Esther 2 | Esther Made Queen

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In the daily devotional on Esther 2, we find Esther in an incredibly awkward and morally complex situation, where her God-given gifts of beauty and charm have placed her in the middle of a royal contest to replace Queen Vashti. Despite the uncomfortable nature of the circumstances—where young women are taken into the king’s harem to perform before him—Esther remains true to herself, using the gifts God gave her to navigate a difficult and uncertain path. Like Esther, we may also find ourselves in situations where our values are tested, but her story reminds us to stay faithful, trust in God’s sovereignty, and use the talents He has provided to make it through. To learn why Queen Vashti was released from her position, please read the daily devotional on Esther 1.

Esther 2 Commentary by Allen J. Huth

In Esther 2, Esther is stuck in a very awkward situation. Her God-given gifts got her there. But, what to do, what to do? Are you stuck in an awkward situation? What will you do? Please read or listen to Esther 2.

What Is Chapter 2 of Esther About?

Chapter 2 is a bit of an immoral chapter. Think about what is going on here as the king is trying to replace the displaced queen. All these young beautiful virgins are gathered and put into the king’s harem, to “Go perform before the king.” Esther was gifted with natural beauty, “The young woman had a beautiful figure and was lovely to look at ” (v. 7). God blessed her, even before she was born, with natural beauty. This becomes important as we see the story unfold.

What Are the Gifts of Esther?

She was blessed with not only natural beauty, she was also blessed with charm, “And the young woman pleased him” (v. 9). Esther pleased Hegai, the eunuch who was in charge of the harem. She had more than natural beauty, “Now Esther was winning favor in the eyes of all who saw her” (v. 15).Though Esther was put in an awkward situation, she was using the gifts God had given her, natural beauty and natural charm.

God’s sovereignty is also unfolding. We are seeing how a Jewish girl is becoming the queen of a pagan nation and a queen over the Medes and the Persians. We will find out why in a few chapters. It is pretty important to see even before the need arises, God is acting, as we will find out in the later chapters of the book. Esther is doing the same as we would do, using her God-given natural talents to do her best in a contest to become the queen.

Why Did Esther Hide Her Identity?

Another aspect of Esther’s character is revealed in verse 20. Mordecai, who took care of her because her parents died, said to her, “Do not let anyone know your kindred nor your background.” The key phrase in verse 20 is really neat, “for Esther obeyed Mordecai just as when she was brought up by him.” This woman not only had gifts of beauty and charm, she had a spirit of obedience.

What Is the Lesson Learned from Esther Chapter 2?

What can we learn from this great chapter? Esther is caught up in an immoral situation of having to “perform for the king.” Her performance will determine her future. She will either become a queen or just another member of the king’s harem. She is stuck in a very difficult situation. Has that happened to you? Have you been stuck in a place where you had your very morals put to the test?

Esther is an example for all of us. She did not flaunt her situation. She did not try and take advantage of the situation. She stayed true to herself. She used her godly beauty and her personality and trusted God for the results.

Finally, as we will see as we move through the Book of Esther, she did not even know what God was doing around her. You may not either but stay yourself. Stay faithful and watch God work.

Prayer

Father, I pray You would not stick me in a situation where I might have to compromise my values. Lord, we know we do not like that, but it could happen, just like it did to Esther. Father, help me be true to You and Your Word. Help me use the gifting You give me, whether it is natural beauty, charm, or personality, to stay true to what You give me; to stay true to Your Word. Lord, help me understand You are working on things around me I do not even understand or do not even see. In those things, You will prove Yourself faithful, if I will just trust in You. Help me, Lord, to understand and learn from the Book of Esther. In Jesus’ name, amen.

We invite you to watch the “Great News” video on this page and find out more about God’s love for you and how you can receive forgiveness and eternal life – today!

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