At that time there was a Jewish man in the fortress of Susa whose name as Mordecai son of Jair. He was from the tribe of Benjamin and was a descendant of Kish and Shimei. His family had been among those who, with King Jehoiachin of Judah, had been exiled form Jerusalem to Babylon by King Nebuchanezzar. This man had a very beautiful and lovely young cousin, Hadassah, who was also called Esther. When the father and mother died, Mordecai adopted her into his faimly and raised her as his own daughter.
As a result of the king’s decree, Esther, along with many other youny women, was brought to the king’s harem at the fortress of Susa and placed in Hegai’s care. Hegai was very impressed with Esther and treated her kindly. He quickly ordered a special menu for her and provided her with beauty treatments. He also assigned her seven maids specially chosen from the king’s palace, and moved her and her maids into the best place in the harem.
Esther had not told anyone of her nationality and family background, because Mordecai had directed her not to do so. Every day Mordecai would take a walk near the courtyard of the harm to find out about Esther and what was happening to her. (vv. 5-11, NLT)