Esther 2:15

Now Esther was the daughter of Abihail, the uncle from whom Mordecai had adopted her as his own daughter. And when it was her turn to go to the king, she did not ask for anything except what Hegai, the king's trusted official in charge of the harem, had advised. And Esther found favor in the eyes of everyone who saw her.

Study Bible

Now Esther was the daughter of Abihail, the uncle from whom Mordecai had adopted her as his own daughter.
Esther's lineage is significant as it connects her to the tribe of Benjamin, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Her father, Abihail, is mentioned to emphasize her Jewish heritage, which plays a crucial role in the narrative. Mordecai, her cousin, adopts her, highlighting the close-knit family structures typical in Jewish culture. This adoption also sets the stage for Mordecai's protective and guiding role in Esther's life, which is pivotal in the unfolding events of the book.

And when it was her turn to go to the king,
This phrase indicates the process by which young women were presented to King Xerxes (Ahasuerus) as potential queens. The Persian custom involved a lengthy preparation period, emphasizing the importance of physical beauty and presentation in the royal court. Esther's turn signifies her entry into a critical moment of divine providence, where her actions would have significant implications for her people.

she did not ask for anything except what Hegai, the king’s trusted official in charge of the harem, had advised.
Esther's decision to rely solely on Hegai's advice demonstrates her wisdom and humility. Hegai, as the king's eunuch and official in charge of the harem, had insider knowledge of what would please the king. Esther's trust in his guidance reflects her strategic thinking and discernment, qualities that would later be crucial in her role as queen. This also shows her ability to gain favor with those in authority, a recurring theme in her story.

And Esther found favor in the eyes of everyone who saw her.
Esther's favor with others is a testament to her character and the divine favor upon her life. This favor is not merely due to her physical beauty but also her demeanor and grace. The concept of finding favor is a recurring biblical theme, often associated with God's blessing and purpose. Esther's favor with all who saw her foreshadows her future influence and the pivotal role she will play in the deliverance of her people, paralleling the favor found by other biblical figures such as Joseph and Daniel.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Esther
A Jewish orphan raised by her cousin Mordecai, chosen to be queen of Persia. Her Hebrew name is Hadassah, meaning "myrtle."

2. Abihail
Esther's father, mentioned to establish her Jewish lineage.

3. Mordecai
Esther's cousin and guardian, a Jew living in Susa, who plays a crucial role in the account of Esther.

4. Hegai
The king's eunuch in charge of the harem, who shows favor to Esther and advises her.

5. The King's Palace
The setting where Esther is taken as part of the king's search for a new queen.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty and Favor
Esther's account illustrates how God can grant favor to His people even in foreign and challenging circumstances. Trust in God's plan and timing.

Inner Beauty and Wisdom
Esther's decision to rely on Hegai's advice rather than her own desires reflects wisdom and humility. True beauty and favor come from a gentle and wise spirit.

Obedience and Guidance
Esther's obedience to Mordecai and Hegai's guidance shows the importance of listening to wise counsel and being obedient to those God places in our lives.

Courage and Faith
Esther's journey to the king required courage and faith. We are called to step out in faith, trusting God with the outcomes.

Cultural Engagement
Esther's ability to navigate a foreign culture while maintaining her identity as a Jew is a model for engaging with the world without losing our Christian identity.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Esther's reliance on Hegai's advice demonstrate the importance of seeking wise counsel in our own lives?

2. In what ways can we find favor with others while maintaining our Christian values, as Esther did?

3. How does Esther's account encourage us to trust in God's sovereignty, even when we are in unfamiliar or challenging situations?

4. What can we learn from Esther about the balance between external appearance and inner character?

5. How can Esther's example of courage and faith inspire us to take bold steps in our own spiritual journeys?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Proverbs 3:3-4
This passage speaks about finding favor and good understanding in the sight of God and man, similar to how Esther found favor with those around her.

1 Peter 3:3-4
This New Testament scripture emphasizes inner beauty and a gentle spirit, which can be related to Esther's approach of not relying on external adornments.

Daniel 1:9
Daniel also found favor and compassion in the sight of the officials, paralleling Esther's experience.

Genesis 39:21
Joseph found favor in the eyes of the prison warden, showing a pattern of God's people finding favor in foreign lands.