The heroine of the book of Esther is young lady who had a rough start. The details of her early years are untold. We know that before Hadassah was a teenager her parents had died and she was under the care of an uncle named Mordecai. Esther’s given Hebrew name was Hadassah, a name which comes from the sweet smell of the myrtle tree. This could indicate the sweetness of her demeanour which later gained her favor with Hegai and the King of Persia. Hardships in life either result in bitterness over the events of life, or a grace which comes by acceptance and overcoming of trials.
Following the disposal of Vashti (which I wrote about yesterday), an opportunity opened which would result in a new status for Hadassah. When King Ahasuerus found the absence of his queen left him lonely, his advisors (illustrious, star, testimony, jasper, lofty, worthy and dignified) recommended the a beauty contest to find the new queen. This was acceptable to King Ahasuerus (who blindly accepted anything anyone presented in this story), and young women were gathered from each of the 127 provinces who could please the king and his young advisors with their beauty.
Mordecai, who lived in Susa heard of the contest, and shared this with Hadassah, who was also known as Esther (or star). Mordecai knew this was his niece’s calling.
Esther was accepted for the contest, and resided in the harem. Esther won favor with Hagai, the steward of the harem. He made sure she had the best of beauty treatments, and special foods. Although it was not revealed that Hadassah was Jewish, these were probably the same foods fed to Daniel (1:8-16)
On the night assigned Esther went in to the King, and found favor with him. She was chosen to replace Vashti, and served as queen of all Persia. … continued tomorrow!
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