Bible Study

*Just for your thoughts.*

The Book of Esther — Bible Study 7

*Expository Commentary on the Book of Esther*

The Favor Esther Received.*

God used Esther as an instrument to save the people of Israel from the danger that was coming upon them.

In* *order to accomplish His purpose, He caused her to receive favor from many* *people* . That human favor elevated her to a high position, through which she fulfilled the great responsibility of protecting the Jewish people.

Had God not granted her such favor, she might have failed in her attempt to save Israel. The favor God bestowed upon her became the means by which His will was fulfilled.

In *the Book of Esther, we find four occasions where the idea of “receiving favor” is mentioned. Each of these moments became a major turning point in her life.* Let us briefly look at them.
1. The Favor of Hegai
Hegai, the keeper of the women in the palace, showed special care toward Esther.
“And the maiden pleased him, and she obtained kindness of him.”
(Esther 2:9)
As a result:
She received the best care
She was given the best place
She received preference over the other women
This was the first door God opened for her.

2. The Favor of Everyone
Though Esther was a Jewish orphan girl, she was brought into the royal palace.
“Esther obtained favor in the sight of all them that looked upon her.”
(Esther 2:15)
It was not merely her outward beauty that attracted people, but also her humility, quiet spirit, and obedience that won their hearts.

3. The Favor of Ahasuerus — Raised as Queen
The king loved Esther more than all the other women.
“The king loved Esther above all the women… and he set the royal crown upon her head.”
(Esther 2:17)
A woman belonging to a captive race was elevated to become the queen of a vast empire because of divine favor.

4. The Favor That Saved Her from Death in the King’s Presence
Anyone who approached the king without being summoned could be sentenced to death. But when Esther went before the king, he extended the golden scepter to her.
“Esther obtained favor in his sight.”
(Esther 5:2)
This favor:
Saved her life
Became the pathway for the deliverance of the Jews
Favor Used to Save God’s People
Esther did not receive favor merely for herself, but for the salvation of an entire nation. Mordecai’s words make this very clear:
“Who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”
(Esther 4:14)

*In other words, God placed her in the right position at the right time.*
Other People in the Bible Who Received Favor
Throughout Scripture, those who received God-given favor were elevated to positions of influence and purpose.
Daniel
Daniel received favor from the officials around him. This helped elevate his holy and faithful life.
Joseph
Joseph received favor from Potiphar. The events that followed eventually raised him to the position next to Pharaoh in Egypt. Through that position, he preserved both Egypt and his own family during the famine.

Jesus Christ
Even Jesus Christ, the Son of God, while living as a man on earth,
“Increased in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man.”
(Luke 2:52)
The Importance of Human Favor
Therefore, the favor of people is very important in our lives. No matter how many talents or abilities we possess, human favor still plays a significant role in life.
However, the One who grants that favor is God Himself. *True favor does not come through flattery or by merely trying to please people* . *The favor that God gives helps fulfill His will in our lives.*
If even the Son of God needed human favor in order to accomplish the Father’s will in this world, how much more do we need it?
Conclusion
Therefore, let us daily pray to God for favor with people. The human favor granted by God can accomplish great things in our lives beyond what we could ever imagine. At the same time, it enables us to fulfill the will of God.
So let us continually seek favor from God and fulfill His divine purpose in our lives.