Beauty of Esther

We are told of the beauty of Esther in this chapter, when we are introduced to more characters. First we meed, Mordecai, and then we meet his niece, Hadassah (Esther).

5 In Shushan the citadel there was a certain Jew whose name was Mordecai the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite. 6 Kish had been carried away from Jerusalem with the captives who had been captured with Jeconiah king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away. 7 And Mordecai had brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle’s daughter, for she had neither father nor mother. The young woman was lovely and beautiful. When her father and mother died, Mordecai took her as his own daughter. 8 So it was, when the king’s command and decree were heard, and when many young women were gathered at Shushan the citadel, under the custody of Hegai, that Esther also was taken to the king’s palace, into the care of Hegai the custodian of the women. 9 Now the young woman pleased him, and she obtained his favor; so he readily gave beauty preparations to her, besides her allowance. Then seven choice maidservants were provided for her from the king’s palace, and he moved her and her maidservants to the best place in the house of the women.

(Esther 2:5-9, New King James Version)

In this chapter, we are introduced to more characters. First we meed, Mordecai, and then we meet his niece, Hadassah, or Esther, and we are told about the beauty of Esther.

What are we told about Esther?

And Mordecai had brought up Hadassah, his uncle’s daughter, for she had neither father nor mother. The young woman was lovely and beautiful. When her father and mother died, Mordecai took her as his own daughter.

Of course, her unusual beauty did not escape Mordecai, so when he learned of the king's proclamation, he saw an opportunity for his niece, whom he loved like a daughter.

But, something else is introduced to us, regarding Esther. When she was placed under the care of Hegai, the custodian of the women, he observed her inner beauty as well. In fact, he was so pleased with her that we are told, he readily gave beauty preparations to her, besides her allowance. Then seven choice maidservants were provided for her from the king’s palace, and he moved her and her maidservants to the best place in the house of the women.

We can already see the hand of God moving in her life, can we not? Think a moment about that woman being you (or you sister, if you are a guy). How well would you (or she) do in the women's court? I am not talking about outer beauty here; every woman here was beautiful. Exactly what would set you apart from the others?

We may or may not have the beauty of Esther, but we must fill yourselves with the beauty of the Lord; we should go to Him and ask for help becoming the best person for Christ that we can be. As we think of future plans, let us think about where Christ may be leading us. The riches of this world endure for a moment, but the kingdom of God lasts forever!

Next: Queen Esther