Finding Favor in the King's Eyes: Lessons from Esther

"And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favour in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti." - Esther 2:17

Esther 2:17 - "And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favour in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti."

Esther 2:17 (KJV) states, "And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favour in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti." This scripture encapsulates not just a moment of triumph but a beautiful illustration of God's providential care and the significance of favor in the life of a believer.

The Book of Esther unfolds a remarkable story of courage, identity, and divine intervention in the face of adversity. At its heart is Esther, a young Jewish woman who is thrust into a royal palace and faced with decisions that could impact the fate of her entire people. Her journey from a position of obscurity to becoming the queen of Persia exemplifies God's ability to use unlikely individuals for His purposes. In this journey, we see the profound implications of grace and favor, themes that resonate deeply within both the Old and New Testaments.

To understand the weight of Esther's experience, we must first contextualize her situation. Esther was an orphan, raised by her cousin Mordecai in a foreign land under a decree of the Persian king Ahasuerus that dethroned his previous queen, Vashti. The landscape of her life was dictated by circumstances that were beyond her control. Yet, through divine orchestration, she was selected among many others to enter the royal harem.

The scripture notes that Esther "obtained grace and favour in his sight more than all the virgins." Grace is not merely unmerited favor; it signifies being endowed with special privilege and honor. This favor is not something that can be demanded, nor is it based on human merit or qualifications. Instead, it is a divine gift, often resulting from quiet obedience to God's will. Esther's favor came through her character and integrity, and perhaps, it is here we glean the first lesson: favor often follows the faithful.

Esther approached her new reality with a mix of humility and boldness. She submitted herself to an exhaustive preparation process, demonstrating diligence and respect for the customs of the palace. Her willingness to embrace the experiences shaped her character, fortifying her for the role ahead. As believers, our preparation for God's calling often involves a time of seeming obscurity and obedience. We too must embrace our own paths, knowing that God prepares us in the secret places before placing us in the limelight.

Moreover, the favor Esther obtained can be seen as a reflection of her inner beauty rather than her outward appearance alone. The favor that Ahasuerus showed her was not simply based on her physical allure; it stemmed from a depth that resonated with the king. In 1 Samuel 16:7, we are reminded that God does not look at the outward appearance but at the heart. In our pursuit of favor in our lives—whether at work, in relationships, or within our communities—let us not focus solely on external characteristics, but let us cultivate the heart of Christ within us.

Finally, the passage culminates in the significant moment when the crown is placed upon her head. This act signifies not just her elevation in status but her call to influence. Each of us is gifted and equipped by God to serve in unique ways, and oftentimes it is through our own trials and challenges that God is preparing us for a certain influence in His kingdom.

As we reflect on Esther's story, let us seek to live a life characterized by grace and favor. May we walk in obedience, prepare diligently for our call, and cultivate a heart that reflects Christ's love. Ultimately, as we seek first the kingdom of God, we will find ourselves in a place of favor, exactly where we are meant to be for His glory.

Esther 2:17 Artwork

Esther 5:2

Esther 4:17 - "So Mordecai went his way, and did according to all that Esther had commanded him."

Esther 5:2

Esther 2:22 - "And the thing was known to Mordecai, who told it unto Esther the queen; and Esther certified the king thereof in Mordecai's name."

Esther 5:2 - "And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained favour in his sight: and the king held out to Esther the golden sceptre that was in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the sceptre."

Esther 7:2 - "And the king said again unto Esther on the second day at the banquet of wine, What is thy petition, queen Esther? and it shall be granted thee: and what is thy request? and it shall be performed, even to the half of the kingdom."

Esther 2:20 - "Esther had not yet shewed her kindred nor her people; as Mordecai had charged her: for Esther did the commandment of Mordecai, like as when she was brought up with him."

Esther 2:11 - "And Mordecai walked every day before the court of the women's house, to know how Esther did, and what should become of her."

Esther 9:17 - "On the thirteenth day of the month Adar; and on the fourteenth day of the same rested they, and made it a day of feasting and gladness."

Esther 2:10 - "Esther had not shewed her people nor her kindred: for Mordecai had charged her that she should not shew it."

Esther 8:2 - "And the king took off his ring, which he had taken from Haman, and gave it unto Mordecai. And Esther set Mordecai over the house of Haman."

Esther 2:16 - "So Esther was taken unto king Ahasuerus into his house royal in the tenth month, which is the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign."

Esther 2:2 - "Then said the king's servants that ministered unto him, Let there be fair young virgins sought for the king:"

Esther 2:15 - "¶ Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, was come to go in unto the king, she required nothing but what Hegai the king's chamberlain, the keeper of the women, appointed. And Esther obtained favour in the sight of all them that looked upon her."

Esther 1:2 - "That in those days, when the king Ahasuerus sat on the throne of his kingdom, which was in Shushan the palace,"

Esther 2:19 - "And when the virgins were gathered together the second time, then Mordecai sat in the king's gate."

Esther 2:7 - "And he brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle's daughter: for she had neither father nor mother, and the maid was fair and beautiful; whom Mordecai, when her father and mother were dead, took for his own daughter."

Esther 4:2 - "And came even before the king's gate: for none might enter into the king's gate clothed with sackcloth."

Esther 2:8 - "¶ So it came to pass, when the king's commandment and his decree was heard, and when many maidens were gathered together unto Shushan the palace, to the custody of Hegai, that Esther was brought also unto the king's house, to the custody of Hegai, keeper of the women."

Esther 2:4 - "And let the maiden which pleaseth the king be queen instead of Vashti. And the thing pleased the king; and he did so."

Acts 2:17

Genesis 17:2

Esther 2:5 - "¶ Now in Shushan the palace there was a certain Jew, whose name was Mordecai, the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite;"

Acts 2:17

Esther 2:1 - "After these things, when the wrath of king Ahasuerus was appeased, he remembered Vashti, and what she had done, and what was decreed against her."

Esther 1:17 - "For this deed of the queen shall come abroad unto all women, so that they shall despise their husbands in their eyes, when it shall be reported, The king Ahasuerus commanded Vashti the queen to be brought in before him, but she came not."