Esther 2:17
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.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse emphasizes that Esther didn't just win the king's affection; she "obtained grace and favor" more than anyone else. This suggests it wasn't solely about her beauty or charm, but a deeper divine enablement that made her stand out and earn the king's genuine approval, leading to her elevation.
After a lengthy and elaborate process of selecting virgins from across the empire, Esther captivated King Ahasuerus, receiving special favor and affection beyond all others. This led to her immediate elevation as queen, officially replacing Vashti and signifying her supreme status among the king's wives.
The king chose Esther, but it wasn't just her looks that won him over. What does 'grace and favor' truly mean in this royal setting?
Verse 17 highlights that Esther 'won grace and favor' in the king's sight. This wasn't mere physical attraction. In the ancient Near East, 'favor' (Hebrew: razon) implied a deeper approval, a sense of delight and acceptance that went beyond superficial qualities. The king, despite having access to many women, found something unique in Esther that made her stand out.
This divine enablement wasn't limited to Esther. The Bible shows God granting favor to many of His servants to accomplish His purposes, often when they least expected it.
Esther went from being one of many hopefuls to the queen. How did this dramatic elevation happen, and what did it signify?
The text states, 'so that he set the royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti.' This was a monumental shift. The 'royal crown' wasn't just jewelry; it was a symbol of supreme authority and queenship. Esther was elevated above all other women in the king's harem, becoming the primary wife and sovereign.
This act demonstrates God's sovereign hand at work, orchestrating events behind the scenes of human decisions. Even within the corrupt and sensual practices of the Persian court, God was positioning Esther for a pivotal role.
Understand the original words
chen · Hebrew Noun
A term denoting the multifaceted graciousness, kindness, or acceptance shown by someone in authority. It implies a sense of unmerited favor or delight that results in positive treatment toward another.
betulah · Hebrew Noun
A term describing physical or moral purity, specifically referring to one who has not had sexual relations. It often implies integrity, preparation, and devotion to a specific purpose or person.
malkah · Hebrew Noun
The position of the primary consort to a king, holding significant authority, influence, and status within the royal household. It symbolizes elevation and the fulfillment of a royal role.
Esther's rise to queen occurs during a tumultuous period of Xerxes' reign, including his massive but ultimately unsuccessful campaign against Greece. This context highlights how divine providence can place individuals in positions of influence amidst significant historical upheaval.
c. 486 BC
Reign of Xerxes I Begins
Ahasuerus, identified as Xerxes I, ascends to the Persian throne. His reign would be marked by significant political and military endeavors, including a massive campaign against Greece.
c. 483 BC
Vashti Deposed as Queen
Queen Vashti is removed from her position after defying King Ahasuerus's command to appear at a banquet. This event creates a vacancy at the highest level of the royal court.
c. 483-482 BC— this verse
Esther Chosen as New Queen
Following Vashti's deposition, a widespread search is conducted to find a new queen. Esther, a young Jewish woman, is selected and crowned queen, finding great favor with the king.
c. 480 BC
Xerxes' Greek Campaign
King Xerxes launches his ambitious invasion of Greece. This major military undertaking would have occupied the king's attention and resources for a significant period.
This passage highlights how Joseph also found favor in the sight of his jailer, showing a recurring theme of individuals gaining undue favor that leads to elevated positions.
Proverbs 3:3-4These verses speak to the importance of steadfast love and faithfulness, qualities that likely contributed to Esther's ability to win favor, suggesting that character can lead to divine and human approval.
Daniel 1:9Daniel also found favor in the sight of the chief of the officials, echoing Esther's experience of receiving favor that opened doors to a prominent place within a foreign court.
1 Samuel 16:18David is described as skilled in playing the lyre, and when brought before Saul, he found favor and became an armor-bearer, illustrating how unique gifts and divine endorsement can lead to royal favor.
clarkeEsther 2:17: "And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favour in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti."
Set the royal crown upon her head - Made her what is now called in the East the Sultana, the queen. She was the mistress of all the rest of the wives, all of whom were obliged to pay her the most profound respect.
gillEsther 2:17: "And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favour in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti."
And the king loved Esther above all the women,.... The virgins he made his concubines, as next explained; though Jarchi interprets it of married women, for such he supposes were gathered and brought to him, as well as virgins: and she obtained grace and favour in his sight more…
The verse emphasizes that Esther didn't just win the king's affection; she "obtained grace and favor" more than anyone else. This suggests it wasn't solely about her beauty or charm, but a deeper divine enablement that made her stand out and earn the king's genuine approval, leading to her elevation.
After a lengthy and elaborate process of selecting virgins from across the empire, Esther captivated King Ahasuerus, receiving special favor and affection beyond all others. This led to her immediate elevation as queen, officially replacing Vashti and signifying her supreme status among the king's wives.
After a lengthy and elaborate process of selecting virgins from across the empire, Esther captivated King Ahasuerus, receiving special favor and affection beyond all others. This led to her immediate elevation as queen, officially replacing Vashti and signifying her supreme status among the king's wives.
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c. 479 BC
End of Persian Campaigns in Greece
Xerxes' forces suffer decisive defeats in Greece, marking the end of his major campaigns in the region. This often led to shifts in royal focus and potential unrest within the empire.
"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." — The verse emphasizes that Esther didn't just win the king's affection; she "obtained grace and favor" more than anyone else. This suggests it wasn't solely about her beauty or charm, but a deeper div…
