Couples in the Bible: King Xerxes and Esther
Esther, also known as Hadassah, is being raised by her cousin and guardian, Mordecai.
The king banishes his queen and his men sought out “beautiful young virgins”. {Esther 2}
Esther arrived at the king’s palace and underwent the beauty regiment required. When her time came she went into King Ahasuerus and “the king loved Esther more than all the women, and she won grace and favor in his sight”. He crowned her as his queen. He then gave a feast in her honor. {Esther 2:15-18}
When Mordecai discovers a plot on the king’s life he tells Esther and it saves the king. {Esther 2:19-23}
Haman devises a plot against the Jews and {Esther 3} when Mordecai discovers the plot he tells Esther. When she is uncertain, Mordecai tells her “For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” {Esther 4:14}
Esther and the Jewish people pray and fast until she goes in before the king. This is dangerous because he did not send for her but he shows her favor. She invites the king and Haman to a banquet while at the same time Haman plans to hang Mordecai. {Esther 5}
The king discovers Mordecai saved his life and honors him. {Esther 6}
On the second night, the Esther reveals the plot against her people and Haman is hanged. {Esther 7}
The Jews are saved and Mordecai is raised up to Haman’s position. {Esther 8}
Lessons from King Ahasuerus and Esther:
- Anger can lead to disaster
- God can use the most unlikely people
- Maybe God is using us for his time and place
- Fast and seek the Lord before acting
- We will be honored for doing what is right