Esther 2:17 is about the beauty and favor of Esther captivating the heart of King Xerxes, leading to her being chosen as queen and demonstrating God’s providential hand in orchestrating events for the deliverance of His people.
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.
Setting the Scene for Esther 2:17
In Esther chapter 2, we find ourselves in the royal palace of King Xerxes in the ancient city of Susa. The scene is bustling with activity as young women from all over the kingdom have been gathered to the palace for a chance to become the new queen. Among them is Esther, a Jewish orphan raised by her cousin Mordecai. Esther’s beauty and grace capture the attention of everyone she meets, including Hegai, the eunuch in charge of the harem.
Esther, along with the other young women, undergoes a year of beauty treatments and preparations before being presented to the king. The palace is adorned with luxurious fabrics, exotic scents, and ornate decorations fit for a king. As Esther navigates the challenges and intrigues of the palace, she finds favor in the eyes of everyone she meets, including King Xerxes himself. Little does anyone know that Esther’s presence in the palace is part of a divine plan to save her people from a terrible fate orchestrated by the king’s wicked advisor, Haman. The stage is set for Esther to rise to her destiny and become a queen who will change the course of history.
What is Esther 2:17 about?
Esther, a humble and courageous Jewish woman, finds favor with the king and is crowned as queen in a powerful moment of divine favor and providence in Esther 2:17. This verse highlights the theme of unexpected blessings and the significance of being in the right place at the right time. It is a reminder that even in the most unlikely circumstances, God’s hand is at work, orchestrating events for our good and for His purpose.
Can you imagine the emotions Esther must have felt as she rose from being an orphaned exile to becoming the queen of Persia? This verse reminds us that no situation is too bleak for God to intervene and turn it around for our benefit. It also serves as a lesson in the importance of remaining faithful and obedient to God, even when faced with challenges or opposition. Our own obedience and trust in God can lead to unexpected blessings and opportunities in our lives, just as Esther’s obedience and courage led to her being chosen as queen.
So, as we reflect on Esther’s story, let us be encouraged to trust in God’s plan for our lives, even when things seem uncertain or difficult. God’s favor can open doors that no one can shut, and His timing is always perfect. May we, like Esther, embrace each day with faith and courage, knowing that we serve a God who can turn even the most impossible situations into moments of blessing and victory.
Understanding what Esther 2:17 really means
The Book of Esther unfolds in the grandeur of the Persian Empire, under the rule of King Xerxes, where a Jewish orphan named Esther rises to become queen through a twist of fate. Esther 2:17 captures the pivotal moment when King Xerxes singles out Esther, showering her with unparalleled favor and love, ultimately crowning her as queen amidst a sea of contenders.
“The king loved Esther more than all the other women,” resonates with divine intervention, showcasing Esther’s unique standing in the eyes of the king. This special favor bestowed upon her hints at a higher purpose at play, beyond mere chance or human design. “She won grace and favor in his sight,” underscores the significance of Esther’s inner qualities, suggesting that her character and virtues played a pivotal role in capturing the king’s heart, alongside her external beauty.
The act of placing the royal crown on Esther’s head and declaring her queen symbolizes not just a change in status but a shift in destiny. Esther’s elevation to the throne was not merely a personal triumph but a strategic positioning orchestrated by a higher power for the deliverance of her people in a time of great peril.
Drawing parallels from other biblical passages, Proverbs 31:30 emphasizes the enduring value of inner virtues over fleeting charm, echoing Esther’s story where her character outshines her physical beauty. Romans 8:28 reassures believers of God’s providence and purpose in all circumstances, mirroring the unseen hand guiding Esther’s journey from orphan to queen for a greater good.
In a world fixated on external appearances, Esther’s narrative serves as a beacon of hope, reminding us that God’s favor transcends societal norms and human expectations. Her story challenges us to look beyond the surface and cultivate virtues like grace, courage, and faith, which hold eternal significance in the eyes of the Divine.
Consider the tale of Sarah, a modern-day counterpart to Esther, who, like many, faced undervaluation in her workplace. By emulating Esther’s focus on inner virtues—integrity, kindness, and diligence—Sarah experienced a transformation in her career. Her journey mirrors Esther’s, illustrating that true recognition and favor often stem from the depths of one’s character rather than superficial attributes.
Esther 2:17 stands as a testament to the transformative power of divine favor and the enduring importance of inner virtues. It beckons us to trust in God’s unfolding plan, knowing that just as Esther’s faithfulness led to her exaltation, our own inner qualities can pave the way for God’s favor and purpose to manifest in our lives.
What qualities make one pleasing in God’s eyes?
The qualities that make one pleasing in God’s eyes can be seen in the story of Esther. Esther, a young Jewish woman, finds favor in the eyes of King Xerxes in this verse. Esther’s qualities of beauty, grace, wisdom, and obedience are highlighted throughout the story. These traits not only please the king but also ultimately serve God’s greater plan.
Esther’s humility, courage, and willingness to trust in God’s plan despite facing great danger are also qualities that make her pleasing in God’s eyes. Esther demonstrates selflessness, bravery, and a strong moral compass by putting her faith in God and risking her own life to save her people. These qualities align with God’s values of love, justice, and mercy, showing that what is pleasing to God goes beyond outward appearances or worldly success. Esther embodies qualities that reflect a deep trust in God, a willingness to act with integrity and courage, and a commitment to serving others. Through her actions, Esther demonstrates that true beauty and favor in God’s eyes come from a heart that seeks to do what is right and just, even in the face of great challenges.
Application
Embrace the divine roadmap for your journey, let patience and faith light your way. Swap fleeting approval for eternal grace from above. Trust in the timing of the universe as you journey through the seasons of life. Will you hold hands with fate and lean into the perfect timing of the cosmos?
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.