A New Queen Arises: Esther’s Divine Appointment

Esther 2 is a powerful demonstration of God's providence. Esther, an orphaned Jewish girl, rises to become the queen of Persia, illustrating how God can work in mysterious ways to position us right where we need to be. Her story encourages us to trust in divine timing, cultivate our character, and stay prepared for our calling, even when it seems unlikely.

The King's Decree (Esther 2:1-4)

After the wrath of King Xerxes had subsided, he remembered Vashti and what she had done. At his servants' suggestion, he decreed that beautiful virgins from every province be brought to him, prepared for royal service, and the most pleasing one would become the queen.

Esther’s Introduction (Esther 2:5-7)

In Susa, Mordecai, a Jewish man, was raising his cousin, Esther. Esther was lovely in form and features, but an orphan, thus Mordecai had taken her as his own daughter.

Esther Taken to the Palace (Esther 2:8-11)

Esther was taken to the palace and placed under Hegai, who was in charge of the harem. She won Hegai's favor, who quickly provided her beauty treatments and special food. Meanwhile, Mordecai paced in front of the court of the harem to find out about Esther's welfare.

Esther Finds Favor with the King (Esther 2:12-18)

After twelve months of beauty treatments, each young woman went to the king. When Esther’s turn came, she only asked for what Hegai suggested and found favor in everyone's sight. Esther was chosen by King Xerxes as his queen, and he threw a grand feast, the "Feast of Esther," to celebrate this event.

Mordecai Uncovers a Conspiracy (Esther 2:19-23)

During this time, Mordecai uncovered a conspiracy against the king by two of his officials, Bigthan and Teresh. The plot was reported to the king by Esther, and the culprits were executed. The event was recorded in the presence of the king in the annals.

Esther 2 unveils the beginning of a beautiful but complex narrative. King Xerxes, seeking a new queen after dethroning Vashti, initiates a royal decree to gather beautiful young virgins from the kingdom for preparation to be presented to the king. Amidst the chosen is a young Jewish woman named Esther, whose life takes a dramatic turn as she moves from obscurity to the palace. The chapter depicts God's providence, even in seemingly dire circumstances, and the rise of Esther, the orphaned Jewish girl who becomes the queen of Persia.

Divine Providence
Destiny and Purpose
Beauty and Favor
Authority and Power
Faith and Courage
Royal Procedures
Cultural PracticesThe Search for a New Queen
Esther's Life and Preparation
Esther's Favor with Hegai
Esther's Elevation to Queen
Mordecai's Discovery of a PlotKing Xerxes
Esther (also known as Hadassah)
Mordecai
Hegai
Bigthan
TereshThe palace of King Xerxes in Susa
The harem

1. How does the story of Esther demonstrate God's providence?

2. Can you think of any situation in your own life where you felt led by destiny, just like Esther?

3. How did Esther's character contribute to her finding favor with Hegai and King Xerxes?

4. In the modern world, how can we cultivate the humility and wisdom that Esther demonstrated?

5. What does Esther's preparation period before meeting the king signify in our spiritual life?

6. How can we apply Mordecai's protective care for Esther in our relationships with others?

7. What lessons can we learn from the role of Hegai in Esther's life?

8. How can we discern God's purpose for us in our current circumstances, as Esther did in hers?

9. How can we appropriately use our positions of influence for the benefit of others?

10. What could have happened if Esther revealed her Jewish identity prematurely?

11. What can we learn from the way Esther handled her new position and authority?

12. How did Esther and Mordecai's actions contribute to the survival of the Jewish people?

13. How do Esther's courage and obedience serve as an example for us in today's society?

14. What qualities did Esther exhibit that modern leaders should cultivate?

15. How can we see God's sovereignty at play even when His name is not mentioned, just like in the book of Esther?

16. In our society today, how can we protect those we love and care for, like Mordecai did for Esther?

17. How does Esther’s story inspire us to be faithful and diligent in small things?

18. How does Esther's rise to queen demonstrate that God can use anyone to fulfill His purposes?

19. How did the celebration, the "Feast of Esther", acknowledge her unique role in the palace?

20. How does Mordecai’s discovery of the conspiracy teach us about vigilance and loyalty in our lives?