Esther 2:15

“Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, was come to go in unto the king, she required nothing but what Hegai the king’s chamberlain, the keeper of the women, appointed. And Esther obtained favour in the sight of all them that looked upon her.”

Context: The book of Esther tells the story of a Jewish girl named Esther who becomes the queen of Persia and plays a significant role in saving her people from destruction. In Esther 2:15, we find Esther’s turn to go into the presence of King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I) as part of the selection process to choose a new queen.

Esther’s Background: Esther was an orphan who was raised by her cousin Mordecai. She was a young Jewish woman living in the Persian Empire, which was ruled by King Ahasuerus. Despite her difficult circumstances, Esther’s beauty and charm caught the attention of the king’s officials.

Esther’s Modesty: In this verse, we see Esther’s modesty and humility. Even though she had become the queen, she did not demand anything for herself but only accepted what Hegai, the king’s chamberlain, appointed for her. This shows Esther’s willingness to follow the protocols and not assert her own desires above what was expected of her.

Obtaining Favor: Esther’s modesty and obedience resulted in her obtaining favor in the sight of all who looked upon her. She had a gracious demeanor and a gentle spirit that won the admiration of those around her. This favor would later prove crucial when she would approach the king on behalf of her people.

• Trusting in God’s Providence: Throughout the book of Esther, even though the name of God is not explicitly mentioned, His providential hand is evident. Esther’s rise to become queen was not a coincidence, but part of God’s plan to save the Jewish people. Esther’s trust in God’s sovereignty and her willingness to play her part in His plan serve as an example for us to trust in God’s providence in our own lives.