by Ndidi Ngwuluka

Created on: December 25, 2008

Esther was one of the women in the bible whose attributes could challenge us to abide by God's principles. She was a woman who by God's design found herself the queen of Persia. It was not clearly stated that it was God's design but a statement by her cousin, Mordecai which will be stated later in the article could imply so.

Briefly, the King of Persia, Xerxes gave a week long banquet for his guests and officials. On the seventh day he asked that the Queen, Vashti be brought to him so he could show off her beauty to the guest and officials. Queen Vashti refused the King's summon which made the King lose his temper. Then on the advice of one of his expert advisors which was acceptable to the king and other advisors, Queen Vasht was banned from the king's presence and subsequently a search for another queen began.

Many young girls were chosen to be groomed by Hegai (the eunuch in charge of the women in the palace) for the King. Hadassah, a Jewish girl was one of them. Hadassah is a Hebrew name meaning myrtle tree which represents immortality to the Jews while the myrtle flowers signify beauty's crown, love Hebrew's emblem of marriage. On Mordecai's instruction, Hadassah was not to reveal her family and racial background in the palace. Perhaps that was why she was named Esther which is a Persian name that means a star. Hegai took a special interest in Esther and gave her special treatments which included special food, assigned her seven maids and gave her the best rooms.

A study of Esther's character would reveal the attributes she had which singled her out amongst the other girls, endeared her to Hegai and subsequently the King of Persia:

She gave up her desires: (Esther 2:12-15)

Esther put aside her wants, desires or yearnings but was willing to accept all recommendations from Hegai. She did not make her own suggestions during the training of what she believed as a female would be appropriate for the King. Perhaps being aware Hegai had been with King, he was in a better position to know what appealed to the King. She had not met the king so she could not possibly know what would appeal to him.

She stooped to conquer: (Esther 2: 12-18)

Esther had a likeable nature which won the admiration of everyone who saw. Obviously she knew she was pretty (Esther 2:7) but she was not vain. Rather she submitted herself to the twelve month beauty treatment and Hegai's teachings. As each girl went to the King, she was allowed to take whatever she wanted with her to the King. However,

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