God's Blessing

Esther 2 Explained – Verse by Verse Commentary

1 After these things, when the anger of King Ahasuerus had abated, he remembered Vashti and what she had done and what had been decreed against her.
2 Then the king’s young men who attended him said, “Let beautiful young virgins be sought out for the king.
3 And let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom to gather all the beautiful young virgins to the harem in Susa the citadel, under custody of Hegai, the king’s eunuch, who is in charge of the women.
4 And let the young woman who pleases the king be queen instead of Vashti.” This pleased the king, and he did so.
5 Now there was a Jew in Susa the citadel whose name was Mordecai, the son of Jair, son of Shimei, son of Kish, a Benjaminite,
6 who had been carried away from Jerusalem among the captives carried away with Jeconiah king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had carried away.
7 He was bringing up Hadassah, that is Esther, the daughter of his uncle, for she had neither father nor mother. The young woman had a beautiful figure and was lovely to look at, and when her father and her mother died, Mordecai took her as his own daughter.
8 So when the king’s order and his edict were proclaimed, and when many young women were gathered in Susa the citadel in custody of Hegai, Esther also was taken into the king’s palace and put in custody of Hegai, who had charge of the women.
9 And the young woman pleased him and won his favor. And he quickly provided her with her cosmetics and her portion of food, and with seven chosen young women from the king’s palace, and advanced her and her young women to the best place in the harem.
10 Esther had not made known her people or kindred, for Mordecai had commanded her not to make it known.
11 And every day Mordecai walked in front of the court of the harem to learn how Esther was and what was happening to her.
12 Now when the turn came for each young woman to go in to King Ahasuerus, after being twelve months under the regulations for the women, since this was the regular period of their beautifying, six months with oil of myrrh and six months with spices and ointments for women.
13 Then in this way the girl came to the king: whatever she desired was given her to take with her from the harem to the king’s palace.
14 In the evening she would go in, and in the morning she would return to the second harem, to the custody of Shaashgaz, the king’s eunuch, who was in charge of the concubines. She would not go in to the king again, unless the king delighted in her and she was summoned by name.
15 When the turn came for Esther the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her as his own daughter, to go in to the king, she asked for nothing except what Hegai the king’s eunuch, who had charge of the women, advised. Now Esther was winning favor in the eyes of all who saw her.
16 And when Esther was taken to King Ahasuerus, into his royal palace, in the tenth month, which is the month of Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign,
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.
18 Then the king gave a great feast for all his officials and servants; it was Esther’s feast. He also granted a remission of taxes to the provinces and gave gifts with royal generosity.
19 Now when the virgins were gathered together the second time, Mordecai was sitting at the king’s gate.
20 Esther had not made known her people or kindred, for Mordecai had commanded her not to make it known.
21 In those days, as Mordecai was sitting at the king’s gate, Bigthan and Teresh, two of the king’s eunuchs, who guarded the threshold, became angry and sought to lay hands on King Ahasuerus.
22 But Mordecai found out about the plot and told Queen Esther, and Esther informed the king in Mordecai’s name.
23 When the affair was investigated and found to be so, the men were both hanged on the gallows. And it was recorded in the book of the chronicles in the presence of the king.

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The True Meaning of Esther 2

The Book of Esther is believed to have been written by Mordecai, a Jewish exile living in Persia during the reign of King Xerxes. Mordecai was a prominent figure in the Jewish community and played a crucial role in the events described in this chapter. Esther, a young Jewish woman, is selected to become the new queen of Persia in this chapter. This sets the stage for a dramatic confrontation between the Jewish people and their adversary, Haman, who seeks to destroy them. We will test Esther’s courage and Mordecai’s wisdom as we delve into the narrative, echoing the themes of divine providence and the triumph of good over evil that are woven throughout the Scriptures.

The chapter also highlights the precarious position of the Jewish people in the Persian Empire, as they navigate the complexities of court politics and the ever-present threat of persecution. We’ll see how Esther’s unique position as queen will be used by God to protect His chosen people, just as He has done throughout history, as seen in the stories of Joseph (Genesis 37-50) and Daniel (Daniel 1-6).

Esther 2:1-4

Esther, a young Jewish woman, is brought into the king’s harem in Esther 2:1-4. The verse begins by describing King Xerxes’ search for a new queen after Queen Vashti was deposed. The king’s eunuchs suggest that beautiful young virgins from each province of his kingdom be gathered for his selection.

This section of the verse is significant in showing the power dynamics in the Persian court. King Xerxes, a man of wealth and influence, is shown as having the authority to gather young women to choose his queen from among them. This demonstrates the objectification and control exerted by those in powerful positions over others, particularly over vulnerable young women. It reflects the themes of patriarchy and objectification of women that are prevalent throughout the Bible and history.

Furthermore, Esther’s entrance into this situation as a young Jewish woman is crucial to the plot of the book of Esther. Esther’s Jewish identity is initially kept secret, showcasing how she navigates her faith and heritage in a foreign and hostile environment. This highlights themes of identity, faith, and courage in the face of adversity.

The king’s officials are tasked with finding beautiful women to present to the king, demonstrating the superficiality and shallowness of the selection process. This mirrors how society often values external beauty over inner qualities, a theme that is also present in other parts of the Bible. For instance, in 1 Samuel 16:7, it says, “The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. We delve into these verses as God works through difficult and complex circumstances to fulfill His ultimate plan. Despite the seemingly secular nature of finding a new queen, God’s providence and sovereignty are at work behind the scenes throughout the book of Esther. This reflects the broader biblical theme of God working in mysterious ways to bring about His purposes, even in the midst of seemingly mundane events. Esther 2:1-4 sets the stage for the unfolding drama in the book of Esther, showcasing power dynamics, themes of faith and identity, societal values, and most importantly, God’s sovereignty and providence. It presents a nuanced portrayal of how individuals navigate complex and challenging situations while remaining true to their faith and values.

Esther 2:5-7

Mordecai, a Jewish man, and his cousin Esther are the focus in Esther 2:5-7. These verses lay the groundwork for Esther’s entrance into the royal harem of King Xerxes. Mordecai, a descendant of Kish and of the tribe of Benjamin, had been taken into exile from Jerusalem by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. Mordecai took care of his cousin Esther after she became an orphan. Esther, whose Hebrew name was Hadassah, was a beautiful young woman, and she found favor in the eyes of those around her. When she was taken to the harem of King Xerxes in Susa, Mordecai instructed her not to reveal her nationality or her family background.

From these verses, we see the providence of God at work in the lives of His people, even in difficult circumstances. Mordecai’s care for Esther, his guidance and wisdom in instructing her about concealing her identity, highlight the importance of family and mentorship in the biblical narrative. It is clear that Mordecai played a significant role in Esther’s life, preparing her for the extraordinary purpose that lay ahead.

This story also reminds us of the theme of God’s sovereignty and how He can use seemingly ordinary individuals for His grand purposes. Mordecai and Esther were not from royal backgrounds, yet God chose them to play crucial roles in the salvation of the Jewish people. This concept is echoed in other parts of the Bible, where God uses unlikely or underestimated individuals to accomplish His plans, such as David, a shepherd boy who became a king, or Moses, a stuttering shepherd who led the Israelites out of Egypt.

Furthermore, these verses shed light on the theme of identity and belonging. Esther, being taken into a foreign and unfamiliar environment, had to navigate questions of identity and loyalty. Mordecai’s advice for her to conceal her heritage foreshadows the challenges she would face as queen when her Jewish identity would clash with political intrigue and plots against her people. Esther 2:5-7 sets the stage for the remarkable story of Esther and Mordecai, illustrating themes of providence, guidance, God’s sovereignty, the importance of family and mentorship, as well as the complexities of identity and loyalty. This passage serves as a prelude to the unfolding drama that showcases how God works through the lives of His people, often in unexpected ways, to bring about His purposes and fulfill His promises.

Esther 2:8-11

Esther, also known as Hadassah, enters the scene in Esther 2:8-11. She is an orphaned Jewish girl being raised by her cousin Mordecai. The passage describes Esther as possessing both “good appearance” and “favor in the eyes of all who saw her.” This immediately sets the stage for Esther’s future role in the narrative, foreshadowing her beauty and grace, which will later play a crucial part in the deliverance of her people.

Esther’s entrance into the selection process to potentially become the new queen after Vashti is dethroned, signifies how God uses unlikely individuals to carry out His plans. Despite Esther being initially shrouded in obscurity as a common Jewish girl living in exile, the events that unfold demonstrate how God can elevate and empower those who are willing to step into their purpose and trust in Him. This resonates with the broader theme in the Bible where God takes ordinary individuals and uses them in extraordinary ways, such as how he chose David, a shepherd boy, to be king (1 Samuel 16:11-13) or how He called fishermen to be His disciples (Matthew 4:18-22).

Furthermore, the fact that Esther keeps her Jewish heritage a secret, as instructed by Mordecai, highlights the imminent danger faced by the Jewish exiles living in Persia. This decision emphasizes the internal conflict Esther must have felt, torn between her loyalty to her faith and her duty to obey the king’s command. This mirrors the tension faced by many believers throughout history who have had to navigate living faithfully in the world while also remaining true to their identity in Christ (Romans 12:2). Esther’s beauty, integrity, and the divine orchestration showcased in Esther 2:8-11 encapsulate the beginning of her journey, ultimately placing her in a position to make a significant impact on the fate of the Jewish people. God’s providence, His strategic positioning of individuals in history, and the call for believers to be courageous and obedient in fulfilling their divine purposes, no matter how daunting the circumstances, remind us as readers.

Esther 2:12-14

Esther, a young Jewish woman, was chosen to be a part of King Xerxes’ harem, as presented in Esther 2:12-14. The verses read, “Each young woman’s turn came to go in to King Ahasuerus after she had completed twelve months’ preparation, according to the regulations for the women, for thus were the days of their preparation apportioned: six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with perfumes and preparations for beautifying women. Thus prepared, each young woman went to the king, and she was given whatever she desired to take with her from the harem to the king’s palace. She went to the second house of the women in the evening and returned in the morning to the custody of Shaashgaz, the king’s eunuch who kept the concubines. She would not go in to the king again unless the king delighted in her and called for her by name.”

This passage illustrates the daunting process that Esther and the other young women had to endure as they entered King Xerxes’ presence. These young women underwent an extensive twelve-month preparation regimen before they could even see the king. This process of beautification with oil of myrrh and perfumes was not just about physical appearance but also about obedience and submission to the king’s desires. However, Esther stood out not just for her beauty but for her humility and grace, qualities that would later play a crucial role in saving her people.

The time of preparation in Esther’s story can be seen as a parallel to the seasons of preparation and testing that many biblical figures went through before they were used mightily by God. Joseph endured imprisonment before becoming second in command in Egypt (Genesis 39-41), and even Jesus fasted in the wilderness for forty days before beginning His ministry (Matthew 4:1-11). Esther’s journey from an ordinary young woman to the queen who would risk her life to save her people is a powerful example of how God prepares individuals for His divine purposes, often in ways that may seem challenging or mysterious at the time.

The verse also sheds light on the dehumanizing treatment of women in ancient times, where they were treated as objects for the pleasure of men. It is important to note that even in these difficult circumstances, God was still working behind the scenes to bring about the salvation of His people through Esther. This serves as a reminder that God can work through any situation, no matter how bleak or oppressive it may seem.

Esther’s obedience and faithfulness, despite her circumstances, ultimately led to her being chosen by the king. Similarly, as Christians, we are called to remain faithful and obedient to God even in challenging situations, trusting that He is working all things together for our good (Romans 8:28). The story of Esther teaches us about courage, faith, and God’s sovereignty, reminding us that even in the darkest times, He is still in control.

Esther 2:15-18

Esther, a young Jewish woman, is being prepared to meet King Xerxes in Esther 2:15-18. Let’s break down this verse into important sections:

  1. “When the turn came for Esther the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her as his own daughter, to go in to the king, she asked for nothing except what Hegai the king’s eunuch, who had charge of the women, advised. Now Esther was winning favor in the eyes of all who saw her. Esther’s humility, obedience, and grace shine through in this section. Esther, who had been raised by her cousin Mordecai after her parents’ death, did not demand anything when it was her turn to meet the king. She simply followed Hegai’s instructions. This humility and willingness to follow guidance are important lessons for us today. We are called to be humble and submit to God’s will, trusting in His guidance rather than relying on our own understanding.

  2. “And when Esther was taken to King Ahasuerus, into his royal palace, in the tenth month, which is the month of Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign, 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.”

Esther’s exceptional beauty and character captured the heart of King Xerxes, also known as King Ahasuerus. Despite being surrounded by many beautiful women in his harem, Esther stood out above them all. This shows that outer beauty can only go so far, but inner beauty and character are what truly leave a lasting impression. It is a reminder that God looks beyond outward appearances and values the beauty of the heart (1 Samuel 16:7). Esther’s rise to become queen instead of Vashti, who had been deposed for disobedience, is a clear demonstration of how God can elevate the humble and obedient to positions of influence and power (Proverbs 15:33).

  1. “Then the king gave a great feast to all his officials and servants; it was Esther’s feast. He also granted a remission of taxes to the provinces and gave gifts with royal generosity.”

King Xerxes celebrated Esther’s coronation by hosting a lavish feast in her honor. This act of generosity towards Esther highlights the king’s affection and favor towards her. The king’s decision to grant a remission of taxes and give gifts with royal generosity not only demonstrates his love for Esther but also reflects the power and influence she now held as queen. This event reminds us of the importance of celebrating others’ successes and using our blessings and positions to bring about positive changes in the lives of others (Luke 12:48). Esther, a young Jewish woman chosen by God for a crucial role in saving her people, is shown in these verses from Esther 2. Esther’s humility, obedience, inner beauty, and God’s providence are central themes in this passage. Her rise from obscurity to becoming queen exemplifies how God can use ordinary individuals to accomplish extraordinary purposes. These verses remind us to trust in God’s guidance, cultivate inner beauty, and use our positions and blessings to bless others.

Esther 2:19-20

Mordecai was sitting at the king’s gate when the virgins were gathered together the second time in Esther 2:19-20. Esther had not revealed her nationality and family background, because Mordecai had forbidden her to do so.” This passage occurs in the book of Esther, which is a fascinating story of faith, courage, and divine providence.

Let’s break this down into sections for a detailed commentary:

  1. “When the virgins were gathered together the second time”: This points to the context of the book of Esther, where King Xerxes of Persia sought a new queen after Vashti was removed from her position. The king’s officials gathered many young virgins from the empire to be brought before the king for his selection of a new queen. Esther, a Jewish orphan being raised by her cousin Mordecai, was among the virgins chosen.

  2. “Mordecai was sitting at the king’s gate”: Mordecai is a key figure in the book of Esther. He was a Jewish man who adopted Esther, his cousin, after the death of her parents. Mordecai had instructed Esther not to reveal her Jewish identity, perhaps fearing the consequences of her being known as a Jew in a foreign, sometimes hostile land. Mordecai’s station at the king’s gate is significant because he overhears a plot to assassinate the king, which he reports to Esther, who in turn informs the king, thus saving his life.

  3. “Esther had not revealed her nationality and family background”: Esther’s obedience to Mordecai’s instruction not to reveal her Jewish heritage illustrates her humility and submission to authority. It also shows her prudence and wisdom in navigating a complex and dangerous political environment. This decision would play a crucial role later in the story when Esther’s true identity as a Jew becomes a matter of life and death for her people.

This passage reminds us of the importance of obedience, wisdom, and courage in the face of adversity. Esther exemplifies these qualities as she navigates the challenges of her situation, ultimately risking her life to approach the king and intercede on behalf of her people when they face annihilation. Mordecai’s actions in uncovering the plot against the king also underscore the theme of divine providence working through human agency in the book of Esther.

The book of Esther as a whole showcases how God’s providential care is often at work behind the scenes, even when things seem uncertain or dire. Esther’s story highlights the power of faith, bravery, and standing up for what is right, even in the face of great danger. This narrative resonates with believers today, encouraging them to trust in God’s sovereignty and to act with integrity and courage in their own lives, knowing that God can use them for His purposes and for the good of His people.

Esther 2:21-23

Bigthana and Teresh, two of King Xerxes’ eunuchs, conspired to assassinate the king in a pivotal moment in the book of Esther, as seen in Esther 2:21-23. Mordecai, who was a Benjamite and Esther’s cousin, overheard their plot and reported it to Queen Esther, who in turn informed the king, giving credit to Mordecai. The accounts of these events were recorded in the book of the annals in the presence of the king.

This passage highlights the theme of divine providence and how God works behind the scenes to fulfill His purposes. Mordecai happened to be in the right place at the right time to overhear the plot, showing that God’s hand was guiding events to protect the king and ultimately fulfill His plans. This event also sets the stage for the salvation of the Jewish people later in the book of Esther, as Mordecai’s act of loyalty plays a crucial role in foiling the assassination plot.

Mordecai’s actions here demonstrate the importance of being alert and attentive to the opportunities that God presents us with. He was loyal to the king and acted in the best interest of the kingdom, even though he was a Jew living in exile. This echoes the biblical principle found in Jeremiah 29:7, where the exiles are instructed to seek the welfare of the city where they are in exile, for in its welfare they will find their welfare. Mordecai’s faithfulness and integrity in reporting the plot highlight the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of danger. His actions remind us of the biblical characters who risked their lives to serve God’s purposes, such as Daniel in the lion’s den (Daniel 6) and Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace (Daniel 3). Mordecai’s obedience to God’s commandments and his loyalty to his people foreshadow the courage and sacrifice that will be displayed by Esther later in the story. This passage from Esther 2 serves as a reminder of God’s sovereignty over human affairs, the importance of remaining faithful in difficult circumstances, and the courage it takes to stand up for what is right. It sets the stage for the unfolding drama that will lead to the deliverance of the Jewish people through Esther’s bravery and Mordecai’s wisdom, ultimately showcasing God’s faithfulness to His promises and His people throughout history.

After Esther 2

The young woman had been chosen as the new queen, much to the surprise of all. Yet, as she settled into her new role, Esther remained humble and faithful, seeking guidance from her cousin Mordecai. Little did she know the challenges that lay ahead, for a plot was brewing that threatened the very existence of her people. The reverend closed the book, his brow furrowed with concern. He knew the next chapter would reveal the true test of Esther’s courage and conviction. Would she have the strength to stand up for her faith and her people, even in the face of the king’s wrath? The congregation waited with bated breath, eager to discover Esther’s fate.