Esther Becomes Queen

Esther Becomes Queen

 

Esther 2:1-18

 

The process of selecting a new queen to replace Queen Vashti begins. Esther, the adopted daughter of Mordecai the Jew, enters the palace along with several other young women.

 

King Ahasuerus, who was concerned about the dethronement of Queen Vashti, proceeded to select a new queen according to the advice of his young officials. Meanwhile, in the castle of Susa, there lived Mordecai, a man from the tribe of Benjamin from Judah who had been taken captive during the reign of King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. He had adopted his cousin Esther as his adopted daughter at an early age, and Esther had an outstanding appearance.

The officials of the provinces selected the virgins and sent them to the citadel of Susa, and Esther was selected and entered as a concubine. Hegai, the eunuch who was in charge of the virgins, treated Esther specially and advised her to please the king. Thanks to this, Esther won the king's favor and became queen. The king held a banquet for Esther, exempted the provinces from taxes, and gave rewards to his officials in his name.

 

The people of Judah, who lost their country, were taken captive, and lived as the lower class of the empire, had no place to rely on. However, God took care of them by intervening in the history of the empire. Although the world is currently suffering from the military and economic power of the great powers, it is ultimately God who moves the world. Let us pray that the war will end quickly and peace will be established.

 

Mordecai was a man of great kindness who raised his cousin, who had lost his parents, as his own daughter during a time when he was a captive. His character shines even brighter when he steps forward to help his fellow countrymen in crisis. Let us also take care of our suffering neighbors and fulfill our given roles for the restoration of our country and community.

 

May I become a good tool for the good work of the Lord in all the places I belong!

 

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