Apologies: For an unknown reason, there is a hiss in the recording. We are working to resolve it in future recordings.

The providence or care of God for His people is the theme of the book of Esther, yet God, prayer, Jerusalem, the temple, sacrifices, nor the law of Moses are never mentioned in the book. We have no way of knowing why God left these references from the book, but it is not difficult to see the hand of God over the events in the book.

Esther 1 unfolded the basis for the story. It took place in Shushan the palace in Persia during the reign of Ahasuerus, during Israel’s Babylonian captivity. His pride, drunkenness, inappropriateness, and anger resulted in the removal of Vashti as queen of Persia.

Esther 2 details the contest for finding a new queen for Ahasuerus. All the exceptionally fair young virgins in all of his 127 provinces were brought to Shushan the palace to prepare for the possibility of being chosen queen. The inclusion of this practice does not condone the king’s exchanging Vashti for a new wife, nor the polygamy of his harem. God ordained marriage to be one man with one woman for life (Ge 2:24). However, such pagan practices had infiltrated even Israel. Despite that, God can cause beautiful lilies to grow up in the hardest of soils.

Beautiful young Esther (a God-fearing Jewess) is among the women summoned to the palace. Her humble character stands out above the other candidates, and the king chose her as the new queen of Persia.

Transition

This chapter reveals how humble, young Esther, by God’s grace, became the queen of Persia. It is recorded in Scripture that we might learn to trust God for grace and providence in time of need.

The Character of Esther

  1. Esther was chosen to enter the contest for Queen (v.8)
    1. The text does not give us any clue as to who chose Esther to be among the queen candidates.
    2. Obviously, she was among the fair young virgins who lived in Shushan (v.3).
    3. Esther was young.
    4. Esther was also a virgin. While the word simply refers to a maiden, it often speaks of virginity as well. Every young woman is born a virgin. Both she and her father must work to protect her virginity until marriage.
  2. Esther was reared by her cousin Mordecai.
    1. Esther (star) is likely her Persian name, Hadassah (myrtle) is likely her Hebrew name (v.7).
    2. Life had many bitter trials for young Esther. Her father Abihail and mother were dead (v.7, 15).
    3. She was fair (i.e., lovely, beautiful) and beautiful (i.e., well-pleasing, proper, good) (v.7). You and I may not be considered beautiful or handsome, but we can have beautiful character that is well-pleasing, proper and good.
      1. Character is far more important than outward appearance.
      2. Sadly, many couples fall in love with each other’s outward appearance and personality, but they do not take the time to examine each other’s character. One is not married long before the glamour of appearance and personality begins to fade and the reality of their spouse’s character comes to the surface.
      3. The world spends billions on improving beauty and personality, but relatively little on improving character. That is biblically backwards. There is nothing wrong with keeping yourself looking nice, but you must not neglect your character. Consider the following: Gal 5:22-23 The fruit of the; Lu 16:10 He that is faithful in that which is least; Pr 16:19 Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly; Pr 22:1 Good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, 1Pe 1:14-16 As obedient children.
    4. In God’s providential care, Mordecai, an older cousin, reared her as his own daughter.
    5. Mordecai was the son of Kish. Kish was among the captives taken to Babylon in 597, along with King Jeconiah (i.e., Jehoiachin) (v.5-6).
  3. Esther had an exceptional character.
    1. When we speak of “character” we refer to one’s inner characteristics, distinctions, attributes, morals or convictions, whether good or bad. A character reference is another’s testimony of how you act and react, whether you are honest or dishonest, dependable or irresponsible, moral or immoral, etc.
    2. Esther was pleasing (v.9). Her character was good and pleasant to be around. She gained a good reputation.
    3. She obtained kindness (i.e., was lifted up to kindness) (v.9). Her good character promoted her in the sight of Hegai so that he treated her with kindness.
    4. She speedily received things for purification (v.9). This word tells us that Hegai fearfully hasted to give her these things. Perhaps he feared another would be chosen before her if he did not speed her on her way. This purification was a cleansing and purifying time. She was given seven personal maids to aid her in every way.
    5. He preferred her (i.e., promoted her to the best location) (v.9).
    6. Like Esther, we ought to cultivate exceptional character. With God’s grace, we can govern ourselves so that we are pleasant to be around. This will win the kindness of others. It will often result in promotion.
  4. Esther was obedient or loyal to Mordecai (v.10).
    1. Mordecai had reared her as his own daughter, and she loved and respected him for that.
    2. When she was summoned as a candidate for queen, Mordecai commanded her not to tell anyone that she was a Jew. The Jews were foreigners and in some cases despised. She obeyed his command, and God would use this in His providential care for Israel.
    3. Something as small as obedience is of BIG significance in God’s sight. We can each obey!
  5. Esther required nothing extra (v.15)
    1. When it was her time to come before the king, she required nothing except what Hegai appointed.
    2. She obtained favour (i.e., grace, acceptance) of ALL who saw her (v.15)
    3. She was contented, unselfish, modest, and humble (v.15). She could have asked for special treatment, but she withheld. These are all qualities that we must cultivate in our lives with God’s help.
  6. The king loved Esther (v.17).
    1. She obtained grace and favour in his sight (v.17).
    2. He crowned her as Queen (v.17).
    3. He honoured Esther with a feast and a holiday (v.18). The word release speaks of a day of rest or a holiday.
  7. She was trustworthy and faithful (v.21-23)
    1. As queen, Esther bravely relayed an assassination plot discovered by Mordecai against the king.
    2. This spared the king’s life and was recorded in his chronicles. We will see that God can use even the smallest deeds of honesty and kindness for His glory.

Principles for Us to Apply

  1. Esther was an ordinary person with an extraordinary character.
    1. God blessed her with beauty, but more than that, she had developed outstanding character qualities in her life.
    2. Your physical beauty is not nearly as important as your inner character. What kind of character reference would God give you today? He knows the real you!
  2. Mordecai played a large part in Esther’s character.
    1. As parents and grandparents, we must maintain personal character and work to develop character in our children.
    2. Character is more easily caught than taught. Let’s seek to be quality examples before others.

Conclusion

As we progress, we will see that this entire story hinges on Esther’s quality character. In many respects, godly character is simply faithfully fleshing out Bible commands and principles. We must live by the Bible rather than being led by society or by feelings. Character finds its roots in the heart. If your character is flawed, it is because your heart is flawed. (Jeremiah 17:9) “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” When you biblically address the sins of your heart, your character will begin to improve. This begins by trusting Christ as Saviour. God promises to give grace to the humble (James 4:10).

Song: Cleanse Me – 166
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Grace to the Humble
24 September 2023 AM – Text: Esther 2 – Topic: Grace – Series: Est23