1)

Why does it say "mi'Kol ha'Nashim? mi'Kol ha'Besulos"?

1.

Torah Temimah citing Megilah 13a: If he desired the 'taste' of (relations with) a virgin, he tasted it; if he desired a non-virgin, he tasted it.

2.

Rashi: "Ha'Nashim" refers to Be'ulos. He gathered also non-virgins.

3.

Vilna Gaon: Chen v'Chesed apply to a Besulah - 'Kalah Na'eh v'Chasudah' (Kesuvos 17a). Regarding Nashim, who were already [his wives] from before, it says only Ahavah; presumably, they were very beautiful. He took them when Vashti was still alive; presumably, he picked the most beautiful for himself.

4.

Malbim: Surely Achashverosh had wives and Pilagshim already; love applies to them. Chen applies to the Besulos; he wanted to make one of them queen.

2)

What is the significance of putting the crown on her?

1.

Vilna Gaon: He did so immediately, for he was sure that there is no one more beautiful in the world.

2.

Malbim: Amidst his great love for her, he did so himself, immediately.

3)

Why does it say "Tachas Vashti"?

1.

Vilna Gaon: She was like Vashti in his eyes, even though she was silent and he did not know her family. Also she said that she does not know 1 . Even so, he considered her like Vashti, a Bas Melech.


1

Targum Sheni (18): She said, I do not know, for when I was young, my parents died.

Sefer: Perek: Pasuk:

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