Question 1

Who are Mordecai and Esther in this passage?

Accepted Answer

Mordecai is a Jew living in the Persian capital after being carried away from Jerusalem in the exile. He is from the tribe of Benjamin. Esther, also called Hadassah, is his younger cousin. She lost both her parents, so Mordecai took her in and raised her as his own daughter. She is described as fair and beautiful. In this chapter she is taken into the king’s house with other young women and, in time, is chosen to become queen in place of Vashti.

Question 2

Why did Esther hide her people and family background?

Accepted Answer

Esther kept quiet about being Jewish because Mordecai had clearly told her not to reveal it. Living under a foreign king, this was a wise and careful choice, likely meant to protect her and their people in a setting where they were outsiders. Her silence shows her trust in Mordecai’s guidance and her ability to be discreet. Later in the story, this hidden identity becomes important when the time comes for her to speak up for her people’s safety.

Question 3

What does this passage show about God’s providence?

Accepted Answer

God is never named in this chapter, yet His hand can be seen in the way events line up. A pagan king’s search for a beautiful queen leads to an orphaned Jewish girl being raised to the throne. Esther finds favor with everyone who sees her, and Mordecai just happens to overhear a plot against the king, which is written down in the royal records. None of these pieces look special on their own, but together they prepare the way for the later rescue of God’s people.

Question 4

Why did King Ahasuerus hold a feast and give gifts after Esther was crowned?

Accepted Answer

After Esther is chosen and crowned as queen, the king responds in a very public way. He makes a great feast for his officials and servants and calls it Esther’s feast. He also grants a release to the provinces, likely easing burdens such as tribute, and gives royal gifts. This shows how pleased he is with his new queen and how royal joy overflowed to the whole empire. It also marks Esther’s new place in the kingdom in front of everyone.

Question 5

What is the significance of Mordecai uncovering the plot against the king?

Accepted Answer

While Mordecai sits at the king’s gate, he hears about two of the king’s servants who are angry and plan to lay hands on the king. Mordecai tells Esther, Esther tells the king in Mordecai’s name, and the matter is checked and found true. The men are executed, and the event is written in the royal chronicles. At first, nothing more happens, but this record becomes very important later. It shows that even small acts of faithfulness can fit into a much larger plan.

Question 6

Why did Esther ask for only what Hegai advised before seeing the king?

Accepted Answer

When Esther’s turn comes to go in to the king, she does not ask for extra ornaments or special clothes beyond what Hegai, the keeper of the women, suggests. This shows modesty and trust. She is not pushing herself forward or trying to impress by her own plan. She listens to the person who knows the king’s tastes and the customs of the palace. Her simple, obedient spirit is linked with the favor she receives from everyone who sees her, including the king himself.

Question 7

What were the purification rituals for the young women?

Accepted Answer

The young women spent twelve months in preparation before seeing the king. The text explains that this was the usual custom: six months with oil of myrrh and six months with sweet perfumes and other things for cleansing. This long process shows how much value the court placed on outward beauty and scent. It also marks a strong contrast between the king’s focus on appearance and the quiet, inner qualities of humility, wisdom, and obedience that God uses in Esther’s life.

Question 8

How can this story of Esther and Mordecai apply to life today?

Accepted Answer

This chapter reminds us that God can work through ordinary days, unfair systems, and hidden places. Esther is an orphan in a foreign land, yet God uses her humility and obedience. Mordecai simply keeps caring for her and doing his duty at the gate, and one day that means speaking up about a plot. We can learn to trust that God can use lowly or painful situations, to act with integrity where we are, and to be wise and discreet while we wait for His timing.

Esther 2:1

After these things, when the wrath of king Ahasuerus was appeased, he remembered Vashti, and what she had done, and what was decreed against her.

Seeking Vashti’s Successor

Esther Finds Favor

Esther Becomes Queen

Mordecai Uncovers a Conspiracy

Seeking Vashti’s Successor

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Esther 2:1

After these things, when the wrath of king Ahasuerus was appeased, he remembered Vashti, and what she had done, and what was decreed against her.

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Seeking Vashti’s Successor

Esther Finds Favor

Esther Becomes Queen

Mordecai Uncovers a Conspiracy

Seeking Vashti’s Successor

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