Esther 2:14

In the euening she went, and on the morrowe she returned into the second house of the women, to the custodie of Shaashgaz the kings chamberlen, which kept the concubines: shee came in vnto the king no more, except the king delighted in her, and that shee were called by name. Esther 2:14 (KJV)

Esther 2:14 is a verse from the Book of Esther in the Old Testament. It provides insight into the selection and treatment of Esther, who would later become queen of Persia.

Historical Context:

The Book of Esther takes place during the reign of King Ahasuerus (also known as Xerxes I) of Persia. After Queen Vashti’s dismissal, the king seeks a new queen from among the virgins of his kingdom. Esther, a Jewish orphan living in exile, is among the young women brought to the palace to be considered for this role.

The Process of Selection:

Esther 2:14 describes the process that Esther had to undergo after spending the night with the king. In the evening she returned to the second house of the women, where the concubines were kept under the custody of Shaashgaz, the king’s chamberlain. This suggests that the king’s selection process involved multiple stages and different levels of access to his presence.

Esther’s Future Access to the King:

The latter part of the verse explains that Esther would no longer go in to see the king unless he specifically delighted in her and called her by name. This implies that after Esther’s initial encounter with the king, she would not have regular access to him unless he showed favor and specifically summoned her, highlighting the significance of the king’s favor and Esther’s status as queen.

Symbolism and Spiritual Lessons:

While the verse primarily describes the circumstances surrounding Esther’s position in the palace, it also offers spiritual lessons. Esther’s journey from an orphaned exile to becoming queen demonstrates God’s providence and sovereignty. God used Esther’s beauty and favor to position her strategically to save the Jewish people from an impending threat. Her situation reminds us that God can work in unexpected ways, using ordinary people to accomplish His purposes, and teaches us to trust in God’s timing as her ultimate purpose was revealed in due course.

The verse also highlights the importance of seeking favor from the King. In a spiritual sense this can be seen as seeking God’s favor and delighting in His ways. Just as Esther sought the king’s favor, believers are called to seek God’s favor through obedience, faith, and a genuine relationship with Him.

In conclusion, Esther 2:14 provides insights into the process of selecting Queen Esther and emphasizes the significance of the king’s favor. It reminds us of God’s providential work, the unexpected ways He uses individuals, and the importance of seeking favor with the King of kings in our spiritual journey.