Esther 2:17

And the king loved Esther more than all the other women, and she found grace and favor in his sight more than all of the other virgins. So he placed the royal crown upon her head and made her queen in place of Vashti.

Study Bible

And the king loved Esther more than all the other women
This phrase highlights the unique favor Esther found with King Xerxes. In the context of the Persian Empire, where kings often had large harems, Esther's selection is significant. Her beauty and character set her apart, reflecting God's providential hand. This mirrors the biblical theme of God elevating the humble, as seen with Joseph in Egypt (Genesis 41:41) and David being chosen as king (1 Samuel 16:12).

and she found grace and favor in his sight more than all of the other virgins
The terms "grace" and "favor" suggest divine intervention, as these words often indicate God's blessing in Scripture. Esther's favor with the king can be compared to Joseph's favor with Pharaoh (Genesis 39:4). This favor is not merely human attraction but a divinely orchestrated plan for the preservation of the Jewish people, foreshadowing the grace believers find in Christ (Ephesians 2:8).

So he placed the royal crown upon her head
The act of crowning Esther signifies her official status as queen. This moment is pivotal, as it positions Esther to influence the king and protect her people. The crown symbolizes authority and responsibility, akin to the believer's future reign with Christ (2 Timothy 2:12). Archaeological findings from the Persian period, such as reliefs and inscriptions, depict the grandeur of royal ceremonies, underscoring the significance of this event.

and made her queen in place of Vashti
Vashti's removal and Esther's ascension highlight themes of divine sovereignty and the reversal of fortunes. Vashti's refusal to appear before the king (Esther 1:12) led to her deposition, making way for Esther. This reflects the biblical principle that God raises and removes leaders according to His purposes (Daniel 2:21). Esther's rise prefigures Christ's exaltation after His humility (Philippians 2:9), emphasizing God's redemptive plan through unexpected means.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Esther
A Jewish woman who becomes queen of Persia. Her Hebrew name is Hadassah, meaning "myrtle." Esther's rise to queenship is a pivotal moment in the account, showcasing God's providence.

2. King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I)
The Persian king who chooses Esther as his queen. His decision is crucial in the unfolding of God's plan for the Jewish people.

3. Vashti
The former queen who was deposed for her refusal to appear before the king. Her removal sets the stage for Esther's rise.

4. The Royal Crown
Symbolizes authority and favor. Esther receiving the crown signifies her acceptance and the beginning of her influence in the kingdom.

5. The Other Virgins
Represents the competition Esther faced. Her selection over them highlights her unique qualities and God's favor upon her.

Teaching Points

Divine Favor and Providence
God's hand is evident in Esther's rise to queenship. Believers can trust that God is at work in their lives, orchestrating events for His purposes.

Inner Beauty and Character
Esther's favor with the king was not solely due to her outward appearance but also her character. Christians are encouraged to cultivate inner beauty and a gentle spirit.

Courage and Influence
Esther's position as queen gave her a platform to influence the king. Believers should use their positions and opportunities to advocate for righteousness and justice.

God's Sovereignty in Leadership
The account of Esther reminds us that God can use anyone, even those in secular authority, to accomplish His will. We should pray for our leaders and trust God's sovereignty over them.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Esther's account demonstrate the concept of divine providence, and how can we see this in our own lives?

2. In what ways can we cultivate inner beauty and character that reflect God's values, as seen in Esther's life?

3. How can Esther's courage in her role as queen inspire us to use our influence for good in our communities?

4. What are some practical ways we can trust in God's sovereignty, especially when facing uncertain or challenging circumstances?

5. How does the account of Esther encourage us to pray for and support our leaders, knowing that God can guide their decisions?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Proverbs 21:1
This verse speaks to the sovereignty of God over the hearts of kings, illustrating how God can direct the decisions of rulers, as seen in Esther's favor with King Ahasuerus.

Romans 8:28
This passage emphasizes that God works all things for the good of those who love Him, which is evident in how Esther's position as queen becomes instrumental in the deliverance of the Jewish people.

1 Peter 3:3-4
These verses discuss the inner beauty and gentle spirit that are precious to God, qualities that Esther likely possessed, contributing to her favor with the king.