Table of Contents
A Vacancy on the Throne
Esther chapter 2 details the Persian empire’s search for a new queen to replace the deposed Vashti. The chapter introduces the book’s central characters, Esther and her cousin Mordecai, and chronicles Esther’s unlikely journey from an unknown Jewish orphan to the queen of the most powerful empire in the world. The process is entirely secular, a state-sponsored beauty contest, yet it is through this worldly system that God’s hidden providence places his chosen agent in a position of influence. The chapter also introduces a seemingly minor subplot—Mordecai uncovering an assassination plot—that will prove to be of critical importance later in the story. This chapter demonstrates how God works silently and invisibly, arranging circumstances and positioning people to accomplish His redemptive purposes.
The Search for a New Queen
(Esther 2:1-4) Sometime after the events of chapter 1, King Ahasuerus’s anger had subsided, and he began to think about Vashti and what had been decreed against her. His regret was evident, but the irrevocable decree made a reconciliation impossible. Sensing the king’s mood, his attendants proposed a solution: a search should be made for beautiful young virgins throughout all 127 provinces of the empire. Royal officials would be appointed in every province to gather these women and bring them to the harem in the citadel of Susa. There, they would be placed under the care of Hegai, the king’s eunuch in charge of the women, and would undergo a period of cosmetic treatments. The young woman who pleased the king the most would then become queen in place of Vashti. The king was pleased with this plan, and the search began. This plan reveals the values of the Persian court, where a queen was chosen not for her character or wisdom, but for her physical beauty and her ability to please the king.
Esther and Mordecai are Introduced
(Esther 2:5-7) The narrative now shifts from the grandeur of the palace to introduce the story’s Jewish protagonists. In the citadel of Susa lived a Jewish man named Mordecai. His lineage is carefully noted: he was a Benjamite, a descendant of Kish, who had been carried into exile from Jerusalem with King Jeconiah of Judah by Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. This detail connects him directly to the history of God’s covenant people and their experience of judgment and exile.
Mordecai was the guardian of his cousin, Hadassah, whose name is also given as Esther. She was an orphan, and Mordecai had adopted her as his own daughter. The text highlights two key facts about her: she was “lovely in form and beautiful,” which made her a candidate for the king’s search, and she was Jewish, a fact that would soon be concealed. Mordecai’s loving care for his orphaned cousin stands in stark contrast to the king’s selfish and exploitative treatment of women.
Esther Finds Favor
(Esther 2:8-18) When the king’s edict was proclaimed, Esther was among the many young women taken to the king’s harem. From the beginning, she stood out. She “pleased” Hegai, the keeper of the women, and “won his favor.” He immediately provided her with her beauty treatments and special food, gave her seven chosen young women from the palace to attend to her, and moved her and her attendants to the best place in the harem.
Throughout this time, Esther followed Mordecai’s instructions and did not reveal her Jewish heritage. Mordecai’s concern for her was constant; every day he would walk in front of the court of the harem to learn how she was and what was happening to her. The preparation period for each young woman was extensive: twelve months of beauty treatments, six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with spices and cosmetics. When a woman’s turn came to go to the king, she could take whatever she wanted with her from the harem to the palace. After one night with the king, she would be moved to a second harem for concubines and would not see the king again unless he was pleased with her and summoned her by name.
When it was Esther’s turn, she displayed a remarkable wisdom and humility. She did not request anything except what Hegai, the king’s eunuch, advised. This act of trust and modesty made her stand out, and “Esther was winning favor in the eyes of all who saw her.” When she was brought before King Ahasuerus, he “loved Esther more than all the other women, and she won grace and favor in his sight more than all the virgins.” He placed the royal crown on her head and made her queen. To celebrate, the king held a great feast, “Esther’s feast,” for all his officials and servants. He also proclaimed a holiday for the provinces and gave gifts with royal generosity.
Mordecai Saves the King
(Esther 2:19-23) The chapter concludes with a crucial event that seems disconnected from the main story but is, in fact, a key element of God’s providential plan. While Mordecai was sitting at the king’s gate, a position that suggests he held some minor official role, he overheard two of the king’s eunuchs, Bigthan and Teresh, plotting to assassinate King Ahasuerus. Mordecai immediately reported the conspiracy to Queen Esther, who in turn told the king, giving full credit to Mordecai. The matter was investigated, the plot was confirmed, and the two traitors were hanged. This important event—Mordecai’s loyalty and his saving of the king’s life—was recorded in the “Book of the Chronicles,” the official records of the kingdom, in the king’s presence. At the time, the act went unrewarded, but its official documentation sets the stage for a dramatic reversal later in the story.
Verse by Verse
(Esther 2:1-4) The king’s servants propose a plan to find a new queen by gathering beautiful virgins from across the empire.
(Esther 2:5-7) Mordecai, a Jew from the tribe of Benjamin, is introduced, along with his beautiful orphaned cousin, Esther, whom he had raised.
(Esther 2:8-11) Esther is taken into the royal harem. She wins the favor of Hegai, the chief eunuch. Following Mordecai’s command, she keeps her Jewish identity a secret.
(Esther 2:12-14) The elaborate twelve-month process of beautification for the candidates is described, as well as the procedure for them to spend a night with the king.
(Esther 2:15-17) When her turn comes, Esther’s wisdom and beauty win the king’s heart. He loves her more than any other and makes her his queen.
(Esther 2:18) The king holds a great banquet in Esther’s honor, proclaims a holiday, and gives out gifts.
(Esther 2:19-23) Mordecai, while at the king’s gate, uncovers a plot to assassinate the king. He reports it through Esther, the plotters are executed, and Mordecai’s good deed is recorded in the royal chronicles.
Cross References
Genesis 41:14: When Joseph was summoned from prison to interpret Pharaoh’s dream, he shaved and changed his clothes. This preparation for appearing before a monarch is a faint echo of the elaborate preparations the women in Esther’s story underwent. Both stories show God’s people being prepared to enter a pagan court for a divine purpose.
Daniel 1:8-9: Daniel, another Jewish exile in a foreign court, “found favor and compassion” from the chief of the eunuchs. This is a strong parallel to Esther winning the favor of Hegai. In both cases, God is shown to be working behind the scenes, granting favor to His people in positions of vulnerability.
Proverbs 21:1: “The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD; he turns it wherever he will.” This proverb is perfectly illustrated by King Ahasuerus’s deep and immediate love for Esther. From a human perspective, it was her beauty and grace, but from a divine perspective, God was turning the king’s heart to place His chosen person on the throne.
Deuteronomy 31:18: God warned Israel that if they turned to other gods, “I will surely hide my face in that day.” The complete absence of God’s name in the book of Esther is seen by many scholars as a literary reflection of this “hidden face.” God is still present and active, but He is working providentially, behind the scenes, rather than through open miracles.
Genesis 12:3: God’s covenant promise to Abraham was, “I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse.” Mordecai’s actions in this chapter can be seen through this lens. By saving the king’s life, he “blessed” the authority over him, and this act, though initially forgotten, will lead to great blessing for him and his people.