Esther 2:7

“And he brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle’s daughter: for she had neither father nor mother, and the maid was fair and beautiful; whom Mordecai, when her father and mother were dead, took for his own daughter.”

Esther 2:7 introduces us to the character of Esther, the young Jewish woman who eventually becomes the queen of Persia and plays a crucial role in saving her people from destruction. This verse provides us with some important details about her background and how she came to be in the care of Mordecai, her cousin.

The name Hadassah:The verse reveals that Esther’s original name was Hadassah, which means “myrtle” in Hebrew. The name change reflects the Persian influence in the story, as she is known by her Persian name, Esther, throughout most of the book.

Esther’s lineage:Esther is identified as the daughter of Mordecai’s uncle. This indicates that Mordecai was Esther’s cousin and that he took on the role of a father figure after her parents had passed away. It highlights the familial connection between Mordecai and Esther and explains why he later becomes her guardian and advisor.

Orphaned and adopted:The verse explains that Esther was an orphan, having lost both her father and mother. Despite her difficult circumstances, Mordecai took her in as his own daughter, showing compassion and care for her well-being. This act of adoption underscores Mordecai’s love for Esther and sets the stage for the unfolding of their intertwined destinies.

While this verse may seem like a mere introduction to Esther’s background, it sets the stage for the events that follow in the Book of Esther. Esther’s unique position as an adopted daughter of Mordecai and her eventual rise to become the queen enable her to play a critical role in the story of how God works through human agents to deliver His people from peril.