Esther, an orphaned Jewish girl adopted by her cousin, finds herself uniquely positioned in Persian society to one day intercede for her people.
In “He was bringing up Hadassah (that is Esther), his uncle’s daughter, for she had no father or mother. Now the young lady was beautiful of form and face, and when her father and her mother died, Mordecai took her as his own daughter” (v.7), we learn that Esther, whose Hebrew name is Hadassah, became an orphan. This detail underscores both her vulnerability and the divine orchestration that placed her in a unique position within the Persian Empire. Mordecai, her older relative, is introduced as a caring guardian who stepped in when Esther’s parents passed away. Historically, Mordecai is understood to be a Jew living in the Persian city of Susa around 480-470 BC, following the Babylonian captivity of the Jewish people (Esther 2:5-6). The city of Susa was located in what is today southwestern Iran, and it served as a major administrative capital of the Persian kings.
By identifying Esther as “beautiful of form and face” (v.7), the verse highlights certain qualities that would prove vital in her later involvement with King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I). Mordecai’s compassionate act of adopting her as his own benefited not only Esther but also the Jewish people, who would eventually rely on her courage to stand before the king on their behalf. This familial bond between Mordecai and Esther lays the foundation for the unfolding drama, where God’s hand can be seen using everyday people, even an orphan raised by a cousin, to bring about deliverance. Similar themes of caring for the vulnerable appear elsewhere in Scripture, such as James 1:27, reminding believers of God’s concern for orphans and widows.
Beyond the immediate story, “Mordecai took her as his own daughter” (v.7) shows a redemptive picture of adoption and guardianship that points to the heart of God’s care for His people. Although the Book of Esther never explicitly mentions God, His sovereignty and providence are on display throughout, reminiscent of how Jesus would later call His followers to trust in the Father’s loving provision (Matthew 6:31-33). Esther’s life, protected and nurtured by Mordecai, sets the stage for her to one day act in faith and boldness, reflecting God’s purposeful plan for all who are willing to step into the roles He has prepared for them.
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Esther 2:7 meaning
In “He was bringing up Hadassah (that is Esther), his uncle’s daughter, for she had no father or mother. Now the young lady was beautiful of form and face, and when her father and her mother died, Mordecai took her as his own daughter” (v.7), we learn that Esther, whose Hebrew name is Hadassah, became an orphan. This detail underscores both her vulnerability and the divine orchestration that placed her in a unique position within the Persian Empire. Mordecai, her older relative, is introduced as a caring guardian who stepped in when Esther’s parents passed away. Historically, Mordecai is understood to be a Jew living in the Persian city of Susa around 480-470 BC, following the Babylonian captivity of the Jewish people (Esther 2:5-6). The city of Susa was located in what is today southwestern Iran, and it served as a major administrative capital of the Persian kings.
By identifying Esther as “beautiful of form and face” (v.7), the verse highlights certain qualities that would prove vital in her later involvement with King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I). Mordecai’s compassionate act of adopting her as his own benefited not only Esther but also the Jewish people, who would eventually rely on her courage to stand before the king on their behalf. This familial bond between Mordecai and Esther lays the foundation for the unfolding drama, where God’s hand can be seen using everyday people, even an orphan raised by a cousin, to bring about deliverance. Similar themes of caring for the vulnerable appear elsewhere in Scripture, such as James 1:27, reminding believers of God’s concern for orphans and widows.
Beyond the immediate story, “Mordecai took her as his own daughter” (v.7) shows a redemptive picture of adoption and guardianship that points to the heart of God’s care for His people. Although the Book of Esther never explicitly mentions God, His sovereignty and providence are on display throughout, reminiscent of how Jesus would later call His followers to trust in the Father’s loving provision (Matthew 6:31-33). Esther’s life, protected and nurtured by Mordecai, sets the stage for her to one day act in faith and boldness, reflecting God’s purposeful plan for all who are willing to step into the roles He has prepared for them.