Her Majesty the Queen

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1. King Xerxes has invited people to a big feast

The book of Esther shows the salvation of the people of Israel. It is the creation of the invisible God. Although the name of God does not even appear or is mentioned, he still appears as the main actor.

Xerxes, king of Persia, ruled over 127 provinces. He ruled from Susa. He threw a lavish party for his high officials and dignitaries. For six months, Xerxes displayed the incredible splendor of his kingdom and his great power.

At the height of the festival he invited Wasti, his queen. But she didn't come because she was celebrating a party of her own. This rejection had consequences: Wasti lost her crown and had to leave.


2. The king without a queen

 
After these events, King Xerxes was without a queen. He thought about how to proceed. His servants made him a suggestion: The king should collect the most beautiful girls from all the provinces and bring them to his harem in Susa.

In the residence lived a Jew named Mordecai, a foreigner who lived in exile and was taken captive from Jerusalem. So did Esther, his uncle's daughter, whose guardian was Mordecai. She was of beautiful figure and beautiful appearance.


3. An unexpected change for Esther

Esther was one of the most beautiful girls and was accepted into the king's house.


4. The King's Decree
When the king's decree was announced, many beautiful girls were brought to the residence of Susa, where Hegai, who was in charge of the women's harem, looked after them. Esther was there too.

Esther pleased Hegai and obtained favor from him. This grace was felt and visible: Hegai hastened to provide her with the necessary beauty products and proper nourishment.

It is noteworthy that Esther was given seven choice girls from the king's house as servants. Then Hegai had Esther and the seven girls moved to the best wing of the women's shelter.


5. God's view of humanity

The Lord looks down from heaven; he sees all the children of man; from where he sits enthroned he looks out on all the inhabitants of the earth, he who fashions the hearts of them all and observes all their deeds. Psalm 13:13-15 (ESV)

Esther experienced the grace that is shown: mercy, gentleness, forbearance, forgiveness and mercy.


6. Preparation for the royal meeting

Before the encounter, the girls groomed themselves with balsam oil for six months, as was prescribed. That was the rule. This was the only way to take part in the selection for queen.

7. Our preparation for the encounter with the Heavenly King

Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. John 15:3+4 (ESV)

In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. John 14:2+3 (ESV)

That is true love. that we keep God's commandments and do them.


8. Raised to royal dignity

So it was the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihajil, whose nephew Mordecai had adopted her as a foster daughter. She did not choose her clothes and jewelry herself, but followed Hegai's advice. Everyone who saw her admired her beauty.

The king loved Esther more than any other woman. So he placed the royal diadem on her head and named her queen.

9. The Coronation

Who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy. Psalm 103:4 (ESV)

...be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. Revelation 2,10b (ESV)

Xerxes, the king, gave a great feast to honor Esther. All officials and leading men were invited. All provinces received a tax waiver and he approved it.

Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure”— for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints.And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.”
Revelation 19:7-9

Author: Edith Waechter
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