Esther 2:13
When the young woman would go to the king, she was given whatever she requested to take with her from the harem to the king's palace.
When the young woman would go to the king
This phrase refers to the process by which each young woman, including Esther, was presented to King Xerxes (Ahasuerus) after a year of beauty treatments. The Persian custom involved a lengthy preparation period, emphasizing the importance of physical beauty and presentation in the royal court. This reflects the cultural values of the Persian Empire, where the king's favor was often sought through external appearances. The process also highlights the vulnerability and lack of agency of these women, who were essentially at the mercy of the king's desires.

she was given whatever she requested
This indicates a level of autonomy granted to the women, allowing them to choose items that might enhance their appeal to the king. It suggests a strategic element, as the women could select clothing, jewelry, or other items to make a favorable impression. This choice could reflect their personal tastes or advice from others, such as the eunuchs in charge. The freedom to request items also underscores the competitive nature of the selection process, as each woman sought to distinguish herself.

to take with her from the harem
The harem was a secluded part of the palace where the king's wives and concubines lived. It was a place of both privilege and confinement, as the women had access to luxury but were also isolated from the outside world. The harem's existence is well-documented in ancient Near Eastern cultures, serving as a symbol of the king's wealth and power. The mention of the harem highlights the controlled environment in which these women lived, emphasizing their role as part of the king's possessions.

to the king’s palace
The king's palace was the center of political power in the Persian Empire, a grand and opulent structure reflecting the king's authority and wealth. Archaeological findings at sites like Persepolis provide insight into the grandeur of such palaces, with their elaborate architecture and decorations. The movement from the harem to the palace signifies a transition from preparation to presentation, as the women entered the king's presence. This setting underscores the gravity of the moment, as the king's decision would determine their future.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Esther
A Jewish woman who becomes queen of Persia. Her account is central to the book of Esther, highlighting her courage and faith.

2. King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I)
The Persian king who seeks a new queen, leading to Esther's rise to royalty.

3. Harem
The royal residence where the king's wives and concubines lived. It was a place of preparation for the women before meeting the king.

4. Palace
The royal residence of King Ahasuerus, where significant decisions and events unfold.

5. Young Women
Refers to the virgins gathered from the empire to potentially become the new queen, including Esther.
Teaching Points
Divine Preparation
God prepares His people for His purposes, often in ways that are not immediately visible. Esther's preparation in the harem was part of God's larger plan for her life and the salvation of her people.

God's Sovereignty
Even in a pagan environment, God's hand is at work. Esther's rise to queen was not by chance but by divine orchestration.

Inner Beauty and Character
While the young women were adorned with physical beauty, Esther's account reminds us that true beauty comes from character and faithfulness to God.

Courage and Faith
Esther's journey to the palace required courage and trust in God. Believers are called to step out in faith, trusting God's plan even when the path is uncertain.

Influence and Responsibility
With position and influence comes responsibility. Esther's role as queen was not just for her benefit but for the deliverance of her people.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Esther's preparation in the harem reflect God's preparation in our own lives for His purposes?

2. In what ways can we see God's sovereignty at work in situations that seem secular or outside of our control?

3. How can we cultivate inner beauty and character in a world that often emphasizes outward appearance?

4. What steps can we take to demonstrate courage and faith in challenging circumstances, as Esther did?

5. How can we use our positions and influence to serve God's purposes and help others, following Esther's example?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 24
The account of Rebekah being prepared to meet Isaac parallels the preparation of the young women in Esther, emphasizing divine providence in marriage.

Proverbs 31
The description of a virtuous woman can be seen in Esther's character, as she embodies wisdom and strength.

1 Peter 3:3-4
The emphasis on inner beauty over outward adornment connects to Esther's account, where her character and faith are more significant than her physical beauty.
BeautyT. McCrie.Esther 2:2-17
Esther At CourtA. B. Davidson, D. D.Esther 2:2-17
Esther the QueenMark Guy Pearse.Esther 2:2-17
The Beginning of True ProsperityS. H. Tyng, D. D.Esther 2:2-17
The Important FriendshipS. H. Tyng, D. D.Esther 2:2-17
The Myrtle that Became a StarJ. Edmons, D. D.Esther 2:2-17
The Mysterious BeginningS. H. Tyng, D. D.Esther 2:2-17
The Weak and LowlyS. H. Tyng, D. D.Esther 2:2-17
The Pagan Harem and the Christian HomeW. Clarkson Esther 2:5-16
EstherW. Dinwiddle Esther 2:5-20
MordecaiJ. S. Van Dyke, D. D.Esther 2:5-20
MordecaiW. Dinwiddle Esther 2:5-20
Mordecai's Loving SolicitudeTrapp, W. Burrows, B. A.Esther 2:5-20
Mordecai's Tenderness in Adopting EstherMark Guy Pearse.Esther 2:5-20
Personal BenevolenceA. B. Davidson, D. D.Esther 2:5-20
Reality Versus SuperficialityT. McEwan.Esther 2:5-20
Religion Promotes BenevolenceA. B. Davidson, D. D.Esther 2:5-20
Simple AttireA. B. Davidson, D. D.Esther 2:5-20
Tried FidelityS. H. Tyng, D. D.Esther 2:5-20
Worldly ExaltationS. H. Tyng, D. D.Esther 2:5-20
People
Abihail, Ahasuerus, Benjamin, Bigthan, Bigthana, Esther, Hadassah, Hegai, Hege, Jair, Jeconiah, Jehoiachin, Kish, Mordecai, Nebuchadnezzar, Shaashgaz, Shimei, Teresh, Vashti
Places
Babylon, Jerusalem, Media, Susa
Topics
Anything, Desire, Desired, Girl, Harem, King's, Lady, Maiden, Palace, Thus, Wanted, Whatever, Whatsoever, Wise, Women, Women's
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Esther 2:1-18

     5695   girls

Library
Adoption
'As many as received him to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.' John 1:12. Having spoken of the great points of faith and justification, we come next to adoption. The qualification of the persons is, As many as received him.' Receiving is put for believing, as is clear by the last words, to them that believe in his name.' The specification of the privilege is, to them gave he power to become the sons of God.' The Greek word for power, exousia, signifies
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Esther
The spirit of the book of Esther is anything but attractive. It is never quoted or referred to by Jesus or His apostles, and it is a satisfaction to think that in very early times, and even among Jewish scholars, its right to a place in the canon was hotly contested. Its aggressive fanaticism and fierce hatred of all that lay outside of Judaism were felt by the finer spirits to be false to the more generous instincts that lay at the heart of the Hebrew religion; but by virtue of its very intensity
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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