Esther 2:12-18 – The Winner Is…

Ionians, Parthians, Caspians, Phrygians. With so many languages and cultures, life must have been confusing in the harem in Susa. Libyans, Medians, Phoenecians, Cilicians. Yet Ahasuerus wanted the best and he had a whole empire to chose from. Arians, Arabians, Armenians, Assyrians. Young girls from 127 provinces, all compelled to vie for the King’s affections. Who would he pick?

Nobody knew! There can’t have been much to choose between the “contestants”. They were all young. They had all been snatched from their homes. Most importantly, they were all beautiful; they wouldn’t have been there if they weren’t. An elegant Egyptian? A lovely Lydian? A pretty Pamphylian? With a judge this unpredictable it’s probably better not to guess.

Yet, don’t forget those six key words from v5. “There was a Jew in Susa”. Don’t forget that Esther was one of those who was taken. Sure, she was just one pretty face in a sea of pretty faces. But already she was standing out. Hegai was already impressed. Now it was the King’s turn.

Let’s not downplay what v15 involved. No doubt Esther was scared. No doubt she felt defiled. Perhaps her pillow was drenched with tears or perhaps she was too terrified to cry. But one thing is for certain: this young Jew was the winner of this tragically sleazy contest (v17).

Esther didn’t know it yet, but there was a storm on the horizon. The very survival of God’s people was on the line. They could certainly do with a friend in high places, and against all the odds, that’s exactly what they got.

Why Esther? Why not one of the many other girls? Because God had a plan. Esther may have been Ahasuerus’ choice, but more importantly she was God’s choice. He’s the one who’s truly on the throne. “The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will.” (Proverbs 21:1)

Questions
1. How do you think Esther would have felt as she went through this year long routine?
2. If God could direct Ahasuerus’ heart, he can (and does) do the same to every President or Prime Minister today. Do you believe that?

Prayer Points
1. Give thanks for how no-one, even the most sinful unbeliever, is outside of God’s sovereign rule.
2. Use prayer points from your congregation.
3. Pray for family matters.