² The king’s personal attendants suggested, “Let a search be made for beautiful young virgins for the king.^(A)

⁴ Then the young woman who pleases the king^(A) will become queen instead of Vashti.”^(B) This suggestion pleased the king, and he did accordingly.

¹⁷ The king loved Esther more than all the other women. She won more favor and approval from him than did any of the other virgins. He placed the royal crown on her head and made her queen in place of Vashti.^(A)