Bible Reading: Esther 1-3

Today’s Passage: Esther 2:17

“the king loved Esther more than all the women, and she won grace and favor in his sight more than all the virgins, so that he set the royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti.” (ESV)

Esther’s Background:

Mordecai raised his cousin, Esther, who had no other relatives, as his own daughter. Her name in Hebrew is Hadassah, signifying her Jewish heritage. Esther was chosen as a candidate for queen, a position of great influence and privilege. Her beauty made her stand out among the many young women brought to the palace. The King, upon meeting her, was captivated by her and chose her to be the new queen. This is not about her beauty but about a God who is working for His people.

Esther’s Rise:

The events that led to Esther’s rise to queen begin with Queen Vashti disobeying the King’s command. Through a divinely appointed process Esther was chosen to replace Vashti and was crowned the new queen. This was all a part of the divine plan. Which led to the King loving her more than all the other women, so he set the royal crown upon her head and made her queen instead of Vashti.

God’s Providence:

God’s hand was at work throughout these events, ensuring the advancement of Esther for a greater purpose. This shows God’s providence that is always working behind the scenes, even in situations that seem purely coincidental or influenced by human decisions. The strategic concealment of her Jewish identity was crucial in God’s plan to save the Jewish people from certain danger. The lesson being that God often places people in the right places, at the right time, to ensure their protection and fulfill His purposes.

Christ Revealed:

The story of Esther also reveals a deeper theological truth about Christ. Just like Mordecai adopted Esther into his family and provided for her, Jesus adopts us into His family and provides for us. Ephesians 1:5 speaks of how we are predestined for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will. Similarly, 1 John 3:1 reminds us of the great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God.