Esther 2:5-20

For Reading and Meditation:     Esther 2:15-20

The twelve-month period for those who were being groomed for selection as queen is now at an end and the day arrives on which the new queen of Persia is to be selected. Esther, along with the other contestants, is given access to all the perfume and finery that she desires. Just imagine that! It's rather like saying:...

For Reading and Meditation:     Esther 2:11-14

We made the point yesterday that Mordecai advised Esther not to reveal her Jewish identity because of a divinely given consciousness that both he and she were part of God's purposes for their age. Can you imagine, therefore, with what care and concern he must have conducted his daily vigil outside the palace gates? We...

For Reading and Meditation:     Esther 2:10

The advice given by Mordecai to Esther that under no circumstance is she to reveal she is a Jewess indicates that he had some awareness of God's purpose to use Esther's presence in the palace to accomplish divine ends. It also provides us with a more complete answer to the question we posed several days ago when we wondered...

For Reading and Meditation:     Esther 2:8-9

One of the most fascinating things about Old Testament history is the way in which God used those who did not believe in Him to further His purposes. Cyrus, the creator of the Persian Empire, is one such example. Yet Isaiah shows us how, behind all his conquests, a divine purpose was at work: "I will strengthen you, though...

For Reading and Meditation:     Esther 2:1-6

Having taken steps to remove Vashti from the throne, plans are set in motion for the selection of a new queen. Thus the first "Miss World" contest gets under way. The king appoints officers in all the provinces of his kingdom, presumably to arrange knock-out competitions so that by process of elimination only the best...

For Reading and Meditation:     Esther 2:7-8

Yesterday we saw how God's purposeful and loving hand had gently guided Mordecai to Susa in Persia in order that he might be the right man in the right place at the right time. Today we meet the woman who is the centerpiece of the story - the lovely Esther. She was, in fact, the adopted daughter of Mordecai. He had taken...