Esther 2:13

The king interviewed each young woman in turn, as though they were applying for a job. They could take anything they wanted with them. It might be make-up, perfumes, delicate clothing, flowers, or anything else they thought would help them appeal to the king (v. 13). To a believer, what are all these surface things next to the moral and spiritual beauty he sees in a future wife? Compare 1 Peter 3:4.

Every woman who applied went through 12 months of preparation! (v. 12). So the unbelieving world thinks it can improve on the beauty of the people God created. It tries all kinds of artificial means. The king would very likely have been just as impressed with Esther without this long delay. Hegai gave her the best place among the women right from the start.

The other women could not find enough artificial ways to impress the king. But Esther cared nothing about these things. She had no such ambitious desires. Her heart did not burn to become something grand that did not suit a Jewish woman. She must have left her home unwillingly, and put on the ornaments unwillingly too. She was wanted, and she was ordered to appear. So she obeyed Hegai and let him prepare her for the occasion. She had no choice but to be there, while no doubt in her heart she hated the whole business.

In the course of time, without any effort or desire on her part, she becomes the favourite wife of the Persian king. More than that: before this happened she had decided, like Daniel, to keep herself separated to God from the customs of the people. She did this even though she lived in the court of a Gentile king. (Esther 2:15.) She will owe nothing to man. She will not, as it were, take from the king of Sodom (Gen. 14) beyond the necessary things. It is the Lord, and not ornaments, who gives her favour in the eyes of all who see her. The king himself is won, and the royal crown is put on her head. She began with herself, determined to keep herself pure. And such a person will be found fit for the Master's use. (2 Tim. 2)

We see the Jewish wife handed over by force to the Gentile king, like a slave that someone disposes of without asking her! Her will counts for nothing in this marriage. She is forced into it. Such a position might be highly desirable to every other young woman in the empire. But it could not be desirable for Esther.

Whatever may be thought of Mordecai or of Esther in this matter, Scripture is silent here. It neither accuses nor excuses. We do not have long to wait before the vital question is raised. The Jews must either perish or be delivered beyond all outward hope — yet without sign, wonder, or miracle.

Chapter 2 brings the book's two main characters onto the scene. It shows us how Providence works in secret. It prepares the way that would raise the Jewish wife publicly to royalty over the nations.