* in all the provinces.
  1:1,2 
 * that they may gather.
   This was the usual way in which the harem, or {seraglio,} was
   furnished; the finest women in the land, whether of high or
   low birth, were sought out and brought to the harem.  They all
   became the king's concubines; but one was raised as chief
   wife, or sultana, to the throne; and her issue was especially
   entitled to inherit.

 * the custody.  Heb. the hand.  Hege.
  8 
 * Hegai.  the king's chamberlain.
   {Saris hammelech,} "the king's eunuch:" so the LXX., Vulgate,
   Targum, and Syriac.

 * their things.
  12-14  Isa 3:18-23