*The Book of Esther — Bible Study 4* *Expository Commentary on the Book of Esther*
*Just for your thoughts.*
*The Book of Esther — Bible Study 4*
*Expository Commentary on the Book of Esther*
In the book of Esther, we can see many twists and2:12 turns — unexpected reversals and dramatic changes.
From beginning to end, this book is filled with astonishing developments.
In the first chapter, Vashti, who was the queen of the mighty Persian Empire, was removed from her royal position in a single day. But in the very next chapter, Esther, an ordinary Jewish young woman, was crowned queen of that same empire.
The central event of the second chapter is Esther’s elevation as queen. Among all the women, Esther received special favor and grace in the sight of King Ahasuerus, and she was chosen and crowned as queen.
Some describe this event as a “Beauty Contest.” This is because beautiful young women from across the vast Persian Empire were brought into the palace. They underwent twelve months of beauty preparations. For six months they were treated with oil of myrrh, and for another six months with perfumes and cosmetics (Esther 2:12). Afterward, each woman was sent to meet the king according to her turn.
After spending one night with the king, if she pleased him, she could be elevated to the position of queen; otherwise, she would be sent to the house of the concubines. This event became a major turning point in the life of every young woman involved.
“Either queen or concubine.”
However, this event should not be viewed merely as a modern-day “beauty contest.” There are several reasons for this:
This was not a one-day event, but a long royal selection process.
The women were sent to meet the king only after a full year of preparation.
Esther was treated not as a Jewish woman, but as a citizen of Persia.
The Bible says that she was “taken” and “brought” to the palace. In other words, she did not go there merely by personal choice, but in obedience to the king’s command.
Esther did not reveal her Jewish identity and continued using her Persian name.
Therefore, Esther’s coronation cannot be seen merely as a beauty contest. Behind all these events, we can clearly see the hidden hand of God at work.
The king’s favor toward Esther was not based on her beauty alone; beyond all that, the sovereignty of God was actively working. Through these events, God was preparing Esther beforehand to save His people from a future great destruction of the Jews.
Human beings cannot fully understand why God shows greater favor and grace to some and lifts them up in extraordinary ways. Therefore, one important truth every believer must learn in life is this: we must honor the sovereignty of God and learn to live without murmuring, with a contented heart.
“The sovereignty of God is the pillow upon which the child of God rests his head at night.”
— Charles Spurgeon