Picking a New Queen
October 10, 2021
Commentary
Some Bible scholars say there was an interval of two to four years between chapter one and this chapter. It appears that the king begins to wonder as to whether he had done the right thing in being so harsh with Vashti (v. 1). His attendants became afraid that the king would take out on them his regret over losing Vashti. To get his mind off this they quickly suggested that the king seek out a new queen (v. 2). A suggestion was made that officers be selected in every province to find a beautiful woman to bring to the palace to be under observation (v. 3), This suggestion appealed to him, and he acted accordingly (v.4). Over 200 women were brought to the palace to be placed in the king’s harem under the custody of Hegai. Mordecai, a Jew who worked in the palace, suggested Esther, a young Jewish girl. She was the cousin of Mordecai who had raised her in his home.
Hegai knew the type of woman the king liked and so he immediately saw Esther as the probable successor to Vashti (vv. 5-8). From the first day she was his favorite, and he gave her special treatment (v. 9. Mordecai had told Esther not to reveal her nationality, probably thinking that the name “Jew” would bring discrimination (vv. 10-11). Twelve months in quarantine were required before a maiden in this harem could be brought to the king. Just think of the homesickness and terror these girls must have faced as they waited to see the king. This is how we are introduced to young Esther. She was among the virgins brought in to be made attractive to the king. We learn that she really impressed all those who worked with her. God protected and used Esther and Mordecai despite the fact they were not living according to the law given to the people of Israel. (Deut. 7:1-4 and (Ex. 2-:14).
Application
If I must change jobs and can’t see God’s purpose, I need to understand that God is in control. He may be placing me in this position so I can help when the need arises, as in Esther’s case.
Esther 2:1– 11 (NET)
1 When these things had been accomplished and the rage of King Ahasuerus had diminished, he remembered Vashti and what she had done and what had been decided against her. 2 The king’s servants who attended him said, “Let a search be conducted on the king’s behalf for attractive young women. 3 And let the king appoint officers throughout all the provinces of his kingdom to gather all the attractive young women to Susa the citadel, to the harem under the authority of Hegai, the king’s eunuch who oversees the women, and let him provide whatever cosmetics they desire. 4 Let the young woman whom the king finds most attractive become queen in place of Vashti.” This seemed like a good idea to the king, so he acted accordingly.
5 Now there happened to be a Jewish man in Susa the citadel whose name was Mordecai. He was the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjaminite, 6 who had been taken into exile from Jerusalem with the captives who had been carried into exile with Jeconiah king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had taken into exile. 7 Now he was acting as the guardian of Hadassah (that is, Esther), the daughter of his uncle, for neither her father nor her mother was alive. This young woman was very attractive and had a beautiful figure. When her father and mother died, Mordecai had raised her as if she were his own daughter.
8 It so happened that when the king’s edict and his law became known many young women were taken to Susa the citadel to be placed under the authority of Hegai. Esther also was taken to the royal palace to be under the authority of Hegai, who was overseeing the women. 9 This young woman pleased him, and she found favor with him. He quickly provided her with her cosmetics and her rations; he also provided her with the seven specially chosen young women who were from the palace. He then transferred her and her young women to the best quarters in the harem.
10 Now Esther had not disclosed her people or her lineage, for Mordecai had instructed her not to do so. 11 And day after day Mordecai used to walk back and forth in front of the court of the harem in order to learn how Esther was doing and what might happen to her.