Esther 2:17 is a pivotal verse in the Book of Esther that explains how Esther became queen. Let's break it down:
"The king loved Esther more than all the women...": This indicates that King Ahasuerus (also known as Xerxes) developed a stronger affection for Esther compared to the other women who were brought before him as potential replacements for Queen Vashti. This doesn't necessarily imply romantic love in the modern sense, but rather that he found her more pleasing, agreeable, and perhaps more intelligent or charming than the others.
"...and she obtained favor and kindness in his sight more than all the virgins...": This emphasizes Esther's special appeal to the king. "Favor and kindness" suggest that he saw something uniquely desirable or admirable in her. She stood out among all the other women. This may have been due to her inner qualities, her physical beauty, or perhaps even divine favor.
"...so that he set the royal crown on her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti.": This is the result of the king's affection and Esther's favor. He chose her to be his queen, replacing the previous queen, Vashti, who had been deposed for disobedience (Esther 1). The act of placing the royal crown on her head symbolized her new status and authority as queen of the Persian Empire.
In summary, Esther 2:17 highlights that Esther won the king's heart and favor, surpassing all other women in his eyes. This led to her being chosen as queen, a position that would later prove crucial in saving the Jewish people from annihilation. It's important to remember that the narrative emphasizes God's hidden hand, subtly guiding events to ensure Esther's rise to power and her ability to protect her people.
Esther 2:17 is a pivotal verse in the Book of Esther that explains how Esther became queen. Let's break it down:
"The king loved Esther more than all the women...": This indicates that King Ahasuerus (also known as Xerxes) developed a stronger affection for Esther compared to the other women who were brought before him as potential replacements for Queen Vashti. This doesn't necessarily imply romantic love in the modern sense, but rather that he found her more pleasing, agreeable, and perhaps more intelligent or charming than the others.
"...and she obtained favor and kindness in his sight more than all the virgins...": This emphasizes Esther's special appeal to the king. "Favor and kindness" suggest that he saw something uniquely desirable or admirable in her. She stood out among all the other women. This may have been due to her inner qualities, her physical beauty, or perhaps even divine favor.
"...so that he set the royal crown on her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti.": This is the result of the king's affection and Esther's favor. He chose her to be his queen, replacing the previous queen, Vashti, who had been deposed for disobedience (Esther 1). The act of placing the royal crown on her head symbolized her new status and authority as queen of the Persian Empire.
In summary, Esther 2:17 highlights that Esther won the king's heart and favor, surpassing all other women in his eyes. This led to her being chosen as queen, a position that would later prove crucial in saving the Jewish people from annihilation. It's important to remember that the narrative emphasizes God's hidden hand, subtly guiding events to ensure Esther's rise to power and her ability to protect her people.