Esther Chapter 2: A Queen is Chosen

In this exciting chapter of Esther, we see Esther rise from a humble orphan to the queen of Persia!

Key Events

• The Search for a New Queen: After Queen Vashti is removed from her position, King Xerxes starts a search throughout the kingdom to find a new queen.
• Esther’s Beauty: Esther, a beautiful and kind young Jewish woman, is chosen to be part of the selection process. Her cousin Mordecai advises her to keep her Jewish identity a secret.
• Preparation for the King: The women go through a lengthy beauty treatment to prepare for their presentation to the king.
• Esther’s Favour: Esther finds favour in the eyes of Hegai, the king’s eunuch who is in charge of the women. She also wins the love of all who see her.
• The King Chooses Esther: King Xerxes chooses Esther to be his new queen and holds a great feast to celebrate her.
• Mordecai’s Discovery: Mordecai, while working at the king’s gate, overhears a plot to assassinate the king and reports it to Esther. Esther then informs the king, saving his life.

Study Questions

1. Trusting God’s Plan: How does Esther’s story show that God can use anyone, even someone from an ordinary background, to fulfil His purposes?
2. Inner Beauty: Even though Esther was physically beautiful, what other qualities did she have that made her stand out?
3. Obedience: How does Esther show obedience to Mordecai’s advice? What can we learn from this?
4. Hidden Identity: Why do you think Esther kept her Jewish identity a secret? Was it the right thing to do?
5. Providence: How does this chapter show that God is always working behind the scenes, even when we can’t see Him?

This chapter is full of suspense and excitement as we see Esther become queen. But it also sets the stage for the challenges she will face in the chapters to come. It’s a reminder that God can use anyone, even a young orphan girl, to accomplish great things!