This passage gives us the context of how God raised Esther to become a queen who would be used by Him to deliver His people from being harmed by evil men like Haman. God is seen as a God who is a faithful Deliverer who is true to His covenantal promises to His people.

In verses 5-11 – A Jew by the name of Mordecai who was taken into exile by the Babylonians under King Nebuchadnezzar was living in Susa. His uncle died and left behind a daughter Hadassah also known as Esther whom he raised as an orphan. He treated her like his own daughter. She was taken into the palace to the king’s harem. The person in charge of preparing these ladies to serve the king in his harem was Hegai. He was pleased with Esther and groomed her. He appointed seven female attendants from the king's palace to her service and gave her the best place in the harem. But Esther did not let anyone know she was a Jew as instructed by Mordecai.

The story of Esther reminded me that we cannot stop bad people from doing bad things to us, but we can rest assured that God will protect His people. So, no matter how dire our situation might be, God will find someone or a way to deliver us just as He did in raising Esther to become a queen to save His people just as He raised Jesus to save us from the penalty of sin.

In verses 12-18 – Esther had to complete a year of beauty treatment before she could serve the king. The first six months with the oil of myrrh and the next six months with perfumes and cosmetics. When she was ready to enter the king’s harem, she was given whatever she desired to bring with her. She would be there only for a day from evening until morning under the care of the eunuch, Shaashgaz. After that, she would never return to the king unless the king specifically asked for her by name again. When it was Esther’s turn, she asked for nothing except for Hegai’s advice. Esther was a beauty who attracted those who saw her. She came to King Ahasuerus’ palace in the tenth month, the month of Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign. The king was immediately attracted to Esther and made her his queen instead of Vashti. He gave a great banquet for her and invited all the nobles and officials. He also granted a remission of taxes to the provinces and gave gifts to everyone.

Although it was God’s plan and will to make Esther queen to deliver the Jews, she was placed under Mordecai, her uncle when she must submit to his instructions to be where she was now. When we are willing to avail ourselves wholly in submission to the person God has placed over us then we can be greatly used by God just like Esther. Our prayers must be: “O Lord, teach me to submit fully to you through those you have placed above.” God’s plan is meant to prosper us not harm us just as He prospered Esther and Mordecai.

In verses 19-23, after Esther became queen, Mordecai discovered a plot against the king. He told Esther to inform the king on his behalf. The two men, Bigthan and Teresh were found guilty after the investigation and hanged to death. God used Mordecai and Esther to save the king and win his trust in preparation to save them from a greater plot by Haman. We must be faithful to do what is right then God can use us to do greater things for Him.

Prayer: Lord, help us to learn to submit to those you place over us so we can be used to fulfill the greater things you may have for us to do. Help us to be faithful in small things so we can be ready to be faithful to do greater things for you, O Lord!