Esther 2:9

And the young woman pleased him and obtained his favor, so he quickly provided her with beauty treatments and the special diet. He assigned to her seven select maidservants from the palace and transferred her with them to the best place in the harem.

Study Bible

And the young woman pleased him and obtained his favor
Esther's ability to please Hegai, the custodian of the women, highlights her grace and charm, which are seen as gifts from God. This favor is reminiscent of Joseph's favor in Egypt (Genesis 39:4) and Daniel's favor in Babylon (Daniel 1:9), suggesting divine providence at work. The concept of favor is significant in biblical narratives, often indicating God's unseen hand guiding events for His purposes.

so he quickly provided her with beauty treatments and the special diet
The beauty treatments and special diet reflect the Persian customs of preparing women for presentation to the king. This preparation period, which lasted a year (Esther 2:12), underscores the importance of physical appearance in the Persian court. The special diet may have included rich foods and oils, contrasting with Daniel's choice to abstain from royal food (Daniel 1:8-16), highlighting different responses to cultural assimilation.

He assigned to her seven select maidservants from the palace
The number seven often symbolizes completeness or perfection in the Bible (Genesis 2:2-3, Revelation 1:4). Assigning seven maidservants to Esther indicates her elevated status and the thoroughness of her preparation. This provision also reflects the opulence of the Persian Empire and the importance placed on the king's harem.

and transferred her with them to the best place in the harem
The best place in the harem signifies Esther's favored position among the women. This preferential treatment foreshadows her eventual rise to queen. The harem, a secluded part of the palace, was a place of both privilege and confinement, reflecting the complex dynamics of power and isolation in royal courts. Esther's journey from obscurity to prominence parallels the biblical theme of God elevating the humble (1 Samuel 2:8, Luke 1:52).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Esther
- A Jewish orphan raised by her cousin Mordecai, who becomes queen of Persia. Her Hebrew name is Hadassah.

2. Hegai
- The king's eunuch in charge of the harem, who shows favor to Esther.

3. The Harem
- The royal residence where the king's concubines and potential queens were kept.

4. King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I)
- The Persian king during Esther's time.

5. Maidens
- The young women chosen to serve Esther, indicating her favored status.

Teaching Points

Divine Favor
Esther's account illustrates how God can grant favor in the eyes of others to fulfill His purposes. Believers should seek to live in a way that honors God, trusting Him to open doors and provide opportunities.

Preparation and Provision
Just as Esther was given beauty treatments and special food, God equips His people with what they need for the tasks He sets before them. We should be diligent in preparing ourselves spiritually and practically for God's calling.

Position and Influence
Esther's elevation to a place of influence reminds us that God places us in specific positions for His purposes. We should be mindful of how we can use our influence to serve His kingdom.

Community and Support
The assignment of maidens to Esther highlights the importance of community and support in fulfilling God's plans. Believers should seek and provide support within the body of Christ.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Esther's experience of finding favor with Hegai encourage you in your current circumstances?

2. In what ways can you prepare yourself for the opportunities God may present to you, as Esther was prepared with beauty treatments and special food?

3. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's favor in a situation. How did it impact your faith and actions?

4. How can you use your current position or influence to serve God's purposes, as Esther did?

5. What role does community play in your spiritual journey, and how can you cultivate supportive relationships like those between Esther and her maidens?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 39:4
- Joseph found favor in the eyes of Potiphar, similar to how Esther found favor with Hegai. Both instances show God's providence in elevating His people.

Daniel 1:9
- Daniel was shown favor and compassion by the chief official, paralleling Esther's experience with Hegai.

Proverbs 3:3-4
- The importance of finding favor and good repute in the sight of God and man, as demonstrated by Esther's account.