Esther Rags to Riches, Part 1

Eleanor Roosevelt holds the record as the First Lady of the United States who served for the longest amount of time—a consecutive 12 years alongside her husband, President Franklin D. Roosevelt. She was known for her unconventionally active take on her role and was an outspoken advocate for human and civil rights. Lesser known is the fact that she was orphaned at only 10 years old.

Another orphan who rose through the ranks of an empire, Esther was an exceptionally beautiful girl raised by her cousin Mordecai after the death of her parents (Esther 2:7). She and Mordecai lived during the peak of the ancient Persian kingdom in the capital of Susa, or Shushan. But they were not natives; they were descendants of a Jewish contingent seized by the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar over a century before (vv. 5, 6). Esther was nothing more than an obscure refugee.

But one day, a new decree was issued: All the young virgins from every corner of the realm were to be brought before the king so that he could choose from among them a new bride. Esther, along with all the others, was taken to the royal palace to be overseen by an official named Hegai (v. 8).

Now Esther was not only beautiful in form, she also possessed beauty of character. Brought up under Mordecai’s care, she had become a God-fearing young woman. Now ensconced in the Persian palace, she immediately caught the eye of Hegai, he no doubt doubly endeared by her comeliness as well as her kindness. And it was not only Hegai who noticed her: “Esther obtained favor in the sight of all who saw her” (v. 15). So it was that when she was presented to King Ahasuerus, also known as Xerxes I, that he likewise saw what everyone else had and chose her as his new queen (v. 17).

While this may seem like a fairy tale, the life of Queen Esther was so much greater. And unlike a fairy tale, she was not yet to have her happily ever after.

Reflect: In what capacities do you interact with those who do not share your same faith? What are you known for among them?

Key Bible Texts

Do all things without murmurings and disputings: (Philippians 2:14 KJV)