“And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favor in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti” ((Esther 2:17).
In spite of Esther’s nationality and background, the king fell in love with her. Mordecai had instructed Esther not to reveal her heritage. I’m not so sure it would have mattered that she was a poor Jewish orphan. The king was charmed by her beauty. Our verse says, “…she obtained grace and favor in his sight.” Esther was going to be his new queen—probably every young Persian girl’s fantasy. For Esther this would soon be reality. Why was this happening to her? Stay tuned throughout this week for the rest of the story.
Sue Winchester
Missouri
PRAY TOGETHER: Chaplain’s wife Mona Austin is experiencing complications from a pain pump inserted last year; she possibly faces more surgery. Pray healing for this situation.
