After these things, when the wrath of king Ahasuerus was appeased, he remembered Vashti, and what she had done, and what was decreed against her.
Then said the king’s servants that ministered unto him, Let there be fair young virgins sought for the king:
And let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom, that they may gather together all the fair young virgins unto Shushan the palace, to the house of the women, unto the custody of Hege the king’s chamberlain, keeper of the women; and let their things for purification be given them:
And let the maiden which pleaseth the king be queen instead of Vashti. And the thing pleased the king; and he did so.
Now in Shushan the palace there was a certain Jew, whose name was Mordecai, the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite;
Who had been carried away from Jerusalem with the captivity which had been carried away with Jeconiah king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away.
And he brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle’s daughter: for she had neither father nor mother, and the maid was fair and beautiful; whom Mordecai, when her father and mother were dead, took for his own daughter.
So it came to pass, when the king’s commandment and his decree was heard, and when many maidens were gathered together unto Shushan the palace, to the custody of Hegai, that Esther was brought also unto the king’s house, to the custody of Hegai, keeper of the women.
And the maiden pleased him, and she obtained kindness of him; and he speedily gave her her things for purification, with such things as belonged to her, and seven maidens, which were meet to be given her, out of the king’s house: and he preferred her and her maids unto the best place of the house of the women.
Esther had not shewed her people nor her kindred: for Mordecai had charged her that she should not shew it.
And Mordecai walked every day before the court of the women’s house, to know how Esther did, and what should become of her.
Now when every maid’s turn was come to go in to king Ahasuerus, after that she had been twelve months, according to the manner of the women, (for so were the days of their purifications accomplished, to wit, six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with sweet odours, and with other things for the purifying of the women;)
Then thus came every maiden unto the king; whatsoever she desired was given her to go with her out of the house of the women unto the king’s house.
In the evening she went, and on the morrow she returned into the second house of the women, to the custody of Shaashgaz, the king’s chamberlain, which kept the concubines: she came in unto the king no more, except the king delighted in her, and that she were called by name.
Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, was come to go in unto the king, she required nothing but what Hegai the king’s chamberlain, the keeper of the women, appointed. And Esther obtained favour in the sight of all them that looked upon her.
So Esther was taken unto king Ahasuerus into his house royal in the tenth month, which is the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign.
And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favour in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti.
Then the king made a great feast unto all his princes and his servants, even Esther’s feast; and he made a release to the provinces, and gave gifts, according to the state of the king.
And when the virgins were gathered together the second time, then Mordecai sat in the king’s gate.
Esther had not yet shewed her kindred nor her people; as Mordecai had charged her: for Esther did the commandment of Mordecai, like as when she was brought up with him.
In those days, while Mordecai sat in the king’s gate, two of the king’s chamberlains, Bigthan and Teresh, of those which kept the door, were wroth, and sought to lay hand on the king Ahasuerus.
And the thing was known to Mordecai, who told it unto Esther the queen; and Esther certified the king thereof in Mordecai’s name.
And when inquisition was made of the matter, it was found out; therefore they were both hanged on a tree: and it was written in the book of the chronicles before the king.
Esther 2 marks a pivotal shift in the narrative, moving from the grand but ultimately self-centered affairs of King Ahasuerus to the introduction of Esther and Mordecai, key figures in God's providential plan for His people. While God's name remains absent from the text, His sovereign hand is unmistakably at work behind the scenes, orchestrating events that will ultimately lead to the salvation of the Jewish people.
A Beauty Contest with Divine Implications (Esther 2:1-4)
Some time after Vashti's banishment, King Ahasuerus' anger subsided, and he began to miss her (Esther 2:1). However, the irreversible laws of the Medes and Persians prevented her return. His attendants suggested a kingdom-wide beauty contest, gathering all beautiful young virgins so the king could choose a new queen (Esther 2:2-4). Ahasuerus, ever captivated by appearances, embraced the idea.
At first glance, this seems like a purely secular event—a vain king seeking a new wife. Yet, this seemingly random beauty contest becomes the stage upon which God will position Esther for her future role. This highlights a crucial theme of the book: God's sovereignty. As Ephesians 1:11 states, He "works out everything in agreement with the purpose of his will." Romans 11:36 reminds us that "From him and through him and to him are all things." God’s providence, the mysterious way He weaves events together, is on full display.
Mordecai and Esther: Two Ordinary People, Extraordinary Purpose (Esther 2:5-7)
In the fortress of Susa, the king's capital (Esther 1:2), resided a Jewish man named Mordecai (Esther 2:5). He was among those exiled by Nebuchadnezzar and served as the guardian of his cousin, Esther (Esther 2:6-7). Esther is described as beautiful and attractive (Esther 2:7).
The introduction of Mordecai and Esther marks a significant turning point. They are seemingly ordinary individuals caught up in the whims of a foreign empire. Yet, Esther's beauty, a quality seemingly outside of their control, becomes the catalyst for their entry into the royal court, setting the stage for their crucial roles in the events to come.
Esther Enters the King's Harem (Esther 2:8-11)
When the king's decree was announced, young women were gathered from across the kingdom, including Esther (Esther 2:8). Hegai, the overseer of the women, favored Esther, providing her with special treatment and beauty preparations (Esther 2:9). Mordecai instructed Esther not to reveal her Jewish identity (Esther 2:10), likely fearing prejudice that might hinder her chances of becoming queen.
Esther's entry into the harem is a moment of both opportunity and vulnerability. While she gains access to the highest levels of power, she also faces the challenges and potential dangers of the king's court. Mordecai's instruction to conceal her identity reflects the precarious situation of the Jewish people in exile.
The Process of Selection (Esther 2:12-14)
Each young woman underwent a year of beauty treatments – six months with oil of myrrh and six months with perfumes and cosmetics (Esther 2:12). Then, each woman would go to the king for a single night, which the text euphemistically describes as "going in to the king" (Esther 2:13-14). Afterwards, they were moved to a second harem, never to be called upon again unless the king specifically requested them.
This process highlights the objectification of women in the Persian court, a stark contrast to God's design for marriage and intimacy (Genesis 2:24). Deuteronomy 7:3 forbids Israelites from marrying unbelievers. While God doesn’t necessarily approve of everything that happens, He uses even these morally ambiguous situations to accomplish His larger purpose. This might also explain why God’s name is not explicitly mentioned in the book.
Esther Finds Favor (Esther 2:15-18)
Esther distinguished herself by only taking what Hegai suggested (Esther 2:15). She didn't try to impress the king with extravagant displays. Esther found favor in the eyes of everyone who saw her, including the king (Esther 2:17). He loved her more than all the other women, placing the royal crown on her head and declaring her queen (Esther 2:17). The king then held a great banquet in Esther's honor and proclaimed a holiday throughout the provinces (Esther 2:18).
Esther's quiet humility and grace set her apart from the other women. This detail underscores God's providential hand at work, guiding her steps and influencing those around her. This is not merely a story of beauty winning the king's favor, but a testament to God's unseen influence in Esther's life. Although much in Esther’s story was inconsistent with God’s character, the Jews were his covenant people, and he had promised to cover them.
Mordecai Uncovers a Plot (Esther 2:19-23)
While Mordecai was sitting at the King's Gate (Esther 2:19), he overheard two of the king's eunuchs plotting to assassinate Ahasuerus (Esther 2:21). Mordecai informed Esther, who reported the plot to the king in Mordecai's name (Esther 2:22). After investigation, the eunuchs were executed, and the event was recorded in the royal chronicles (Esther 2:23).
This incident further demonstrates God's active involvement in preserving the king's life and, by extension, the future of His people. Mordecai's act of loyalty, though seemingly insignificant at the time, will have far-reaching consequences later in the story. God was at work in prolonging the king’s life and moving the story of his people forward. Even when God seems absent, He is actively working behind the scenes, orchestrating events for His glory and the good of His people. Trust Him where you are because He is doing something bigger than you can imagine.
Esther 2 sets the stage for the unfolding drama of the book. It highlights the themes of God's sovereignty, providence, and the importance of obedience, even in the face of uncertainty. As we continue to read, we will see how God uses seemingly ordinary people and events to accomplish His extraordinary purposes.
After these things, when the wrath of king Ahasuerus was appeased, he remembered Vashti, and what she had done, and what was decreed against her.
Then said the king’s servants that ministered unto him, Let there be fair young virgins sought for the king:
And let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom, that they may gather together all the fair young virgins unto Shushan the palace, to the house of the women, unto the custody of Hege the king’s chamberlain, keeper of the women; and let their things for purification be given them:
And let the maiden which pleaseth the king be queen instead of Vashti. And the thing pleased the king; and he did so.
Now in Shushan the palace there was a certain Jew, whose name was Mordecai, the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite;
Who had been carried away from Jerusalem with the captivity which had been carried away with Jeconiah king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away.
And he brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle’s daughter: for she had neither father nor mother, and the maid was fair and beautiful; whom Mordecai, when her father and mother were dead, took for his own daughter.
So it came to pass, when the king’s commandment and his decree was heard, and when many maidens were gathered together unto Shushan the palace, to the custody of Hegai, that Esther was brought also unto the king’s house, to the custody of Hegai, keeper of the women.
And the maiden pleased him, and she obtained kindness of him; and he speedily gave her her things for purification, with such things as belonged to her, and seven maidens, which were meet to be given her, out of the king’s house: and he preferred her and her maids unto the best place of the house of the women.
Esther had not shewed her people nor her kindred: for Mordecai had charged her that she should not shew it.
And Mordecai walked every day before the court of the women’s house, to know how Esther did, and what should become of her.
Now when every maid’s turn was come to go in to king Ahasuerus, after that she had been twelve months, according to the manner of the women, (for so were the days of their purifications accomplished, to wit, six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with sweet odours, and with other things for the purifying of the women;)
Then thus came every maiden unto the king; whatsoever she desired was given her to go with her out of the house of the women unto the king’s house.
In the evening she went, and on the morrow she returned into the second house of the women, to the custody of Shaashgaz, the king’s chamberlain, which kept the concubines: she came in unto the king no more, except the king delighted in her, and that she were called by name.
Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, was come to go in unto the king, she required nothing but what Hegai the king’s chamberlain, the keeper of the women, appointed. And Esther obtained favour in the sight of all them that looked upon her.
So Esther was taken unto king Ahasuerus into his house royal in the tenth month, which is the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign.
And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favour in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti.
Then the king made a great feast unto all his princes and his servants, even Esther’s feast; and he made a release to the provinces, and gave gifts, according to the state of the king.
And when the virgins were gathered together the second time, then Mordecai sat in the king’s gate.
Esther had not yet shewed her kindred nor her people; as Mordecai had charged her: for Esther did the commandment of Mordecai, like as when she was brought up with him.
In those days, while Mordecai sat in the king’s gate, two of the king’s chamberlains, Bigthan and Teresh, of those which kept the door, were wroth, and sought to lay hand on the king Ahasuerus.
And the thing was known to Mordecai, who told it unto Esther the queen; and Esther certified the king thereof in Mordecai’s name.
And when inquisition was made of the matter, it was found out; therefore they were both hanged on a tree: and it was written in the book of the chronicles before the king.
Esther 2 marks a pivotal shift in the narrative, moving from the grand but ultimately self-centered affairs of King Ahasuerus to the introduction of Esther and Mordecai, key figures in God's providential plan for His people. While God's name remains absent from the text, His sovereign hand is unmistakably at work behind the scenes, orchestrating events that will ultimately lead to the salvation of the Jewish people.
A Beauty Contest with Divine Implications (Esther 2:1-4)
Some time after Vashti's banishment, King Ahasuerus' anger subsided, and he began to miss her (Esther 2:1). However, the irreversible laws of the Medes and Persians prevented her return. His attendants suggested a kingdom-wide beauty contest, gathering all beautiful young virgins so the king could choose a new queen (Esther 2:2-4). Ahasuerus, ever captivated by appearances, embraced the idea.
At first glance, this seems like a purely secular event—a vain king seeking a new wife. Yet, this seemingly random beauty contest becomes the stage upon which God will position Esther for her future role. This highlights a crucial theme of the book: God's sovereignty. As Ephesians 1:11 states, He "works out everything in agreement with the purpose of his will." Romans 11:36 reminds us that "From him and through him and to him are all things." God’s providence, the mysterious way He weaves events together, is on full display.
Mordecai and Esther: Two Ordinary People, Extraordinary Purpose (Esther 2:5-7)
In the fortress of Susa, the king's capital (Esther 1:2), resided a Jewish man named Mordecai (Esther 2:5). He was among those exiled by Nebuchadnezzar and served as the guardian of his cousin, Esther (Esther 2:6-7). Esther is described as beautiful and attractive (Esther 2:7).
The introduction of Mordecai and Esther marks a significant turning point. They are seemingly ordinary individuals caught up in the whims of a foreign empire. Yet, Esther's beauty, a quality seemingly outside of their control, becomes the catalyst for their entry into the royal court, setting the stage for their crucial roles in the events to come.
Esther Enters the King's Harem (Esther 2:8-11)
When the king's decree was announced, young women were gathered from across the kingdom, including Esther (Esther 2:8). Hegai, the overseer of the women, favored Esther, providing her with special treatment and beauty preparations (Esther 2:9). Mordecai instructed Esther not to reveal her Jewish identity (Esther 2:10), likely fearing prejudice that might hinder her chances of becoming queen.
Esther's entry into the harem is a moment of both opportunity and vulnerability. While she gains access to the highest levels of power, she also faces the challenges and potential dangers of the king's court. Mordecai's instruction to conceal her identity reflects the precarious situation of the Jewish people in exile.
The Process of Selection (Esther 2:12-14)
Each young woman underwent a year of beauty treatments – six months with oil of myrrh and six months with perfumes and cosmetics (Esther 2:12). Then, each woman would go to the king for a single night, which the text euphemistically describes as "going in to the king" (Esther 2:13-14). Afterwards, they were moved to a second harem, never to be called upon again unless the king specifically requested them.
This process highlights the objectification of women in the Persian court, a stark contrast to God's design for marriage and intimacy (Genesis 2:24). Deuteronomy 7:3 forbids Israelites from marrying unbelievers. While God doesn’t necessarily approve of everything that happens, He uses even these morally ambiguous situations to accomplish His larger purpose. This might also explain why God’s name is not explicitly mentioned in the book.
Esther Finds Favor (Esther 2:15-18)
Esther distinguished herself by only taking what Hegai suggested (Esther 2:15). She didn't try to impress the king with extravagant displays. Esther found favor in the eyes of everyone who saw her, including the king (Esther 2:17). He loved her more than all the other women, placing the royal crown on her head and declaring her queen (Esther 2:17). The king then held a great banquet in Esther's honor and proclaimed a holiday throughout the provinces (Esther 2:18).
Esther's quiet humility and grace set her apart from the other women. This detail underscores God's providential hand at work, guiding her steps and influencing those around her. This is not merely a story of beauty winning the king's favor, but a testament to God's unseen influence in Esther's life. Although much in Esther’s story was inconsistent with God’s character, the Jews were his covenant people, and he had promised to cover them.
Mordecai Uncovers a Plot (Esther 2:19-23)
While Mordecai was sitting at the King's Gate (Esther 2:19), he overheard two of the king's eunuchs plotting to assassinate Ahasuerus (Esther 2:21). Mordecai informed Esther, who reported the plot to the king in Mordecai's name (Esther 2:22). After investigation, the eunuchs were executed, and the event was recorded in the royal chronicles (Esther 2:23).
This incident further demonstrates God's active involvement in preserving the king's life and, by extension, the future of His people. Mordecai's act of loyalty, though seemingly insignificant at the time, will have far-reaching consequences later in the story. God was at work in prolonging the king’s life and moving the story of his people forward. Even when God seems absent, He is actively working behind the scenes, orchestrating events for His glory and the good of His people. Trust Him where you are because He is doing something bigger than you can imagine.
Esther 2 sets the stage for the unfolding drama of the book. It highlights the themes of God's sovereignty, providence, and the importance of obedience, even in the face of uncertainty. As we continue to read, we will see how God uses seemingly ordinary people and events to accomplish His extraordinary purposes.