The Elevation of Esther Accomplished
Esther 2:1-23

Esther Becomes Queen

Esther 2:1-20

• After Xerxes' anger cooled, he began thinking about Vashti. (v. 1)
• Perhaps Xerxes was begining to regret the decree he had made about expelling Vashti. Whatever Xerxes was thinking, we see that his advisors are quick to guide him back to the original plan.
• Thing king's advisors suggested that the king get about the business of searching for a new queen. This made the king happy and he did so. (v. 2-4)
• Esther (a Jew) was chosen to be part of the king's harem. Esther was a cousin of Mordecai, who raised her. Immediately, Esther caught the eye of those in charge of the harem and was given special treatment. (v. 5-9)
• Esther kept her Jewish heritage a secret because Mordecai told her to. Mordecai checked up on Esther every day. (v. 10-11)
• Esther 2:12-14 describe the treatments women went through before seeing the king: there were twelve months of beauty treatments. When it was time for the woman to go before the king, she was allowed to take whatever clothing and jewelry she wanted to enhance her appearance and she was taken to the king's private rooms. The next morning, the woman was taken to another part of the palace and put under the care of one of the king's eunuchs. She would live there the rest of her life and only see the king again if he requested her by name. (v. 12-14)
• When it was Esther's turn to see the king, she took the advice of Hegai (the eunuch in charge of the harem) for what she should take before the king. (v. 15)
• Esther pleased the king so much that he crowned her queen instead of Vashti. (v. 16-17)
• Even as queen, Esther probably had a boring life. Women were not given much respect in this culture. As queen, Esther would have had a little more responsibility, but would still have few rights - especially since she was a queen who was chosen to replace a woman who had become too assertive.
• This occasion was celebrated by a banquet. (v. 18)
• Esther continued to follow Mordecai's advice and keep her Jewish heritage a secret, even after she was crowned queen. (v. 19-20)
• "With virtually no rights and little access to the king, it was better for Esther not to reveal her identity. While boldness in stating our identity as God's people is our responsibility, at times a good strategy is to keep quiet until we have won the right to be heard. This is especially true when dealing with those in authority over us. But we can always let them see the difference God makes in our lives." (Life Application Bible Notes)
• Mordecai had been made a palace official. (v. 19)

Mordecai's Loyalty to the King

Esther 2:21-23

• One day, Mordecai overheard an assination plot against the king. (v. 21-22)
• Mordecai passed the information about the plot to Esther, who told the king and gave Mordecai credit for the report. (v. 22)
• An investigation was made based on the allegations that Mordecai had made. The allegations were found to be true, and the two men plotting the assination were hanged. (v. 23)
• A note about the incident was recorded. (v. 23)
• Mordecai was not rewarded at the time, but a remembrance was written. Thus, with respect to those who serve Christ, though their recompence is not till the resurrection of the just, yet an account is kept of their work of faith and labour of love, which God is not unrighteous to forget. The servant of God must be faithful to every trust, and watchful for those who employ him. If he appear to be neglected now, he will be remembered hereafter. None of our actions can be forgotten; even our most secret thoughts are written in lasting registers, (see Revelation 20:12.) (Matthew Henry Commentary)
• Note that Mordecai was not immediatelly rewarded. His reward will come later.