“"The king loved Esther more than all the women, and she won grace and favor in his sight more than all the virgins, so that he set the royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti."”
Esther 2:17
Summary
Esther chapter 2 describes the fallout from Queen Vashti's dismissal and the search for a new queen. King Ahasuerus's attendants suggest finding a new queen from the young women throughout the empire. Esther, a Jew, is among those chosen and is under the care of Hegai, the king’s eunuch. Mordecai, her cousin and guardian, advises Esther to keep her Jewish identity a secret. Esther gains favor with Hegai and eventually with King Ahasuerus, who selects her as queen. Meanwhile, the chapter also discusses how Mordecai uncovers a plot against the king by two of his guards, Bigthan and Teresh. This chapter highlights God's providence and favor in Esther's rise to power, emphasizing her obedience and wisdom in navigating her circumstances.