SCRIPTURE: ESTHER 2
ESTHER MADE QUEEN (vs. 1-18)
When the age of King Xerxes had subsided, the king’s personal attendant suggested to search for a beautiful young virgin for the king. This advice appealed to the king, so he followed it. All beautiful girls in every provinces were brought to the harem at the citadel of Susa. The king’s eunuch Hegai was in charge of the women and their beauty treatment.
There was a man named Mordecai who was a captive of Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon. He had a cousin named Esther who was lovely in form and features. Mordecai took care of her as his own daughter when her father and mother died. Esther was also taken to the king’s place and entrusted to Hegai. She was treated very well and Morcedai instructed her not to divulge her nationality.
After completing 12 moths of beauty treatment, it was Esther’s turn to go to the king. The king was attracted to Esther more than any of the other women, and she won his favor and approval more than any of the other virgins. So he set a royal crown on her head made her queen and a banquet was given to all his nobles and officials. He proclaimed holiday through the provinces and distributed gifts with royal liberality.
MORDECAI UNCOVERS A CONSPIRACY (vs. 10-23)
While Mordecai was sitting at the gate, Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king’s officials who guarded the doorway conspired to assassinate King Xerxes. Mordecai found out the plot and told queen Ester, who in turn reported it to the king. When the report was investigated and found true, the two officials were hanged on a gallows. All this was recorded in the book of annals in the presence of the king.
THOUGHTS;
Two important events were recorded in this chapter – the selection of Esther and the detection of plot by Mordecai. Although the two events do not belong together, but they were part of God’s plan to fulfill his purpose of saving His people. All events in our lives are important if we are living in the will of God. Mordecai was not rewarded immediately but God would take care of it at the right time. So we must do our duty and let God take care of the consequences.