Esther

出处：按学科分类—哲学、宗教 复旦大学出版社《圣经典故辞典》第230页（23695字）

【释义】：

以斯帖；(喻)巾帼英雄，女中豪杰

Now in Shu-shan the palace there was a certain Jew, whose name was Mor-de-ca-i, the son of Ja-ir, the son of Shim-e-i, the son of Kish, a Benja-mite;

Who had been carried away from Jerusalem with the captivity which had been carried away with Jec-o-ni-ah king of Judah, whom Ncb-u-chad-nez-zar the king of Babylon had carried away.

And he brought up Ha-das-sah, that is, Esther, his uncle's daughter; for she had neither father nor mother, and the maid was fair and beautiful; whom Mor-de-ca-i, when her father and mother were dead, took for his own daughter.

So it came to pass, when the king's commandment and his decree was heard, and when many maidens were gathered together unto Shu-shan the palace, to the custody of He-gai, that Esther was brought also unto the king' s house, to the custody of He-gai keeper of the women.

And the maiden pleased him, and she obtained kindness of him; and he speedily gave her her things for purification, with such things as belonged to her, and seven maidens, which were meet to be given her, out of the king's house: and he preferred her and her maids unto the best place of the house of the women.

Esther had not shewed her people nor her kindred: for Mor-de-ca-i had charged her that she should not shew it.

And Mor-de-ca-i walked every day before the court of the women's house, to know how Esther did. and what should become of her.

Now when every maid' s turn was come to go in to king Ahas-u-e-rus, after that she had been twelve months, according to the manner of the women, (for so were the days of their purifications accomplished, to wit, six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with sweet odours, and with other things for the purifying of the women;)

Then thus came every maiden unto the king; whatsoever she desired was given her to go with her out of the house of the women unto the kings's house.

In the evening she went, and on the morrow she returned into the second house of the women, to the custody of Sha-ash-gaz, the king' s chamberlain, which kept the concubines: she came in unto the king no more, except that king delighted in her, and that she were called by name.

Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Ab-i-hail the uncle of Mor-de-ca-i, who had taken her for his daughter, was come to go in unto the king, she required nothing but what He-gai the king's chamberlain, the keeper of the women, appointed, And Esther obtained favour in the sight of all them that looked upon her.

So Esther was taken unto king A-has-u-e-rus into his house royal in the tenth month, which is the month Te-beth, in the seventh year of his reign.

And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favour in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vash-ti.

Then the king made a great feast unto all his princes and his servants, even Esther's feast; and he made a release to the provinces, and gave gifts, according to the state of the king.

And when the virgins were gathered together the second time, then Mor-de-ca-i sat in the king's gate.

Esther had not yet shewed her kindred nor her people; as Mor-de-ca-i had charged her: for Esther did the commandment of Mor-de-ca-i. like as when she was brought up with him.

In those days, while Mor-de-ca-i sat in the king's gate, two of the king's chamberlains, Big-than and Te-resh, of those which kept the door, were wroth, and sought to lay hand on the king A-has-u-e-rus.

And the thing was known to Mor-de-ca-i, who told it unto Esther the queen; and Esther certified the king thereof in Mor-de-ca-i's name.

And when inquistion was made of the matter, it was found out; therefore they were both hanged on a tree: and it was written in the book of the chronicles before the king.

Esther 2:5-23

书珊城有一个犹大人，名叫末底改，是便雅悯人基士的曾孙、示每的孙子、睚珥的儿子。

从前巴比伦王尼布甲尼撒将犹大王耶哥尼雅和百姓从耶路撒冷掳去，末底改也在其内。

末底改抚养他叔叔的女儿哈大沙(后名以斯帖)，因为她没有父母。这女子又容貌俊美，她父母死了，末底改就收她为自己的女儿。

王的谕旨传出，就招聚许多女子到书珊城，交给掌管女子的希该；以斯帖也送入王宫，交付希该。

希该喜悦以斯帖，就恩待她，急忙给她需用的香品和她所当得的份，又派所当得的七个宫女服侍她，使她和她的宫女搬入女院上好的房屋。

以斯帖未曾将籍贯宗族告诉人，因为末底改嘱咐她不可叫人知道。

末底改天天在女院前边行走，要知道以斯帖平安不平安，并后事如何。

众女子照例先洁净身体十二个月：六个月用没药油；六个月用香料和洁身之物。

满了日期，然后挨次进去见亚哈随鲁王。

女子进去见王是这样：从女院到王宫的时候，凡她所要的都必给她。

晚上进去，次日回到女子第二院，交给掌管妃嫔的太监沙甲，除非王喜爱她，再提名召她，就不再进去见王。

末底改叔叔亚比孩的女儿，就是末底改收为自己女儿的以斯帖，按次序当进去见王的时候，除了掌管女子的太监希该所派定给她的，她别无所求。

凡看见以斯帖的都喜悦她。

亚哈随鲁王第七年十月，就是提别月，以斯帖被引入宫见王。

王爱以斯帖过于爱众女，她在王眼前蒙宠爱比众处女更甚。王就把王后的冠冕戴在她头上，立她为王后，代替瓦实提。

王因以斯帖的缘故给众首领和臣仆设摆大筵席，又豁免各省的租税，并照王的厚意大颁赏赐。

第二次招聚处女的时候，末底改坐在朝门。

以斯帖照着末底改所嘱咐的，还没有将籍贯宗族告诉人，因为以斯帖遵末底改的命，如抚养她的时候一样。

当那时候，末底改坐在朝门，王的太监中有两个守门的辟探和提列，恼恨亚哈随鲁王，想要下手害他。末底改知道了，就告诉王后以斯帖。以斯帖奉末底改的名，报告于王。

究察这事，果然是实，就把二人挂在木头上，将这事在王面前写于历史上。

《以斯帖记》2∶5－23

After these things did king A-has-u-e-rus promote Ha-man the son of Ham-me-da-tha the Ag-a-gite, and advanced him, and set his seat above all the princes that were with him.

And all the king's servants, that were in the king's gate, bowed, and reverenced Ha-man: for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mor-de-ca-i bowed not, nor did him reverence.

Then the king's servants, which were in the king' s gate, said unto Mor-de-ca-i, Why transgressest thou the king's commandment?

Now it came to pass, when they spake daily unto him, and he hearkened not unto them, that they told Ha-man, to see whether Mor-dc-ca-i's matters would stand: for he had told them that he was a Jew.

And when Ha-man saw that Mor-de-ca-i bowed not, nor did him reverence, then was Ha-man full of wrath.

And he thought scorn to lay hands on Morde-ca-i alone; for they had shewed him the people of Mor-de-ca-i: wherefore Ha-man sought to destroy all the Jews that were throughout the whole kingdom of A-has-u-e-rus, even the people of Mor-de-ca-i.

In the first month, that is, the month Ni-san, in the twelfth year of king A-has-u-e-rus, they cast Pur. that is, the lot, before Ha-man from day to day, and from month to month, to the twelfth month, that is. the month A-dar.

And Ha-man said unto king A-has-u-e-rus. There is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among the people in all the provinces of thy kingdom; and their laws are diverse from all people; neither keep they the king's laws: therefore it is not for the king's profit to suffer them.

If it please the king, let it be written that they may be destroyed: and I will pay ten thousand talents of silver to the hands of those that have the charge of the business, to bring it unto the king's treasuries.

And the king took his ring from his hand, and gave it unto Ha-man the son of Ham-me-de-tha the Ag-a-gite, the Jews' enemy.

And the king said unto Ha-man,The silver is given to thee, the people also, to do with them as it seemeth good to thee.

Then were the king's scribes called on the thirteenth day of the first month, and there was written according to all that Ha-man had commanded unto the king's liertenants, and to the governors that were over every province, and to the rulers of every people of every province according to the writing thereof, and to every people after their language; in the name of king A-has-u-e-rus was it written, and sealed with the king's ring.

And the letters were sent by posts into all the king's provinces, to destroy, to kill, and to cause to perish, all Jews, both young and old. little children and women, in one day, even upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month A-dar. and to take the spoil of them for a prey.

The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province was published unto all people, that they should be ready against that day.

Esther 3:1-14

这事以后，亚哈随鲁王抬举亚甲族哈米大他的儿子哈曼，使他高升，叫他的爵位超过与他同事的一切臣宰。

在朝门的一切臣仆，都跪拜哈曼，因为王如此吩咐；惟独末底改不跪不拜。

在朝门的臣仆问末底改说：“你为何违背王的命令呢?”

他们天天劝他，他还是不听，他们就告诉哈曼，要看末底改的事站得住站不住，因他已经告诉他们自己是犹大人。

哈曼见末底改不跪不拜，他就怒气填胸。

他们已将末底改的本族告诉哈曼，他以为下手害末底改一人是小事，就要灭绝亚哈随鲁王通国所有的犹大人，就是末底改的本族。

亚哈随鲁王十二年正月，就是尼散月，人在哈曼面前，按日日月月掣普珥，就是掣签，要定何月何日为吉，择定了十二月，就是亚达月。

哈曼对亚哈随鲁王说：“有一种民，散居在王国各省的民中，他们的律例与万民的律例不同，也不守王的律例，所以容留他们与王无益。

王若以为美，请下旨意灭绝他们，我就捐一万他连得银子，交给掌管国币的人，纳入王的府库。”

于是王从自己手上摘下戒指，给犹大人的仇敌，亚甲族哈米大他的儿子哈曼。

王对哈曼说：“这银子仍赐给你，这民也交给你，你可以随意待他们。”

正月十三日，就召了王的书记来，照着哈曼一切所吩咐的，用各省的文字、各族的方言，奉亚哈随鲁王的名写旨意，传与总督和各省的省长，并各族的首领。又用王的戒指盖印。

交给驿卒传到王的各省，吩咐将犹大人，无论老少妇女孩子，在一日之间，十二月，就是亚达月十三日，全然剪除，杀戮灭绝，并夺他们的财为掠物。

抄录这旨意，颁行各省，宣告各族，使他们预备等候那日。

《以斯帖记》3∶1－14

When Mor-de-ca-i perceived all that was done, Mor-de-ca-i rent his clothes, and put on sackcloth with ashes, and went out into the midst of the city, and cried with a loud and a bitter cry;

And came even before the king's gate: for none might enter into the king's gate clothed with sackcloth.

And in every province, whithersoever the king's commandment and his decree came, there was great mourning among the Jews, and fasting, and weeping, and wailing; and many lay in sackcloth and ashes.

So Esther's maids and her chamberlains came and told it her. Then was the queen exceedingly grieved; and she sent raiment to clothe Mor-de-ca-i,and to take away his sackcloth from him: but he received it not.

Then called Esther for Ha- tach, one of the king's chamberlains, whom he had appointed to attened upon her, and gave him a commandment to Mor-de-ca-i, to know what it was, and why it was.

So Ha-tach went forth to Mor-de-ca-i unto the street of the city, which was before the king's gate.

And Mor-de-ca-i told him of all that had happened unto him, and of the sum of the money that Ha-man had promised to pay to the king's treasuries for the Jews, to destroy them.

Also he gave him the copy of the writing of the decree that was given at Shu-ahsn to destroy them, to shew it unto Esther, and to declare it unto her, and to charge her that she should go in unto the king, to make supplication unto him, and to make request before him for her people.

And Ha-tach came and told Esther the words of Mor-de-ca-i.

Again Esther spake unto Ha-tach, and gave him commandment unto Mor-de-ca-i;

All the king's servants, and the people of the king's provinces, do know, that whosoever whether man or woman, shall come unto the king into the inner court, who is not called, there is one law of his to put him to death, except such to whom the king shall hold out the golden sceptre, that he may live: but I have not been called to come in unto the king these thirty days.

And they told to Mor-de-ca-i Esther's words.

Then Mor-de-ca-i commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that thou shall escape in (he king s house, more than all the Jews.

For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?

Then Esther bade them return Mor-de-ca-i this answer.

Go gather together all the Jews that are present in Shu-shan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nol drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.

So Mor-de-ca-i went his way, and did according to all that Esther had commanded him.

Esther 4:1-17

末底改知道所作的这一切事，就撕裂衣服，穿麻衣，蒙灰尘，在城中行走，痛哭哀号。

到了朝门前停住脚步，因为穿麻衣的不可进朝门。

王的谕旨所到的各省各处，犹大人大大悲哀，禁食哭泣哀号，穿麻衣躺在灰中的甚多。

王后以斯帖的宫女和太监来把这事告诉以斯帖，她甚是忧愁，就送衣服给末底改穿，要他脱下麻衣，他却不受。

以斯帖就把王所派伺候她的一个太监，名叫哈他革召来，吩咐他去见末底改，要知道这是什么事，是什么缘故。

于是，哈他革出到朝门前的宽阔处见末底改。

末底改将自己所遇的事，并哈曼为灭绝犹大人，应许捐入王库的银数，都告诉了他。

又将所抄写传遍书珊城要灭绝犹大人的旨意交给哈他革，要给以斯帖看，又要给她说明，并嘱咐她进去见王，为本族的人在王面前恳切祈求。

哈他革回来，将末底改的话告诉以斯帖。

以斯帖就吩咐哈他革去见末底改说：

“王的一切臣仆和各省的人民，都知道有一个定例：若不蒙召，擅入内院见王的，无论男女必被治死；除非王向他伸出金杖，不得存活。现在我没有蒙召进去见王已经三十日了。

”

人就把以斯帖这话告诉末底改。

末底改托人回复以斯帖说：“你莫想在王宫里强过一切犹大人，得免这祸。

此时你若闭口不言，犹大人必从别处得解脱，蒙拯救，你和你父家必至灭亡。焉知你得了王后的位分，不是为现今的机会吗?”

以斯帖就吩咐人回报末底改说：

“你当去招聚书珊城所有的犹大人，为我禁食三昼三夜，不吃不喝；我和我的宫女也要这样禁食。

然后我违例进去见王，我若死就死吧!”

于是末底改照以斯帖一切所吩咐的去行。

《以斯帖记》4∶1－17

Now it came to pass on the third day. that Esther put on her royal apparel, and stood in the inner court of the king's house, over against the king's house: and the king sat upon his royal throne in the royal house, over against the gate of the house.

And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained favour in his sight: and the king held out to Esther the golden sceptre that was in his hand, So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the sceptre.

Then said the king unto her, What wilt thou, queen Esther? and what is thy request? it shall be even given thee to the half of the kingdom.

And Esther answered, If it seem good unto the king, let the king and Ha-man come this day unto the banquet that I have prepared for him.

Then the king said. Cause Ha-man to make haste, that he may do as Esther hath said. So the king and Ha-man came to the banquet that Esther had prepared.

And the king said unto Esther at the banquet of wine, What is thy petition? and it shall be granted thee: and what is thy request? even to the half of the kingdom it shall be performed.

Then answered Esther.and said, My petition and my request is;

If I have found favour in the sight of the king, and if it please the king to grant my petition, and to perform my request, let the king and Ha-man come to the banquet that I shall prepare, for them, and I will do to morrow as the king hath said.

Then went Ha-man forth that day joyful and with a glad heart: but when Ha-man saw Mor-de-ca-i in the king's gate, that he stood not up, nor moved for him, he was full of indignation against Mor-de-ca-i.

Nevertheless Ha-man refrained himself: and when he came home, he sent and called for his friends, and Ze-resh his wife.

And Ha-man told them of the glory of his riches, and the multitude of his children, and all the things wherein the king had promoted him. and how he had advanced him above the princes and servants of the king.

Ha-man said moreover, Yea, Esther the queen did let no man come in with the king unto the banquet that she had prepared but myself; and to morrow am I invited unto her also with the king.

Yet all this availeth me nothing, so long as I see Mor-de-ca-i the Jew sitting.at the king's gate.

Then said Ze-resh his wife and all his friends unto him, Let a gallows be made of fifty cubits high, and to morrow speak thou unto the king that Mor-de-ca-i may be hanged thereon: then go thou in merrily with the king unto the banquet. And the thing pleased Ha-man; and he caused the gallows to be made.

Esther 5:1-14

第三日，以斯帖穿上朝服，进王宫的内院，对殿站立。

王在殿里坐在宝座上，对着殿门。

王见王后以斯帖站在院内，就施恩于她，向她伸出手中的金杖；以斯帖便向前摸杖头。

王对她说：“王后以斯帖啊，你要什么?你求什么?就是国的一半也必赐给你。”

以斯帖说：“王若以为美，就请王带着哈曼今日赴我所预备的筵席。”

王说：“叫哈曼速速照以斯帖的话去行。”于是，王带着哈曼赴以斯帖所预备的筵席。

在酒席筵前，王又问以斯帖说：“你要什么?我必赐给你；你求什么?就是国的一半也必为你成就。”

以斯帖回答说：“我有所要，我有所求。

我若在王眼前蒙恩，王若愿意赐我所要的，准我所求的，就请王带着哈曼再赴我所要预备的筵席。明日我必照王所问的说明。

”

那日哈曼心中快乐，欢欢喜喜地出来，但见末底改在朝门不站起来，连身也不动，就满心恼怒末底改。

哈曼暂且忍耐回家，叫人请他朋友和他妻子细利斯来。

哈曼将他富厚的荣耀，众多的儿女，和王抬举他使他超乎首领臣仆之上，都述说给他们听。

哈曼又说：“王后以斯帖预备筵席，除了我以外，不许别人随王赴席。明日王后又请我随王赴席；

只是我见犹大人末底改坐在朝门，虽有这一切荣耀，也与我无益。”

他的妻细利斯和他一切的朋友对他说：“不如立一个五丈高的木架，明日求王将末底改挂在其上，然后你可以欢欢喜喜地随王赴席。”哈曼以这话为美，就叫人作了木架。

《以斯帖记》5∶1－14

So the king and Ha-man came to banquet with Esther the queen.

And the king said again unto Esther on the second day at the banquet of wine, What is thy petition, queen Esther? and it shall be granted thee: and what is thy request? and it shall be performed, even to the half of the kingdom.

Then Esther the queen answered and said, If I have found favour in thy sight, O king, and if it please the king, let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request:

For we are sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be slain, and to perish. But if we had been sold for bondmen and bondwomen, I had held my tongue, although the enemy could not counterval the king's damage.

Then the king A-has-u-e-rus answered and said unto Esther the queen, Who is he, and where is he, that durst presume in his heart to do so?

And Esther said, The adversary and enemy is this wicked Ha-man. Then Ha-man was afraid before the king and the queen.

And the king arising from the banquet of wine in his wrath went into the palace garden: and Ha-man stood up to make request for his life to Esther the queen; for he saw that there was evil determined against him by the king.

Then the king returned out of the palace garden into the place of the banquet of wine; and Ha-man was fallen upon the bed whereon Esther was. Then said the king, Will he force the queen also before me in the house? As the word went out of the king's mouth, they covered Ha-man's face.

And Har-b-nah, one of the chamberlains, said before the king, Behold also, the gallows fifty cubits high, which Ha-man had made for Mor-de-ca-i, who had spoken good for the king, standeth in the house of Ha-man. Then the king said. Hang him thereon.

So they hanged Ha-man on the gallows that he had prepared for Mor-de-ca-i. Then was the king's wrath pacified.

Esther 7:1-10

王带着哈曼来赴王后以斯帖的筵席。

这第二次在酒席筵前，王又问以斯帖说：“王后以斯帖啊，你要什么?我必赐给你；你求什么?就是国的一半，也必为你成就。”

王后以斯帖回答说：“我若在王眼前蒙恩，王若以为美，我所愿的，是愿王将我的性命赐给我；我所求的，是求王将我的本族赐给我。

我因我的本族被卖了，要剪除杀戮灭绝我们。我们若被卖为奴为婢，我也闭口不言，但王的损失，敌人万不能补足。

”

亚哈随鲁王问王后以斯帖说：“擅敢起意如此行的是谁?这人在哪里呢?”

以斯帖说：“仇人敌人就是这恶人哈曼。”哈曼在王和王后面前就甚惊惶。

王便大怒，起来离开酒席往御园去了。哈曼见王定意加罪于他，就起来，求王后以斯帖救命。

王从御园回到酒席之处，见哈曼伏在以斯帖所靠的榻上，王说：“他竟敢在宫内，在我面前，凌辱王后吗?”这话一出王口，人就蒙了哈曼的脸。

伺候王的一个太监名叫哈波拿，说“哈曼为那救王有功的末底改作了五丈高的木架，现今立在哈曼家里!”王说：“把哈曼挂在其上。”

于是人将哈曼挂在他为末底改所预备的木架上。王的忿怒这才止息。

《以斯帖记》7∶1－10

And said, If it please the king, and if I have found favour in his sight, and the thing seem right before the king, and I be pleasing in his eyes, let it be written to reverse the letters devised by Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, which he wrote to destroy the Jews which are in all the king's provinces:

For how can I endure to see the evil that shall come unto my people? or how can I endure to see the destruction of my kindred?

Then the king Ahasuerus said unto Esther the queen and to Mordecai the Jew, Behold, I have given Esther the house of Haman, and him they have hanged upon the gallows, because he laid his hand upon the Jews.

Write ye also for the Jews, as it liketh you, in the king's name, and seal it with the king's ring: for the writing which is written in the king's name, and sealed with the king's ring, may no man reverse.

Then were the king's scribes called at that time in the third month, that is, the month Sivan, on the three and twentieth day thereof; and it was written according to all that Mordecai commanded unto the Jews, and to the lieutenants, and the deputies and rulers of the provinces which are from India unto Ethiopia, and hundred twenty and seven provinces, unto every province according to the writing thereof, and unto every people after their language, and to the Jews according to their writing, and according to their language.

And he wrote in the king Ahasuerus' name, and sealed it with the king's ring, and sent letters by posts on horseback, and riders on mules, camels, and young dromedaries:

Wherein the king granted the Jews which were in every city to gather themselves together, and to stand for their life, to destroy, to slay, and to cause to perish, all the power of the people and province that would assault them, both little ones and women, and to take the spoil of them for a prey.

Upon one day in all the provinces of king Ahasuerus, namely, upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar.

Esther 8:1-12

当日，亚哈随鲁王把犹大人仇敌哈曼的家产赐给王后以斯帖。末底改也来到王面前，因为以斯帖已经告诉王末底改是他的亲属。

王摘下自己的戒指，就是从哈曼追回的，给了末底改。以斯帖派末底改管理哈曼的家产。

以斯帖又俯伏在王脚前，流泪哀告，求他除掉亚甲族哈曼害犹大人的恶谋。

王向以斯帖伸出金杖；以斯帖就起来，站在王前。

说：“亚甲族哈米大他的儿子哈曼设谋传旨，要杀灭在王各省的犹大人。现今王若愿意，我若在王眼前蒙恩，王若以为美，若喜悦我，请王另下旨意，废除哈曼所传的那旨意。

我何忍见我本族的人受害?何忍见我同宗的人被灭呢?”

亚哈随鲁王对王后以斯帖和犹大人末底改说：“因哈曼要下手害犹大人，我已将他的家产赐给以斯帖，人也将哈曼挂在木架上。

现在你们可以随意奉王的名写谕旨给犹大人，用王的戒指盖印，因为奉王名所写、用王戒指盖印的谕旨，人都不能废除。”

三月，就是西弯月，二十三日，将王的书记召来，按着末底改所吩咐的，用各省的文字、各族的方言，并犹大的文字方言写谕旨，传给那从印度直到古实一百二十七省的犹大人和总省长首领。

末底改奉亚哈随鲁王的名写谕旨，用王的戒指盖印，交给骑御马圈快马的驿卒，传到各处。

谕旨中，王准备省各城的犹大人在一日之间，十二月，就是亚达月，十三日，聚集保护性命，剪除杀戮灭绝那要攻击犹大人的一切仇敌和他们的妻子儿女，，夺取他们的财为掠物。

《以斯贴记》8∶1－12］

。【条目出处】：《圣经·旧约》