words
Just as Persian decrees were unchangeable, our words can have lasting impacts. Christians are encouraged to speak with care and wisdom.

The Role of Memory and Reflection
King Xerxes' remembrance of Vashti and the decree against her highlights the importance of reflection. Believers should regularly reflect on past actions and seek God's guidance for future decisions.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Esther 2:1?

2. How does Esther 2:1 demonstrate God's sovereignty in historical events?

3. What lessons can we learn from King Xerxes' actions in Esther 2:1?

4. How does Esther 2:1 connect to Romans 8:28 about God's purpose?

5. In what ways can we seek God's guidance after making mistakes, like Xerxes?

6. How can Esther 2:1 inspire us to trust God's timing in our lives?

7. How does Esther 2:1 reflect God's sovereignty in human affairs?

8. What historical context surrounds King Xerxes' actions in Esther 2:1?

9. How does Esther 2:1 demonstrate the theme of divine providence?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Esther 2?

11. Why does the Book of Esther lack references to known historical Persian rulers?

12. Who was Xerxes I in the Bible?

13. Could Queen Vashti's refusal (Esther 1:12) and subsequent banishment be supported by Persian royal court records or historical precedents?

14. Esther 3:10-15 - Why is there no mention in Persian archives or other sources of this monumental royal decree to annihilate an entire ethnic group?
What Does Esther 2:1 Mean
Some time later

• The phrase signals a genuine lapse of time, likely several years between Vashti’s banishment (Esther 1:19) and the search for a new queen (Esther 2:2–4).

• Scripture often highlights God’s unseen activity in seasons that feel silent; compare “After many days the word of the LORD came” (1 Kings 18:1) and “In the fullness of time” (Galatians 4:4).

• The delay reminds us that divine timing overrides human schedules (Ecclesiastes 3:1; Daniel 2:21).


When the anger of King Xerxes had subsided

• Anger once burning hot (Esther 1:12) finally cools, illustrating Proverbs 14:17,29 about rash wrath versus patience.

• Xerxes embodies James 1:20—“Man’s anger does not bring about the righteousness of God.”

• God even uses a pagan king’s shifting emotions to advance His covenant plan for Israel (Proverbs 21:1).


He remembered Vashti

• Memory stirs regret and reflection. Similar royal second thoughts appear in Daniel 6:14 and Matthew 27:19.

• The king’s recollection does not reverse the decree, showing how human remembrance is limited, yet God’s remembrance is redemptive (Genesis 8:1; Exodus 2:24).


And what she had done

• Vashti’s refusal (Esther 1:12) remains the focal point. Actions have enduring consequences; see 2 Samuel 12:10 and Galatians 6:7.

• Her choice contrasts with Esther’s later obedience, setting the stage for a heroine who will “come to the kingdom for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14).


And what had been decreed against her

• The irrevocable Persian law of Esther 1:19 echoes Daniel 6:8, highlighting the permanence of royal edicts.

• This immovable verdict underlines the need for a new queen, positioning Esther for God’s protective purposes (Psalm 33:10–11).

• It also foreshadows the later decree reversal in chapter 8, proving that while human laws may seem final, the LORD can overturn outcomes (Psalm 75:7).


summary

Esther 2:1 records the cooling of Xerxes’ rage, his reflective remembrance of Vashti, and the unalterable decree that kept her from returning. God silently orchestrates events through elapsed time, human emotions, and unyielding laws, preparing the stage for Esther’s rise and Israel’s preservation.

II.

(1) After these things.--We have seen that the great feast at Susa was in the year 483 B.C. , and that in the spring of 481 B.C. Xerxes set out for Greece. At some unspecified time, then, between these limits the proposal now started is to be placed. The marriage of Esther, however (Esther 2:16), did not come about till after the return from Greece, the king's long absence explaining the otherwise curious delay, and moreover, even in this interval, he was entangled in more than one illicit connection.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Some time later,
אַחַר֙ (’a·ḥar)
Adverb
Strong's 310: The hind or following part

when the anger
חֲמַ֖ת (ḥă·maṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 2534: Heat, anger, poison

of King
הַמֶּ֣לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king

Xerxes
אֲחַשְׁוֵר֑וֹשׁ (’ă·ḥaš·wê·rō·wōš)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 325: Ahasuerus -- king of Persia

had subsided,
כְּשֹׁ֕ךְ (kə·šōḵ)
Preposition-k | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 7918: To weave, a trap, to allay

he recalled
זָכַ֤ר (zā·ḵar)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2142: To mark, to remember, to mention, to be male

Vashti
וַשְׁתִּי֙ (waš·tî)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 2060: Vashti -- queen of Pers

and
וְאֵ֣ת (wə·’êṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Direct object marker
Strong's 853: Untranslatable mark of the accusative case

what
אֲשֶׁר־ (’ă·šer-)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

she had done,
עָשָׂ֔תָה (‘ā·śā·ṯāh)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 6213: To do, make

and
וְאֵ֥ת (wə·’êṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Direct object marker
Strong's 853: Untranslatable mark of the accusative case

what
אֲשֶׁר־ (’ă·šer-)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

had been decreed
נִגְזַ֖ר (niḡ·zar)
Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1504: To cut down, off, to destroy, divide, exclude, decide

against her.
עָלֶֽיהָ׃ (‘ā·le·hā)
Preposition | third person feminine singular
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against


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OT History: Esther 2:1 After these things when the wrath (Est Esth. Es)
Esther 1:22
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