Rashi, on Esth 2:11

“And he walked every day before the court of the house, in which the chosen virgins were kept, having a care for Esther’s welfare, and desiring to know what would befall her.”

“and what would be done to her He was one of two righteous men to whom a hint of salvation was given: David and Mordecai. David—as it is said (I Sam. 17:36): “Both the lion and the bear has your bondsman smote.” He said [to himself], “This incident happened to me only to teach me to have faith that I can battle with this one [Goliath].” Likewise, Mordecai said [to himself], “The only reason that this righteous woman was taken to the bed of a gentile was because she is destined to arise and save Israel.” He therefore went around to find out what would be her fate.”

Hebrew and Aramaic words are the commentator’s citations of the sacred text; the English translation that follows each is the translator’s.

Imported from an open dataset — not yet checked against the printed edition.