Background and Context:
The account of Esther being taken to the palace is found in the Book of Esther, a narrative set during the reign of King Xerxes (Ahasuerus) of Persia, who ruled from 486 to 465 BC. This period follows the Babylonian exile and occurs during the time when many Jews were living in the Persian Empire. The Book of Esther is unique in the biblical canon as it does not explicitly mention the name of God, yet it powerfully illustrates His providence and sovereignty.

Scriptural Account:
The account begins with King Xerxes holding a lavish banquet, during which Queen Vashti refuses to appear before him. As a result, she is deposed, and a search is initiated for a new queen. Esther 2:2-4 describes the king's decree: "Then the king’s attendants proposed, 'Let a search be made for beautiful young virgins for the king. Let the king appoint commissioners in every province of his kingdom to bring all these beautiful young women into the harem at the citadel of Susa. Let them be placed under the care of Hegai, the king’s eunuch, who is in charge of the women; and let them be given beauty treatments. Then let the young woman who pleases the king be queen in place of Vashti.' This advice appealed to the king, and he followed it."

Esther's Introduction:
Esther, also known as Hadassah, is introduced as a young Jewish woman living in Susa, the capital of Persia. She is an orphan raised by her cousin Mordecai, a man of integrity and faith. Esther 2:7 states, "Mordecai had a cousin named Hadassah (that is, Esther), whom he had brought up because she had neither father nor mother. The young woman was lovely in form and features, and Mordecai had taken her as his own daughter when her father and mother died."

Esther Taken to the Palace:
Esther is among the young women taken to the king's palace as part of the search for a new queen. Esther 2:8 records, "When the king’s command and edict had been proclaimed, many young women were brought to the citadel of Susa and put under the care of Hegai. Esther also was taken to the king’s palace and entrusted to Hegai, who was in charge of the harem."

Favor and Preparation:
Esther quickly gains favor with Hegai, the custodian of the women. Esther 2:9 notes, "She pleased him and won his favor. So he quickly provided her with beauty treatments and special food. He assigned to her seven chosen maidens from the king’s palace and moved her and her maids to the best place in the harem." Esther's favor with Hegai is seen as a sign of divine providence, preparing her for the role she would play in the deliverance of her people.

Mordecai's Counsel:
Mordecai instructs Esther not to reveal her Jewish identity, a strategic decision that later proves crucial. Esther 2:10 states, "Esther did not reveal her people or her lineage, because Mordecai had instructed her not to do so." This concealment of her heritage is a pivotal element in the unfolding narrative.

Selection as Queen:
After a year of preparation, Esther is presented to King Xerxes. Esther 2:17 describes the king's response: "And the king loved Esther more than all the other women, and she won his favor and approval more than any of the other virgins. So he set the royal crown on her head and made her queen in place of Vashti." Esther's elevation to queen is a testament to God's unseen hand at work, positioning her to intercede for her people.

Significance:
Esther's journey to the palace is a critical moment in the biblical narrative, setting the stage for her courageous actions that ultimately lead to the salvation of the Jewish people from Haman's plot. Her account exemplifies themes of divine providence, courage, and the importance of faithfulness to one's calling, even in the face of great personal risk.