Esther 2
Meaning of Esther 2
Esther 2 is a chapter in the biblical Book of Esther. This chapter tells about King Ahasuerus, who decided to choose a new queen after deposing Queen Vashti for her disobedience. The king ordered his officers to gather all the beautiful, young virgins in the kingdom so that he might choose a new queen.
Out of all these women, a Jewish maiden named Esther, who was in the custody of her cousin Mordecai (since she was an orphan), was selected, and she gained favor in the king’s sight more than any of the other virgins. She was then made queen instead of Vashti while she kept her Jewish heritage a secret.
Additionally, in this chapter, Mordecai discovered a plot against the king, reported it and it was stopped, but his deed was simply recorded in the king’s book of chronicles.
In essence, it speaks about Esther’s rise to queenhood and sets the stage for the rest of the story.
Esther 2 kjv
The book of Esther in the Bible is a historical account of Queen Esther’s life and how she came to power. Esther 2 (King James Version) focuses on the choosing of a new queen for King Ahasuerus after he divorced his queen, Vashti, for her disobedience.
The chapter begins with the King’s ministers suggesting that a search is made throughout the kingdom for beautiful young virgins so the King may choose a new queen. Esther, a Jewish orphan raised by her cousin, Mordecai, is among those chosen for the King’s harem. She finds favor in the eyes of Hegai, who ensures she gets the necessary beauty treatments and special food and assigns her seven maids from the King’s household.
When Esther goes to the King, she follows Hegai’s advice about what to take with her, and the King is immediately smitten with her. He places the royal crown on her head and declares her queen in place of Vashti. Following this, King Ahasuerus hosted a feast (Esther’s feast) to celebrate her coronation.
Meanwhile, Mordecai uncovers a plot by two of the King’s eunuchs, Bigthan and Teresh, who aim to kill the King. Mordecai relays this information to Esther. She tells the King about it, giving credit for the information to Mordecai. Events showing that Mordecai saved the King’s life are written in the book of the Chronicles in the King’s presence.
The story is littered with themes of providence, courage and survival, making it an important part of Jewish history. Esther eventually uses her position to save her people. As for the second chapter, it provides context about her ascension to becoming the Queen.
Esther 2 nkjv
Esther 2, in the New King James Version (NKJV), introduces the character of Esther and sets the stage for her to become queen. After Queen Vashti is banished for not obeying the king’s orders, King Ahasuerus begins to seek a new queen among the beautiful young virgins of the kingdom.
In verses 5-7, Esther (or Hadassah), a Jewish girl who is an orphan and raised by her cousin Mordecai, is introduced. Despite being Jewish in a Persian empire, Esther finds favor in the sight of Hegai, the king’s eunuch in charge of the women, who gives her special provisions and appoints her seven choice maidservants from the king’s palace.
From verse 12, the process of preparation for meeting the king is described, where each woman takes 12 months to prepare— six months with oil of myrrh and six months with perfumes and cosmetics. After this preparation, each young woman would go to the king. He then chose Esther above all others to be the new queen because she found favor in his sight more than all the other virgins. He put the royal crown upon her head and made a great feast, named Esther’s Feast, for all his officials and servants.
Meanwhile, Mordecai, who had a position in the king’s gate, discovered a plot against the king. He relayed the information to Esther, who reported it to the king on Mordecai’s behalf. After an investigation, the accusations were found to be true. The two eunuchs who were plotting against the king were hanged, and the matter was documented in the book of the chronicles in the presence of the king.
In summary, Esther 2 tells the story of Esther’s ascent to the throne as Queen, as well as Mordecai’s loyalty to the king in exposing a dangerous plot against him.
Esther 2 niv
Esther 2, in the New International Version (NIV) of the Bible, introduces the character of Esther and tells the story of how she became queen.
After Queen Vashti fell from King Xerxes’s favor because she defied him (Chapter 1), the king’s attendants suggested that beautiful young virgins be sought for the king. The king liked this idea and ordered officers to gather these women and bring them to the palace. They would then undergo beauty treatments and eventually, the king would select a new queen from among them.
In the province, there lived a Jew called Mordecai, who was raising his cousin Esther. Esther was beautiful and when the king’s order was put in motion, she was taken to the palace. Under the care of Hegai, the king’s eunuch in charge of the harem, Esther received beauty preparations. Everyone who saw Esther favored her, including Hegai, who provided her with the best place in the harem.
When it was her turn to go to the king, Esther requested only what Hegai suggested. King Xerxes liked Esther more than any of the other women and he placed the royal crown on her head, making her queen in place of Vashti. The king then gave a banquet in Esther’s honor.
Meanwhile, Mordecai had a position at the king’s gate. One day, he overheared two of the king’s officers plotting to assassinate King Xerxes. Mordecai informed Esther about this, who then reported the matter to the king in Mordecai’s name. The plotters were impaled on poles when the report was investigated and found to be true. These events were documented in the chronicles in the presence of the king but seemingly forgotten for the time being.
This chapter serves as Esther’s introduction. She is depicted as beautiful, obedient, and kind. The chapter also reveals key aspects of the narrative that will be important in the chapters that follow, including Mordecai’s loyalty to the king and the potential danger posed by those within the king’s own court.
What is Esther 2 all about?
Esther 2 is a chapter in the Book of Esther, from the Bible. The chapter details the story of Esther becoming queen.
The chapter begins when King Ahasuerus’ wrath has subsided after expelling queen Vashti from his presence. His servants then suggest that he should seek a new queen. So he ordered his officers to gather beautiful young virgins from the empire so he might choose Vashti’s successor.
One of these young women was a Jewish girl named Esther, who was being raised by her cousin Mordecai. Esther was taken to the house of women in the palace, where she won favor not only with Hegai, the king’s eunuch who was in charge of the women, but also with everyone who saw her. After a period of twelve months of purification prescribed for the women, she was taken to the king.
King Ahasuerus loved Esther more than all the other women and she became the new queen. But at Mordecai’s insistence, Esther did not reveal her Jewish identity. Following this, Mordecai uncovers a plot to assassinate the king, details of which he sends to the king through Esther.
In short, Esther 2 narrates the account of Esther’s rise to queenship and Mordecai’s loyalty to the king.
What does Esther 2 teaches?
In Esther chapter 2 in the Bible, there are a few themes that emerge that we can learn from:
1. God’s sovereign plan: Despite the fact that God is not directly mentioned, you can see His handiwork behind the scenes. Even though Esther didn’t go looking to become queen, God positioned her for such a time, showing that His plans are at work even when we don’t immediately recognize them.
2. Proverbs 21:1 in action: This verse says, “In the Lord’s hand, the king’s heart is a stream of water that he channels toward all who please him.” King Ahasuerus was not a follower of God, but God influenced his decisions to save his people.
3. Humility and obedience: Esther was obedient to her cousin Mordecai. Despite her new position as queen, she did not allow it to get to her head and continued taking guidance from him. This humility was an important part of her character.
4. Courage and favor: Esther was taken from her people and still rose to prominence. Esther found favor with everyone she met. She did not tell the king about her Jewish heritage upon the instruction of Mordecai, which was a courageous act considering the risks involved.
Overarching message of Esther 2 dictates that even when God seems silent, He’s always at work for our good and His glory. Before the end solution, obedience, humility, and gaining favor play a vital role.
A Sermon on Esther 2
Esther 2 is a chapter found in the Book of Esther in the Biblical Old Testament. The account contains essential moments that outline the rise of Esther to her queenly status, the stage of disobedience by Queen Vashti, and the divine providence operating behind the scenes. A Sermon on this chapter might focus on several key ideas:
1. Disobedience and Consequences: The chapter begins with the King’s anger subsiding after Queen Vashti’s disobedience to his command. She was banished from the kingdom, and a law was enacted that men shall hold reign in their households. This element can be expounded in a sermon to discuss the outcome of pride, disobedience, and the theme of submission.
2. God’s Sovereignty: The king’s servants suggest that he should select a new queen from the beautiful young virgins of the kingdom. Here, we can see God’s plan gradual unveiling even though He is never explicitly mentioned in the book. This can be an excellent opportunity for a sermon to discuss God’s sovereignty and His guidance, even when He seems to be silent.
3. The Rise of Esther: This chapter narrates Esther (Hadassah) being taken into the king’s palace because of her beauty. With her wisdom and the teaching from Mordecai, her guardian, she garnered favor from everyone, including King Xerxes himself. This can be a subject of discussion portraying humility, obedience, God’s favor and the importance of good mentorship.
4. An Act of Loyalty: Towards the end of the chapter, Mordecai uncovers a plot to kill the king and alerts Esther, who then reports it to Queen Esther. Due to Mordecai’s loyalty, the king’s life is saved. This part of the chapter can be used to preach about loyalty, righteousness, and our responsibility towards others’ well-being.
In essence, a sermon on Esther 2 would be about God’s providential control over our lives, the importance of obedience and humility, divine favor, and the value of loyalty and righteousness.
Key people in Esther 2
In Esther 2, there are four key people:
1. King Ahasuerus: He is the King of Persia who lost his wife Vashti as she refused his orders. In Act 2, he is searching for a new queen.
2. Esther: Esther, also known as Hadassah, is a young Jewish woman of exceptional beauty who is raised by her cousin Mordecai because she is an orphan. She becomes the new queen of Persia after winning the king’s favor in a beauty pageant. She keeps her Jewish identity a secret.
3. Mordecai: Mordecai is Esther’s cousin who raised her as if she were his own daughter. He is a Jewish man who works in the king’s palace, and he instills in Esther the importance of her Jewish heritage, and urges her to keep it a secret.
4. Hegai: Hegai is an official in King Ahasuerus’ court who is in charge of the harem. He shows favor to Esther by providing her with beauty treatments and special foods, as well as giving her seven maids from the palace and moving her to the best place in the harem.
Real world examples on Esther 2
“Esther 2” is a chapter of the Bible, specifically from the Old Testament book of Esther. Here are some real-world examples or applications based on Esther 2:
1. Esther’s Preparation for the King (Esther 2:12): Before Esther was presented to King Xerxes, she underwent twelve months of beauty treatments. This may parallel the process of preparation we undergo in life, whether it’s education, training for a job, or grooming for a particular role in the society.
2. Leveraging Position for Good (Esther 2:22): When Mordecai, Esther’s cousin, uncovers a plot to assassinate King Xerxes, he tells Esther, and she reports it to the king, giving full credit to Mordecai. This can be seen in real-world situations where individuals use their positions for the benefit of others or to prevent harm. An example might be a whistle-blower in a company exposing illegal activities.
3. Advocacy: Esther, an ordinary girl, becomes a queen by winning the favor of the king and then uses her position to protect her people. Today, many people find themselves in positions of influence and they can use that for good, just like Esther. Advocacy groups and individuals, who champion for the rights and well-being of underprivileged, use their voice and position to effect change.
4. “Hidden” Heroes: Mordecai, although not recognized initially for his good deeds, saves the king’s life by revealing an assassination plot. There are many “hidden” heroes in society who work behind the scenes such as medical staff, firefighters, volunteers, caregivers who work tirelessly to aid and protect people.
5. Facing Injustice: Esther, a Jewish girl, is taken against her will to be part of a contest to select a new queen. Today, issues related to human trafficking, forced labor, and violation of human rights are prevalent around the world.
Remember that applying the biblical principles or stories to real-world situations can be subjective, and may be interpreted differently based on individuals’ personal or cultural perspective.
Brief Explanation of Esther 2
Esther 2 describes the selection process for a new queen after Queen Vashti disobeys King Ahasuerus. The King’s attendants recommend that he should find a new queen among the beautiful young women of the kingdom. Esther, a Jewish girl raised by her cousin Mordecai, is brought into the palace and she finds favor with Hegai, the king’s eunuch, who prepares the women to meet the king. Esther is careful to follow Hegai’s advice and when she meets the king, he is enthralled by her and immediately crowns her as the new queen. Mordecai uncovers a conspiracy against the king and the information is relayed to the King in Esther’s name, even though he was the one who hears about the plot. This sets the stage for other significant events that would unfold in the subsequent chapters.
Frequently asked questions for Esther 2
1. Who is Esther?
Esther, also known as Hadassah, is a Jewish woman living in Susa, the capital of the Persian Empire. She was forced to join the king’s harem after he banished his former queen, Vashti. Esther becomes the new queen because of her beauty and charm.
2. Why was Vashti banished by King Ahasuerus?
Vashti was banished because she refused to appear at the king’s banquet to show off her beauty to his guests. This is mentioned in Esther 1. The specifics of her refusal come with various interpretations, but common belief is that she stood up against the objectification of women.
3. How did Mordecai, Esther’s cousin, raise her?
Esther was an orphan who was raised by her cousin Mordecai as if she was his own daughter.
4. What is the significance of Esther being chosen as Queen?
Esther being chosen as queen is significant, as she is a Jewish woman in a largely non-Jewish empire. She later uses her position to save the Jewish people from a plot that would have annihilated them.
5. Why did Mordecai refuse to bow to Haman?
Haman was an Amalekite, traditional enemies of the Israelites. Jewish law forbade bowing down to anyone other than God. Therefore, Mordecai denied paying the required respects to Haman which was seen as an insult.
6. What did Esther initially hide from the King?
Esther, on Mordecai’s advice, initially hid her Jewish identity from the King. Since there was potentially hostility towards Jews, this action ensured Esther’s safety, and later played a crucial role in saving the Jews.
7. How did Mordecai manage to uncover a plot against the king?
Mordecai overheard two of the king’s officials planning to assassinate Ahasuerus. He told Esther who, in turn, informed the king thus saving his life. This event became significant in changing the king’s favor towards Mordecai and the Jews later in the narrative.
Remember that interpretations can vary based on different translations or versions of the Book of Esther.
Possible References for Esther 2
“Esther 2” is normally understood to refer to the second chapter of the Book of Esther in the Bible. This chapter details several key events:
1. The Deposition of Queen Vashti: King Ahasuerus, ruler of Persia, deposes his queen, Vashti, because she refused to come before him and his guests during a feast. The idea is that her disobedience could incite other women to disrespect their husbands.
2. Search for a New Queen: After Queen Vashti’s deposition, beautiful young virgins were gathered to the palace as possible replacements. Each woman went through a year-long beautification process before seeing the King.
3. Esther’s Background: Esther, a Jewish maiden, is introduced. Orphaned young, she had been raised by her cousin Mordecai. Because her Jewish identity could put her in danger, Mordecai advises her to keep it secret.
4. Esther Becomes Queen: Esther wins favor from Hegai, the eunuch in charge, and ultimately from the King. Ahasuerus crowns Esther as the new queen.
5. Mordecai Reveals a Plot: The chapter ends with Mordecai uncovering a conspiracy against the king by two of his eunuchs. When Esther passes this information on to Ahasuerus, the traitors are executed.
The chapter further hints at future events and conflicts in the Book of Esther, setting the stage for the drama that unfolds in later chapters. This chapter is often studied as an introduction to Esther’s character and the themes of God’s providence and faithfulness.
Conclusion on Esther 2
The book of Esther, which is part of the Old Testament in the Bible, is a narrative about a young Jewish woman named Esther who becomes queen of Persia. In Esther Chapter 2, the story revolves around how Esther became the queen.
King Ahasuerus put forth a decree to gather the most beautiful virgin maidens from his empire, after his first wife Vashti refused to obey his orders. Mordecai, who had adopted his younger cousin Esther after her parents’ death, assists her in entering the king’s harem. She finds favor in the eunuch who’s in charge of the harem and eventually with King Ahasuerus himself.
Esther, following the advice of Mordecai, does not reveal her Jewish heritage. Meanwhile, Mordecai discovers a plot against the king’s life, which he reports to Esther. She then conveys this information to the king in Mordecai’s name.
The conclusion of Esther Chapter 2 suggests that Esther, a Jewish woman, has become the queen of Persia. Mordecai’s decision to not reveal Esther’s Jewish identity might be a protective measure, indicating potential perils to come. The discovered plot against the king’s life also hints at political intrigues and upcoming turbulence. Overall, the stage is set for the unfolding of deeper events and challenges that Esther would face as the queen.