Esther was chosen as queen by divine providence to position her for a critical moment in Israel’s history, where she would be used to preserve the Jewish people from annihilation. Though she was a young Jewish woman living in exile, God orchestrated events that led to her elevation for His purpose.
After Queen Vashti refused to appear before King Ahasuerus, she was removed from her royal position. A search was launched for a new queen, leading to Esther’s selection:
“The king loved Esther more than all the other women, and she obtained grace and favor in his sight more than all the virgins; so he set the royal crown upon her head…”
(Esther 2:17)
Esther had been raised by her cousin Mordecai, who instructed her not to reveal her Jewish identity (Esther 2:10). Her humility, obedience, and inner beauty gained the favor of all who saw her.
Later, when Haman plotted to destroy all Jews in the kingdom, Mordecai urged Esther to intercede:
“Who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”
(Esther 4:14)
Though the law prohibited approaching the king uninvited, under penalty of death, Esther responded in faith:
“I will go to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish.”
(Esther 4:16)
Through her courage and wisdom, she exposed Haman’s plot, saved her people, and saw him executed. The Jews were granted permission to defend themselves, and the feast of Purim was established in remembrance.
Esther’s story highlights God’s unseen hand guiding events, using ordinary people in extraordinary ways. Her rise to queenship was not chance, but divine appointment for deliverance and preservation.
