Straightening up, Jesus said to her, “Woman, where are they? Did no one condemn you?” She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “I do not condemn you, either. Go, and from now on sin no more.” - John 8:10-11
2 Sundays ago we began a new sermon series titled “Esther’s Story: How Purim Began”. We read that Queen Vashti was removed from her royal position after refusing to comply with King Ahasuerus’ shameful declaration to “display” herself before the guests at his banquet. After her dismissal, the Persian king began searching for a new queen to take her place.
This morning, in the 2nd message of this series, we will discuss the procedure used to replace Vashti and find out who was ultimately chosen. We will also discover some interesting things about the new queen, including a secret that will come into play later in the story. The name of today’s sermon is, “Esther Becomes Queen”.
I. A PLAN TO REPLACE THE QUEEN (v1-4)
Some time later (perhaps a year or more), after King Ahasuerus had sobered up and calmed down, he remembered what Vashti had done and how he’d banished her. His young advisors suggested that he begin a search for a new queen. They recommended that young, beautiful virgins be gathered from provinces throughout the empire and sent to Susa. Hegai, the king’s eunuch, would keep charge of this harem and give cosmetics to those who’d been selected. The king would choose from among them a young lady to replace Vashti. King Ahasuerus liked this plan and gave his approval.
Do you like to watch reality TV? Have you ever seen “The Bachelor” or its counterpart “The Bachelorette”? Did you know that both of these shows have been around for over 20 years, have been wildly successful, and have led to numerous spin-offs. Perhaps they were inspired by King Ahasuerus? Along with social media, these shows have greatly influenced the way young people date today. Rather than following Biblical principles in seeking a life-long spouse, many approach dating as a competition and prioritize beauty, sexual chemistry, and other such attractions. This approach isn’t very affirming or successful, as only 25% of the couples from “The Bachelor” and “The Bachelorette” are still married today.
II. INTRODUCING MORDECAI AND ESTHER (v5-7)
Mordecai was a servant of King Ahasuerus in the citadel at Susa. He was of Jewish descent, from the tribe of Benjamin. His great grandfather Kish had been carried away from Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar, taken into Babylonian exile in 597 BC during the same deportation as Judah’s King Jeconiah and many others (2 Chronicles 36:10). Mordecai was the 4th generation of his family to live outside of Israel.
Mordecai was raising Esther, whose Hebrew name was Haddassah. She was his first cousin, the daughter of his uncle. Both of her parents were deceased, so Mordecai (who was older than Esther) took her in as his own daughter. Esther was a young woman who was beautiful in form and appearance, just the type of woman that the king was looking for.
III. ESTHER IS TAKEN (v8-11)
In accordance with the king’s plan, many young women were gathered from the various Persian provinces and sent to Susa. Among them was Esther. They were taken to the king’s house and placed under the charge of Hegai. Esther was kind and thoughtful. Hegai liked her, gave her preferential treatment, and transferred her to the best place in the harem. All the while, Esther did not tell anyone that she was a Jew. Her cousin Mordecai had commanded her not to divulge her ethnicity. Mordecai was concerned for her and came to the court of the harem every day to see how Esther was doing.
IV. ESTHER APPEARS BEFORE THE KING (v12-16)
The young women were prepared with cosmetic treatments for 12 months before being brought to the king. When their turn arrived, each was taken 1 by 1 to the king’s house. They were allowed to bring and wear whatever they wished from the harem, were taken to the king in the evening, and returned to a second harem overseen by Shaashgaz in the morning. This strongly implies that they were required to sleep with the king overnight - not surprising given the king’s lustful reputation. The women did not return unless he specifically requested to see them again.
When it was Esther’s turn to appear before the king she followed the wise advice that Hegai had given to her about the king’s preferences in order to make a good impression. By this point, she had gained favor with everyone who’d seen her. Esther was brought to King Ahasuerus during the 7th year of his reign, somewhere between 3 and 4 years after Queen Vashti’s removal.
Throughout this entire process, which lasted over a year, Esther had conducted herself with tremendous grace and humble character. She could have easily been bitter and upset, yet she trusted in God’s presence and plan. She chose to make the best of her less than ideal circumstances, much like Joseph had done during his imprisonment in the days of the patriarchs (Genesis 39:20-23).
V. ESTHER IS CHOSEN (v17-20)
After the lengthy competition was complete, King Ahasuerus chose Esther to be his new queen. He delighted in her more than all of the other women who’d been brought to him. He placed the royal crown upon her head and held a great feast to celebrate the occasion. In addition, he also implemented a remission of taxes throughout the empire and gave out gifts.
Esther had not revealed that she was a Jew to any of the virgins she’d met (nor anyone else for that matter). She kept it a secret, just as Mordecai had directed her. Not even King Ahasuerus knew her heritage. As Christians, we are not supposed to hide our faith, but rather to let our light shine so that others may see it and be pointed to Jesus. However, Esther’s situation was unique and her silence likely contributed to selection as queen.
CONCLUSION
Most theologians agree that Esther had sex with King Ahasuerus before they were married. She may have felt like she had no other choice. Nevertheless, if she consented her actions were sinful. Still, before we throw stones or cast judgment on her, let’s ask ourselves what we would have done in the same position? Remember that God used Rahab the harlot to hide the Hebrew spies. In fact, Rahab is listed in the genealogy of Jesus and is heralded by the writer of Hebrews for her courageous faith. Rahab’s occupation was having sex with men outside of marriage… voluntarily. In comparison, Esther’s behavior seems fairly benign. Here’s the bottom line… God uses imperfect people to accomplish His purposes. He can forgive and redeem anyone.
I am not a counselor and don’t pretend to be one. That said, if you’ve been placed in an impossible situation like Esther was, don't blame yourself. You did what you felt you had to do, despite not wanting to do it. Ask the LORD for forgiveness, forgive yourself, and move on in His strength. You are beautiful in God’s eyes and He loves you unconditionally. Place your faith in Jesus and receive the salvation He freely offers… then walk in it.
In next week’s message, we will meet Haman, the king’s chief minister. We will read about his evil, sinister plot against the people of God. This story is about to heat up! Until then, may the LORD bless and keep you.
2 Sundays ago we began a new sermon series titled “Esther’s Story: How Purim Began”. We read that Queen Vashti was removed from her royal position after refusing to comply with King Ahasuerus’ shameful declaration to “display” herself before the guests at his banquet. After her dismissal, the Persian king began searching for a new queen to take her place.
This morning, in the 2nd message of this series, we will discuss the procedure used to replace Vashti and find out who was ultimately chosen. We will also discover some interesting things about the new queen, including a secret that will come into play later in the story. The name of today’s sermon is, “Esther Becomes Queen”.
I. A PLAN TO REPLACE THE QUEEN (v1-4)
Some time later (perhaps a year or more), after King Ahasuerus had sobered up and calmed down, he remembered what Vashti had done and how he’d banished her. His young advisors suggested that he begin a search for a new queen. They recommended that young, beautiful virgins be gathered from provinces throughout the empire and sent to Susa. Hegai, the king’s eunuch, would keep charge of this harem and give cosmetics to those who’d been selected. The king would choose from among them a young lady to replace Vashti. King Ahasuerus liked this plan and gave his approval.
Do you like to watch reality TV? Have you ever seen “The Bachelor” or its counterpart “The Bachelorette”? Did you know that both of these shows have been around for over 20 years, have been wildly successful, and have led to numerous spin-offs. Perhaps they were inspired by King Ahasuerus? Along with social media, these shows have greatly influenced the way young people date today. Rather than following Biblical principles in seeking a life-long spouse, many approach dating as a competition and prioritize beauty, sexual chemistry, and other such attractions. This approach isn’t very affirming or successful, as only 25% of the couples from “The Bachelor” and “The Bachelorette” are still married today.
II. INTRODUCING MORDECAI AND ESTHER (v5-7)
Mordecai was a servant of King Ahasuerus in the citadel at Susa. He was of Jewish descent, from the tribe of Benjamin. His great grandfather Kish had been carried away from Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar, taken into Babylonian exile in 597 BC during the same deportation as Judah’s King Jeconiah and many others (2 Chronicles 36:10). Mordecai was the 4th generation of his family to live outside of Israel.
Mordecai was raising Esther, whose Hebrew name was Haddassah. She was his first cousin, the daughter of his uncle. Both of her parents were deceased, so Mordecai (who was older than Esther) took her in as his own daughter. Esther was a young woman who was beautiful in form and appearance, just the type of woman that the king was looking for.
III. ESTHER IS TAKEN (v8-11)
In accordance with the king’s plan, many young women were gathered from the various Persian provinces and sent to Susa. Among them was Esther. They were taken to the king’s house and placed under the charge of Hegai. Esther was kind and thoughtful. Hegai liked her, gave her preferential treatment, and transferred her to the best place in the harem. All the while, Esther did not tell anyone that she was a Jew. Her cousin Mordecai had commanded her not to divulge her ethnicity. Mordecai was concerned for her and came to the court of the harem every day to see how Esther was doing.
IV. ESTHER APPEARS BEFORE THE KING (v12-16)
The young women were prepared with cosmetic treatments for 12 months before being brought to the king. When their turn arrived, each was taken 1 by 1 to the king’s house. They were allowed to bring and wear whatever they wished from the harem, were taken to the king in the evening, and returned to a second harem overseen by Shaashgaz in the morning. This strongly implies that they were required to sleep with the king overnight - not surprising given the king’s lustful reputation. The women did not return unless he specifically requested to see them again.
When it was Esther’s turn to appear before the king she followed the wise advice that Hegai had given to her about the king’s preferences in order to make a good impression. By this point, she had gained favor with everyone who’d seen her. Esther was brought to King Ahasuerus during the 7th year of his reign, somewhere between 3 and 4 years after Queen Vashti’s removal.
Throughout this entire process, which lasted over a year, Esther had conducted herself with tremendous grace and humble character. She could have easily been bitter and upset, yet she trusted in God’s presence and plan. She chose to make the best of her less than ideal circumstances, much like Joseph had done during his imprisonment in the days of the patriarchs (Genesis 39:20-23).
V. ESTHER IS CHOSEN (v17-20)
After the lengthy competition was complete, King Ahasuerus chose Esther to be his new queen. He delighted in her more than all of the other women who’d been brought to him. He placed the royal crown upon her head and held a great feast to celebrate the occasion. In addition, he also implemented a remission of taxes throughout the empire and gave out gifts.
Esther had not revealed that she was a Jew to any of the virgins she’d met (nor anyone else for that matter). She kept it a secret, just as Mordecai had directed her. Not even King Ahasuerus knew her heritage. As Christians, we are not supposed to hide our faith, but rather to let our light shine so that others may see it and be pointed to Jesus. However, Esther’s situation was unique and her silence likely contributed to selection as queen.
CONCLUSION
Most theologians agree that Esther had sex with King Ahasuerus before they were married. She may have felt like she had no other choice. Nevertheless, if she consented her actions were sinful. Still, before we throw stones or cast judgment on her, let’s ask ourselves what we would have done in the same position? Remember that God used Rahab the harlot to hide the Hebrew spies. In fact, Rahab is listed in the genealogy of Jesus and is heralded by the writer of Hebrews for her courageous faith. Rahab’s occupation was having sex with men outside of marriage… voluntarily. In comparison, Esther’s behavior seems fairly benign. Here’s the bottom line… God uses imperfect people to accomplish His purposes. He can forgive and redeem anyone.
I am not a counselor and don’t pretend to be one. That said, if you’ve been placed in an impossible situation like Esther was, don't blame yourself. You did what you felt you had to do, despite not wanting to do it. Ask the LORD for forgiveness, forgive yourself, and move on in His strength. You are beautiful in God’s eyes and He loves you unconditionally. Place your faith in Jesus and receive the salvation He freely offers… then walk in it.
In next week’s message, we will meet Haman, the king’s chief minister. We will read about his evil, sinister plot against the people of God. This story is about to heat up! Until then, may the LORD bless and keep you.