Esther 2

Esther 2 introduces the search for a new queen after Vashti's removal. It describes how Esther, a Jewish girl, is chosen as queen and the favor she gains from the king. The chapter also introduces Mordecai, her cousin, who uncovers a plot to assassinate the king, furthering his and Esther’s roles in the unfolding events. This chapter sets the stage for Esther’s rise to influence, which will later become crucial for the salvation of the Jewish people.

Esther 2:1-5 (NKJV)
1 After these things, when the wrath of King Ahasuerus subsided, he remembered Vashti, what she had done, and what had been decreed against her.
2 Then the king’s servants who attended him said: “Let beautiful young virgins be sought for the king;
3 and let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom, that they may gather all the beautiful young virgins to Shushan the citadel, into the women’s quarters, under the custody of Hegai the king’s eunuch, custodian of the women. And let beauty preparations be given them.
4 Then let the young woman who pleases the king be queen instead of Vashti.” This thing pleased the king, and he did so.
5 In Shushan the citadel there was a certain Jew whose name was Mordecai the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite.

After Vashti's dismissal, King Ahasuerus’s servants propose a search for a new queen among the most beautiful young women of the empire. The idea is to gather them in the palace for beauty treatments so that the king can choose his favorite. This proposal, pleasing to the king, sets in motion the process by which Esther, a Jewish girl, will later be selected. Mordecai, a Jew residing in Shushan, is introduced as a key figure in the story.

Esther 2:6-7 (NKJV)
6 Kish had been carried away from Jerusalem with the captives who had been captured with Jeconiah king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away.
7 And Mordecai had brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle’s daughter, for she had neither father nor mother. The young woman was lovely and beautiful. When her father and mother died, Mordecai took her as his own daughter.

Mordecai, a descendant of the Jews taken into captivity by the Babylonians, is the guardian of Esther (also known as Hadassah), his cousin. Since Esther’s parents are deceased, Mordecai raises her as his own daughter. Esther is described as beautiful, which becomes significant in the story, as her beauty will be what draws the king’s favor.

Esther 2:8-9 (NKJV)
8 So it was, when the king’s command and decree were heard, and when many young women were gathered at Shushan the citadel, under the custody of Hegai, that Esther also was taken to the king’s palace, into the care of Hegai the custodian of the women.
9 Now the young woman pleased him, and she obtained his favor; so he readily gave beauty preparations to her, besides her allowance. Then seven choice maidservants were provided for her from the king’s palace, and he moved her and her maidservants to the best place in the house of the women.

Esther, like many other young women, is taken to the palace to be considered as queen. She quickly gains favor with Hegai, the eunuch in charge of the women. Because of this favor, she receives extra beauty treatments, special privileges, and better accommodations than the others. This early favor foreshadows Esther’s eventual rise to becoming queen.

Esther 2:10-11 (NKJV)
10 Esther had not revealed her people or family, for Mordecai had charged her not to reveal it.
11 And every day Mordecai paced in front of the court of the women’s quarters, to learn of Esther’s welfare and what was happening to her.

Following Mordecai's advice, Esther keeps her Jewish identity a secret while in the palace. Meanwhile, Mordecai remains concerned for her well-being, regularly checking on her progress. His protective nature shows his deep care for Esther and also foreshadows the significant role he will play in future events.

Esther 2:12-14 (NKJV)
12 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.
13 Thus prepared, each young woman went to the king, and she was given whatever she desired to take with her from the women’s quarters to the king’s palace.
14 In the evening she went, and in the morning she returned to the second house of the women, 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.

The selection process for the new queen is lengthy and elaborate. Each woman undergoes a year of beauty treatments before being presented to the king. Once they visit the king, they return to a separate part of the palace, where they remain unless the king specifically requests them again. This system highlights the king’s power and the competition between the women to gain his favor.

Esther 2:15-16 (NKJV)
15 Now when the turn came for Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her as his daughter, to go in to the king, she requested nothing but what Hegai the king’s eunuch, the custodian of the women, advised. And Esther obtained favor in the sight of all who saw her.
16 So 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.

When it is Esther's turn to go before King Xerxes, she demonstrates humility and wisdom by requesting only what Hegai, the king's eunuch and custodian of the women, suggests, rather than seeking extra adornments to impress the king. This choice shows her trust in Hegai’s guidance and her willingness to rely on his insight, as he likely knew what would appeal to the king. By following his advice, Esther stands out not for extravagance but for her character, which earns her favor with everyone who sees her. Her simplicity, humility, and inner beauty ultimately lead the king to choose her as queen.

Esther 2:17 (NKJV)
17 The king loved Esther more than all the other women, and she obtained grace and favor in his sight more than all the virgins; so he set the royal crown upon her head and made her queen instead of Vashti.

King Ahasuerus is captivated by Esther more than any other woman. Because of her beauty and character, she wins his favor, and he crowns her as the new queen, replacing Vashti. Esther’s rise to power is remarkable, especially considering her Jewish identity, which she still keeps hidden.

Esther 2:18 (NKJV)
18 Then the king made a great feast, the Feast of Esther, for all his officials and servants; and he proclaimed a holiday in the provinces and gave gifts according to the generosity of a king.

To celebrate Esther’s coronation, King Ahasuerus hosts a grand feast in her honor. He also declares a holiday throughout the empire and distributes gifts, showcasing his wealth and generosity. This public celebration solidifies Esther’s new position as queen.

Esther 2:19-20 (NKJV)
19 When virgins were gathered together a second time, Mordecai sat within the king’s gate.
20 Now Esther had not revealed her family and her people, just as Mordecai had charged her, for Esther obeyed the command of Mordecai as when she was brought up by him.

Despite her elevated status as queen, Esther continues to heed Mordecai’s advice and does not reveal her Jewish background. Meanwhile, Mordecai stays close to the palace, keeping an eye on the unfolding events. His presence near the king’s gate signifies his continuing influence and concern for Esther’s well-being.

Esther 2:21-23 (NKJV)
21 In those days, while Mordecai sat within the king’s gate, two of the king’s eunuchs, Bigthan and Teresh, doorkeepers, became furious and sought to lay hands on King Ahasuerus.
22 So the matter became known to Mordecai, who told Queen Esther, and Esther informed the king in Mordecai’s name.
23 And when an inquiry was made into the matter, it was confirmed, and both were hanged on a gallows; and it was written in the book of the chronicles in the presence of the king.

Mordecai uncovers a plot by two of the king’s eunuchs to assassinate King Ahasuerus. He relays the information to Esther, who informs the king, giving Mordecai credit for the discovery. The plot is investigated and confirmed, leading to the execution of the conspirators. Mordecai’s name is recorded in the royal chronicles, foreshadowing his later recognition.