Esther 2:16

“So Esther was taken unto king Ahasuerus into his house royal in the tenth month, which is the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign.”

Historical Context: The Book of Esther is set during the time of the Persian Empire. King Ahasuerus, also known as Xerxes I, ruled over a vast empire that extended from India to Ethiopia.

Esther’s Background: Esther was a young Jewish woman who was raised by her cousin Mordecai. She became an orphan and was taken care of by Mordecai. Through a series of events, Esther was chosen to be among the young women brought to the palace to potentially become the queen.

Esther’s Selection: In Esther 2:16, we see that Esther was taken to King Ahasuerus in the tenth month of the seventh year of his reign. This verse marks an important turning point in the story, as Esther enters the palace and begins her journey toward becoming queen.

God’s Providence: It is important to note that the Book of Esther does not explicitly mention God. However, God’s providential hand is evident throughout the story. The circumstances surrounding Esther’s selection to the palace were not mere coincidences, but rather part of God’s plan to protect His people, the Jews, from impending danger.

Obedience and Submission: Esther’s willingness to go along with the plan and be taken to the king’s palace demonstrates her obedience and submission. She trusted Mordecai’s guidance and was willing to follow the path that had been set before her.

• God’s Timing: The mention of the specific month and year in Esther 2:16 reminds us of God’s perfect timing. Esther was chosen to enter the palace at the appointed time, precisely when her intervention would later be crucial in saving her people from destruction.
• The Book of Esther: The story of Esther is a remarkable account of how God works behind the scenes to bring about His purposes. It teaches us that even when circumstances seem bleak and God’s presence may not be readily apparent, He is still at work, orchestrating events for the good of His people.

Remember, this Bible study provides an overview of Esther 2:16. Further study and exploration of the entire Book of Esther will provide a deeper understanding of the story and its significance.