Esther remains one of the most talked about Queens in the Bible, one whose life was a testament of favor, faith, fearlessness, bravery and determination. Today, she is been used as example for all these qualities. Esther was a young orphan who was raised by her older cousin Mordecai. Mordecai was not just a cousin to her, he was also a father figure to Esther, and Esther obeyed and respected him as a father. Both Esther and Mordecai were Jews from the tribe of Benjamin and they lived in Susa, the capital city of the Persian Empire. Unfortunately, they were among the Jewish community that had been banished from Jerusalem when the Babylonians conquered Judah and took many Jews into captivity.
In the land of Persia, there was a powerful king named Ahasuerus, he ruled over a great empire, and one day he throw a huge feast for his nobles and officials. During the feast, he asked his wife Queen Vashti, to appear before this people and show off her beauty, but she declined and disobeyed the king. This act made the king so furious that he decided immediately to dethrone her as the Queen and pick another queen.
Now, the king was in need of a new queen, so the search began across the empire. Beautiful virgin maidens were picked and brought to the palace for nurturing and beautification. Esther was among the virgins that was selected. She was both beautiful and wise. Her cousin Mordecai gave her strict instructions not to reveal her identity as a Jew. After many months of deep nurturing and purification, the day finally came for the king to choose a new Queen. Esther was chosen by the king, she found favor in the sight of the King and all those that saw her. Her beauty and appearance pleased the king more than any other virgin, the King made Esther his new Queen.
Esther 3 5
Afterwards, a man named Haman was promoted by the king into a high rank official above other nobles. After his promotion, the king commanded all other nobles to always bow and pay homage to him. However, Mordecai, Esther’s cousin refused to bow and pay homage to Haman. This greatly infuriated Haman and he sort for means to destroy not only Mordecai, but every other Jews in the city of Persia. when Mordecai learnt of Haman’s evil plot against him and the other Jews. He reached out to queen Esther demanding that she goes to the King and beg for mercy for her people. Esther hesitated initially, reminding Mordecai that no one goes to the king without being summoned by him first. Mordecai warned her that, if she didn’t go, all Jews will be destroyed.
So, queen Esther summoned courage to go to the King. But before that she asked Mordecai to gather all the Jews in Susa to fast and pray on her behalf for three days. After three days of fasting and praying, she courageously went to the king, when King Ahasuerus saw her, he was pleased and he held his golden scepter which means that she was welcomed. Then Esther wisely made her request known to the king and also exposed the evil plot of Haman against the Jews. Esther found favor from the king, her request was granted and she and her people were saved. Queen Esther’s story is powerful story of faith, courage and bravery. As Christians, wherever we find ourselves, let us always remember that we are placed there for a purpose.
The Bible uses the story of Esther to teach us some spiritual lessons. One which is that God is capable of reversing any situation to our favor. The Bible described Esther as a very beautiful woman, one who was humble, obedient, courageous, favored and selfless. She still remains one of the Biblical iconic example of a woman with an unmatched beauty, wisdom and high fervency in the place of prayer. She never forgot God, despite being in a position that would ordinarily make her loose interest in God. She held tight unto God. This teaches us also that whatever position we find ourselves, we should never leave God behind.
Esther 2:17 “Now the king was attracted to Esther more than to any of the other women, and she won his favor and approval more than any of the other virgins”. This verse explains the deep meaning of God’s favor. Esther was not the only beautiful virgin selected, yet her beauty captivated the King and his Chamberlains. This was God’s favor at work.
Esther 2:20 “Esther continued to follow Mordecai’s instructions as she had done when he was bringing her up”. This scripture underscores the importance of not following wise counsel. If Esther had not obeyed Mordecai and follow his instructions, this powerful story would have not surfaced.
Proverbs 31:29-31 “Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.” Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates”. Her, the teaches us that beauty alone is enough. Using Esther as an example, she was both beautiful, prayerful, courageous and feared God.
Proverbs 31 17
Bible Verses About Esther
For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this? – Esther 4:14
Now the king was attracted to Esther more than to any of the other women, and she won his favor and approval more than any of the other virgins. – Esther 2:17
When he saw Queen Esther standing in the court, he was pleased with her and held out to her the gold scepter that was in his hand. – Esther 5:2
Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. – Esther 4:16
All the royal officials at the king’s gate knelt down and paid honor to Haman, for the king had commanded this concerning him. But Mordecai would not kneel down or pay him honor. – Esther 3:2
When Mordecai learned of all that had been done, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the city, wailing aloud and bitterly. – Esther 4:1
For the Jews it was a time of happiness and joy, gladness and honor. – Esther 8:16
Then Queen Esther answered, ‘If I have found favor with you, Your Majesty, and if it pleases you, grant me my life — this is my petition. And spare my people — this is my request. – Esther 7:3
Esther had not revealed her nationality and family background, because Mordecai had forbidden her to do so. – Esther 2:10
So the king said, ‘Bring Haman at once.’ So the king and Haman went in to dine with Queen Esther. – Esther 5:5
When Haman saw that Mordecai would not kneel down or pay him honor, he was enraged. – Esther 3:5
As the month they had been waiting for arrived, the Jews gathered to celebrate and turn their sorrow into joy. – Esther 9:22
Esther continued to follow Mordecai’s instructions as she had done when he was bringing her up. – Esther 2:20
In every province to which the edict and order of the king came, there was great mourning among the Jews. – Esther 4:3
Esther replied, ‘My request and my hope is that the king and Haman come today to a banquet I have prepared for them. – Esther 5:4
The king got up in a rage, left his wine, and went out into the palace garden. – Esther 7:7
On the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month of Adar, the edict commanded by the king was to be carried out. – Esther 9:1
All the king’s officials and the people of the royal provinces know that for any man or woman who approaches the king in the inner court without being summoned, the king has but one law: that they be put to death. – Esther 4:11
And many people of other nationalities became Jews because fear of the Jews had seized them. – Esther 8:17
Haman sought to destroy all the Jews, the people of Mordecai, throughout the whole kingdom of Xerxes. – Esther 3:6
So Haman came in. The king asked him, ‘What should be done for the man the king delights to honor? – Esther 6:6
That same day King Xerxes gave Queen Esther the estate of Haman, the enemy of the Jews. – Esther 8:1
And all the nobles of the provinces, the satraps, the governors and the king’s administrators helped the Jews because fear of Mordecai had seized them. – Esther 9:3
For the queen’s conduct will become known to all the women, and so they will despise their husbands. – Esther 1:17
So the king and Haman went to Queen Esther’s banquet. – Esther 7:1
And when the king’s edict is proclaimed throughout all his vast realm, all the women will respect their husbands. – Esther 1:20
He also gave him a copy of the text of the edict for their destruction, which had been published in Susa, to show to Esther. – Esther 4:8
Then Mordecai told them to reply to Esther, “Do not think to yourself that in the king’s palace you will escape any more than all the other Jews. – Esther 4:13
And this came to the knowledge of Mordecai, and he told it to Queen Esther, and Esther told the king in the name of Mordecai. – Esther 2:22
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. – Joshua 1:9
If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. – Colossians 3:1
So Haman took the robes and the horse, and he dressed Mordecai and led him through the square of the city, proclaiming before him, “Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delights to honor. – Esther 6:11
An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life. – Proverbs 31:10-12
She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong. – Proverbs 31:17
Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.” Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates. – Proverbs 31:29-31
Gracious Christian is a professional writer, and a devoted Christian. I am lover of Jesus Christ, everything about him and the Holy Spirit. I have written over a 10k article about Christianity. Join me as we reverence God together.
