Bible with Brandi – Week 1 – Esther Chapters 1 & 2

The book of Esther opens on a scene of tragedy. The Jewish people are living far from their homeland, scattered throughout the empire of a foreign king. Not the king who originally took them captive, but an even greater and more powerful force. King Ahasuerus, also known as King Xerxes, rules the vast Medo-Persian Empire, stretching from India to Ethiopia.

In the third year of his reign—before his most famous military engagement, the Battle of Thermopylae—King Xerxes held a feast. Not just any feast, but one meant to be remembered. Scripture tells us that he “showed the riches of his glorious kingdom and the splendor of his excellent majesty” to the powers of Persia (Esther 1:4). This display lasted six months. And as if that were not enough, he followed it with another feast, seven days of opulence for all the men, great and small, of the capital city. His pride was immense, and his riches even greater.

Yet verse 8 tells us something surprisingly interesting:

“In accordance with the law, the drinking was not compulsory; for so the king had ordered all the officers of his household, that they should do according to each man’s pleasure” (Esther 8:1).

Why would a law like this even be necessary?

Xerxes’ empire was vast and diverse, made up of uncountable peoples and religions. Many Jews living under his rule still observed Jewish law, which emphasizes moderation and temperance in alcohol consumption. This decree made it possible for Jewish men to participate in the feast without violating their convictions or being forced to drink beyond their comfort level.

This detail reveals something important: while Xerxes was certainly prideful and self-indulgent, he was also, to some degree, tolerant of the Jewish people and their religious practices. Perhaps not sympathetic—but accommodating. It is worth noting that this same king would later authorize Ezra’s return to Jerusalem to help rebuild the Temple (see Ezra 4:8 & 7:1 (Artaxerxes is the same as Ahasuerus).

Even in exile, even under pagan rule, God was quietly positioning His people—and the stage was being set for redemption.

With this lens, let us read chapters 1 and 2, intentionally looking for the presence of God as we do.

Here we are introduced to Hadassah, a Jewish orphan who goes by the Persian name Esther. She is believed to be a descendant of Israel’s first king, Saul, and comes from the tribe of Benjamin, a small and once-prominent tribe that, due to its own sin, was reduced to the smallest of the tribes and was among those deported and seemingly lost to Babylon.

Esther was most likely born in Persia and raised in Susa, the capital city, by her cousin Mordecai, who became her guardian after the death of her parents. Scripture describes her as a “young woman”—the Hebrew word na‘arah (נַעֲרָה)—who was “lovely and beautiful” (Esther 2:7).

That word “naarah” “denotes a female in the season of youthful vigor—anywhere from the onset of puberty to the brink of mature womanhood. Context decides whether she is a free daughter in her father’s house, a bride‐to‐be, or a female servant. The word never carries the negative connotations later attached to “maid” in some cultures; instead it presents a picture of potential, purity, and promise” (Topical Lexicon, https://biblehub.com/hebrew/5291.htm).

This tells us much about Esther. She is full of promise. Though the king does not yet know it, God does. And Esther’s promise is far greater than even she realizes.

Mordecai seems to sense this as well, for by his instruction she “had not revealed her people or her family” (Esther 2:10). Esther is hiding in plain sight as she is brought into the king’s harem. And yet, the favor of God is unmistakably upon her.

Esther pleased Hegai, the custodian of the women, and she “obtained his favor; so he readily gave beauty preparations to her, besides her allowance. Then seven choice maidservants were provided for her from the king’s palace, and he moved her and her maidservants to the best place in the house of the women” (Esther 2:8–9).

Later we read, “When the turn came for Esther … to go in to the king” (a phrase that literally means to enter his bedchamber), “she requested nothing but what Hegai the king’s eunuch, the custodian of the women, advised. And Esther obtained favor in the sight of all who saw her” (Esther 2:15).

The result of God’s favor is clear:

“The king loved Esther more than all the other women, and she obtained grace and favor in his sight more than all the virgins; sohe set the royal crown upon her head and made her queen” (Esther 2:17).

Though her life unfolds far from the land of promise, her lineage, identity, and story remain firmly rooted in God’s covenant with Israel. Even here—hidden in exile, under a foreign name, in a pagan palace—God is present and at work.

Reflective Questions:

1. Where do you see God at work in these chapters, even though His name is never mentioned? What details signal His presence to you?

2. Esther lives under a foreign name and within a foreign culture. In what ways do you relate to living between identities—faithful to God while navigating a world that does not fully reflect His values?

3. The word na‘arah describes Esther as a young woman full of potential and promise. Where do you sense untapped promise in your own life that God may see more clearly than you do?

4. Mordecai instructs Esther not to reveal her identity. How do we discern the difference between wisdom in waiting and fear in hiding when it comes to our faith?

5. Esther repeatedly finds favor—with Hegai, with the people around her, and with the king. How have you experienced God’s favor opening doors you could not open yourself?

6. Esther requests nothing except what she is advised. What does this teach us about humility, trust, and preparation during seasons when we are being positioned rather than promoted?

7. God places Esther in a position of influence before the threat against His people becomes clear. How does this reshape the way you view God’s timing in your own life?

8. Even in exile, God is advancing His covenant purposes. How does this encourage you in seasons where life feels “off course” or far from what you expected?