Esther's Relations with Achashverosh/2
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Esther's Relations with Achashverosh
Exegetical Approaches
Esther was forced
Sources:Seder Olam Rabbah, Bavli Megillah, Bavli Sanhedrin, Second Targum of Megillat Esther, R. Saadia Gaon, Ibn Ezra, Commentary attributed to Rambam, R. Avraham Saba, Akeidat Yitzchak, R. Meir Arama, Yosef Lekach
Esther's Religious Identity
"וַתִּלָּקַח" – Ibn Ezra claims that the word "וַתִּלָּקַח" implies being taken by force.1
אשת איש
- Most of these commentators understand Esther to have been an unmarried woman.
- However,
לא בקשה דבר – R. Meir Arama says this is proof that she was forced, because everyone else would pretty up voluntarily to be more appealing, but Esther did not.
"לֹא הִגִּידָה אֶסְתֵּר אֶת עַמָּהּ וְאֶת מוֹלַדְתָּהּ" – According to this opinion, Esther did not say who she was for one of two reasons:
- So that she will not be chosen as queen.
- So it will be easier for her to keep mitzvot.
Halakhic Considerations
Definition of אונס
One time / Multiple Times
Historical Background
The Ends Justify the Means
Esther wanted to become queen, in order to protect the Jews.
Did Esther Hide? According to Yefet, Esther originally hid, but then left her hiding place so she will be chosen as queen. However, according to R. Yosef Chayyun, Esther never hid, but rather sat in public so that she will be found easily.
Did Esther Go Willingly? According to this approach, Esther went willingly.2
Mordechai's Precognition – According to Ralbag, Mordechai knew (in some sort of prophecy) that Esther will be chosen. Contrarily, R. Yosef Chayyun understands that Mordechai did not know anything definite, but was only hoping that Esther will be chosen. However, both of them agree that Mordechai was not aware of any specific threat, but was just maneuvering Esther into a useful position in case something happens.
Mordechai and Esther's Religious Identity – These commentators understand that Esther and Mordechai were observant Jews, who decided on this course of action within the framework of Halakha.
"לֹא הִגִּידָה אֶסְתֵּר אֶת עַמָּהּ וְאֶת מוֹלַדְתָּהּ" – According to these commentators, Esther concealed her nationality in order that she will be chosen as queen, and would not be rejected as from a lowly nation. See Why Conceal Esther's Nationality for more details.
Halakhic Considerations – R. Yosef Chayyun says that Mordechai believed that the good coming from the fact that Esther could protect the Jews from religious persecution was worth the fact that Esther would transgress on certain prohibitions. He compares this to the Halakhah that one should violate Shabbat once so that one may keep many Shabbatot.
Esther didn't care
Esther wanted to become queen for the honor and power involved.
Did Esther Go Willingly? Radak claims that "וַתִּלָּקַח" implies going willingly, and not being taken by force.
Mordechai and Esther's Religious Identity – According to R. Y"S Reggio, Esther and Mordechai were certainly not knowledgeable in Halakhah, and may even have been non-observant. Therefore, they did not see any issue with Esther becoming queen.
"לֹא הִגִּידָה אֶסְתֵּר אֶת עַמָּהּ וְאֶת מוֹלַדְתָּהּ" – According to R. Y"S Reggio, Esther was embarrassed by her exilic origins. See Why Conceal Esther's Nationality for more details.
