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After Queen Vashti refused to show before King Xerxes during one of his banquets, he decided to find a new queen by hosting a nationwide beauty contest. The young virgin who pleased him most would take Queen Vashti’s place. (Esther 2:4)
After receiving word of the king’s orders, many young girls were brought to the citadel of Susa—where Esther was raised—and given over to Hegai, the overseer of the women. Esther was among them.
Notice that Hegai took a special interest in Esther from the start. (Esther 2:9) Immediately, he started the year-long beauty treatments the king ordered before seeing the contestants (six months’ treatment with oil of myrrh, followed by six months with perfumes and various cosmetics), provided her with special food, assigned her seven personal maids from the palace, and put them all in the best rooms of the harem. Hegai knew there was something special about her.
Esther had a secret, though. She was Jewish. This was a secret that could put her life in serious danger. She was a Jew roaming in Gentile territory! Because of this, Mordecai—Esther’s cousin and father figure—ordered her to keep quiet about it, and she did. (Esther 2:10)
After being under the care of Hegai and her maids for twelve months, Esther finally went before King Xerxes. Not only did she find favor in his eyes, but also in the eyes of all who saw her. The king quickly placed the royal crown on her head and declared her queen.
To celebrate, King Xerxes threw one of his famous banquets in Esther’s honor. This feast is special to note because it marked Esther’s rise as queen.
A Jewish queen married to a Gentile king? God is surely up to something!
God’s sovereignty is demonstrated as He orchestrates events to bring Esther, a Jewish woman, into a position of authority over the Gentiles so that His people will be preserved.
Every single detail is guided by His sovereign grace!
Reflection
- What verses in Esther 2:1-18 stood out to you?
- Esther found herself placed in a palace by the sovereign hand of God. Where has God placed you in this season?
- Were Esther & Mordecai right or wrong in deciding to keep Esther’s nationality a secret? Why?
Scripture
About this Plan
This is a ten-day journey through Esther that will challenge you to open your eyes to the "for such a time as this" moments in your walk with God. It will encourage you to take delight in Him, no matter the season you're in, and remind you of His sovereignty over all of creation. May this study deepen your love for God and grow your desire to build His Kingdom!
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