I never liked Mordecai. IIRC, he sent his virgin niece to be brought into the pagan king’s harem.
Jeffrey Epstein would love the guy.
True enough. And yet he claimed it was all part of God’s plan. And the text, by featuring that, appears to agree.
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: ESTHER 2:1-4
1After these things when the anger of King Ahasuerus had subsided, he remembered Vashti and what she had done and what had been decreed against her. 2Then the king's attendants, who served him, said, “Let beautiful young virgins be sought for the king. 3Let the king appoint overseers in all the provinces of his kingdom that they may gather every beautiful young virgin to the citadel of Susa, to the harem, into the custody of Hegai, the king's eunuch, who is in charge of the women; and let their cosmetics be given them. 4Then let the young lady who pleases the king be queen in place of Vashti.” And the matter pleased the king, and he did accordingly.
Note verse 3. The king's overseers were to seek out and gather every beautiful young virgin.
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: ESTHER 2:8-11
8So it came about when the command and decree of the king were heard and many young ladies were gathered to the citadel of Susa into the custody of Hegai, that Esther was taken to the king's palace into the custody of Hegai, who was in charge of the women. 9Now the young lady pleased him and found favor with him. So he quickly provided her with her cosmetics and food, gave her seven choice maids from the king's palace and transferred her and her maids to the best place in the harem. 10Esther did not make known her people or her kindred, for Mordecai had instructed her that she should not make them known. 11Every day Mordecai walked back and forth in front of the court of the harem to learn how Esther was and how she fared.
Note verse 8. Esther was taken. She was not offered up by Mordecai.
Dr. Bob Utley, Old Testament Scholar and professor of hermeneutics writes this: “Esther was taken to the king's palace” This VERB (BDB 542, KB 534, Niphal IMPERFECT) may imply that she was taken by force (Qal form, cf. Esth. 2:15; Gen. 42:36; 44:29; 1 Kgs. 11:34). The Niphal is used of the Ark of the Covenant being taken away by force (cf. 1 Sam. 4:11,17,19,21,22). Esther had no cultural choice! http://www.freebiblecommentary.org/old_testament_studies/VOL08OT/VOL08COT_02.html
Note verse 11: Mordecai was so concerned about her that he attempted to check on her every day. There is no indication whatsoever that he was prostituting Esther off to the harem. There is no indication that he had grand plans to get her made the queen or that he somehow profited off of Esther being taken into the harem. Calling him an ancient Jeffrey Epstein is wrongfully maligning a good man’s character.