Esther’s brave obedience paved the way for the deliverance of an entire nation.
When Scripture tells us that “The king loved Esther more than all the women, and she found favor and kindness with him more than all the virgins” (v.17), we see that this young Jewish woman captured the heart of King Ahasuerus. King Ahasuerus, historically identified with Xerxes I, ruled over the Persian Empire from 486-465 BC. The empire’s capital at the time was Susa (in modern southwestern Iran), a significant center of power and trade. This statement highlights Esther’s unique standing among many other hopeful candidates in the royal harem, underscoring her God-ordained rise to influence.
The verse continues by emphasizing that “…he set the royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti” (v.17). This act marks the peak of Esther’s elevation—from exiled Jewish orphan to Queenship in the Persian realm. Through her coronation, God prepared Esther for a pivotal role that would eventually lead to the preservation of the Jewish people (Esther 4:14). In a larger biblical sense, this preservation of the Jewish nation carried forward the lineage through which Jesus the Messiah would later come (Galatians 4:4).
In this moment, “…she found favor and kindness with him” (v.17) calls to mind how the Lord can work powerfully within political systems to accomplish His purposes, echoing how God often grants favor to His chosen instruments (e.g., Joseph in Genesis 39:21). Esther’s ascension was not a mere political maneuver; it was part of a divine design to protect God’s covenant people. Her example reminds readers that, regardless of their background, God can grant favor to accomplish His saving work.
Set to dark mode
Esther 2:17 meaning
When Scripture tells us that “The king loved Esther more than all the women, and she found favor and kindness with him more than all the virgins” (v.17), we see that this young Jewish woman captured the heart of King Ahasuerus. King Ahasuerus, historically identified with Xerxes I, ruled over the Persian Empire from 486-465 BC. The empire’s capital at the time was Susa (in modern southwestern Iran), a significant center of power and trade. This statement highlights Esther’s unique standing among many other hopeful candidates in the royal harem, underscoring her God-ordained rise to influence.
The verse continues by emphasizing that “…he set the royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti” (v.17). This act marks the peak of Esther’s elevation—from exiled Jewish orphan to Queenship in the Persian realm. Through her coronation, God prepared Esther for a pivotal role that would eventually lead to the preservation of the Jewish people (Esther 4:14). In a larger biblical sense, this preservation of the Jewish nation carried forward the lineage through which Jesus the Messiah would later come (Galatians 4:4).
In this moment, “…she found favor and kindness with him” (v.17) calls to mind how the Lord can work powerfully within political systems to accomplish His purposes, echoing how God often grants favor to His chosen instruments (e.g., Joseph in Genesis 39:21). Esther’s ascension was not a mere political maneuver; it was part of a divine design to protect God’s covenant people. Her example reminds readers that, regardless of their background, God can grant favor to accomplish His saving work.