Esther·Chapter 2

How to Apply

Take a moment this week to reflect on your own strengths and unique qualities. Maybe you have a talent or a kind heart that can make a difference. How can you use those traits to shine in your daily life? Consider reaching out to someone who might need encouragement or using your skills in a new way. Just like Esther, you can step into a role that feels big and important, even if it’s just in your small circle. Be brave and embrace the crown that’s waiting for you!

Chapter Context

So, what led to this crowning moment? In the chapters before, there was a royal mess when Queen Vashti refused to appear before the king. This created a vacancy for a new queen. Esther, an orphan raised by her cousin, found herself in a beauty contest of sorts among many women. Picture the tension and anticipation as each woman hoped to win the king’s favor. When the moment comes for Esther, it’s not just luck; it’s a mix of her grace, bravery, and the divine plan unfolding. This verse is the climax of her journey from obscurity to royalty, showing that sometimes, the unlikeliest people become the heroes in the story.

Key Biblical Words (Word Study)

• king - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• loved - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• esther - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• than - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• all - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• women - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• won - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• grace - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• favor - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• sight - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".

Reflection Question

What do you think it means to find favor in someone's eyes, and how can you cultivate that kind of connection in your own relationships?

Related Verses

• 1 Samuel 16:7 - God looks at the heart, not the outward appearance, just like the king noticed Esther's true beauty.
• Proverbs 3:3-4 - When you show kindness and loyalty, you gain favor with both God and people, similar to how Esther won the king's heart.
• Jeremiah 29:11 - God has plans for you that can lead to unexpected places, like Esther’s rise from orphan to queen.

Personal Prayer

Lord, thank You for the truth found in Esther 2:17. Help me to take the insights from this scripture and apply them to my heart today.Amen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Key Verses

Esther 2:7, Esther 2:10, Esther 2:15, Esther 2:17, Esther 2:20

Historical Context

Esther Chapter 2 is set against the backdrop of the Persian Empire during the reign of King Ahasuerus, who ruled from 486 to 465 BC. The Jewish people are in exile, having been taken captive from Jerusalem. This chapter is pivotal as it introduces key characters and sets the stage for the main conflict of the story. The chapter emphasizes the cultural context of the time, where beauty contests were not uncommon in royal courts, and it also highlights the importance of lineage and identity, particularly for Esther, who must navigate her Jewish heritage while living in a foreign empire.