Esther 2:10

KJV

Esther had not shewed her people nor her kindred: for Mordecai had charged her that she should not shew [it].

KJV (with Strong's)

Esther {H635} had not shewed {H5046} her people {H5971} nor her kindred {H4138}: for Mordecai {H4782} had charged {H6680} her that she should not shew {H5046} it.

Complete Jewish Bible

Ester did not disclose her people or family ties, because Mordekhai had instructed her not to tell anyone.

Berean Standard Bible

Esther did not reveal her people or her lineage, because Mordecai had instructed her not to do so.

American Standard Version

Esther had not made known her people nor her kindred; for Mordecai had charged her that she should not make it known.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Esther 2:10 reveals a pivotal detail in the early narrative of Esther's placement in King Ahasuerus's palace: her concealed identity. Following the stringent instructions of her cousin and guardian, Mordecai, Esther deliberately withheld any information regarding her Jewish heritage or family background from the royal court. This act of profound discretion and obedience was not merely a protective measure but a crucial, divinely orchestrated element that would intricately weave into the unfolding tapestry of God's sovereign plan for the deliverance of His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Esther 2:10 is situated within the narrative of Esther's selection as queen, following King Ahasuerus's deposition of Queen Vashti. The preceding verses establish Esther (Hadassah) as an orphaned Jewish girl, "beautiful of form and face," who was adopted and raised by her cousin Mordecai in Susa, the capital city of the Persian Empire ([Esther 2:7](/esther/2-7 "Esther 2:7 - Esther's Background and Adoption")). She is among many young virgins gathered into the royal harem under the care of Hegai, the king's eunuch. This verse specifically highlights Esther's immediate and unwavering obedience to Mordecai's command, setting a precedent for her character and foreshadowing the critical role her hidden identity will play later in the book when Haman's genocidal plot against the Jews is revealed.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the vast Persian Empire, specifically its capital city, Susa, during the reign of Ahasuerus ( Xerxes I, 486-465 BC). The Jewish people were exiles, a minority group living under foreign rule, often vulnerable to prejudice and political machinations. Royal harems were complex environments, rife with intrigue and competition. For a young woman entering such a world, revealing a distinct ethnic or religious identity could expose her to immediate suspicion, discrimination, or even danger. Mordecai's instruction for secrecy was a pragmatic and wise protective measure, reflecting an understanding of the precarious position of Jewish exiles in a pagan court. This discretion was not an act of denial of faith, but a strategic maneuver for survival and, as it turned out, for divine purpose.
* **Key Themes:** This verse underscores several significant themes. **Prudence and Discretion** are paramount, as Esther's ability to keep such a profound secret demonstrates remarkable self-control and adherence to wise counsel in a highly exposed environment. This discretion is a recurring motif in the wisdom literature, emphasizing the importance of knowing when to speak and when to remain silent, as seen in [Proverbs 11:13](/proverbs/11-13 "Proverbs 11:13 - Discretion of a Trustworthy Person"). The theme of **Protection and Secrecy** highlights Mordecai's strategic foresight in safeguarding Esther, which ultimately becomes instrumental in God's plan to preserve His people. Furthermore, Esther's **Obedience to Authority**—her unwavering trust and submission to Mordecai's charge—is a foundational aspect of her character, preparing her for the courageous acts of obedience she will later undertake. Finally, and perhaps most profoundly, the hiddenness of Esther's identity is a powerful illustration of **Divine Providence**. The book of Esther famously does not mention God's name, yet His hand is unmistakably at work behind the scenes, using human choices, hidden circumstances, and seemingly coincidental events to accomplish His sovereign purposes, much like the hidden hand of God in [Joseph's story in Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "Genesis 50:20 - Joseph's Declaration of God's Purpose").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Shewed (Hebrew, נגד _nagad_):** This verb means "to tell, to declare, to make known, to disclose." In this context, it emphasizes a deliberate act of withholding information. Esther was not merely passive; she actively refrained from revealing her heritage. The KJV's "had not shewed" perfectly captures this intentional non-disclosure, highlighting her obedience to Mordecai's command to keep her identity a secret.
* **Kindred (Hebrew, מולדת _moledet_):** This noun refers to one's "birthplace, native land, lineage, or family origin." It denotes a deeper connection than just "people" (עַם, _ʿam_), encompassing her ancestral roots and the specific family line from which she came. By concealing both her "people" (Jewish ethnicity) and her "kindred" (specific family ties within that ethnicity), Esther ensured a complete veil over her true identity, making her a blank slate in the eyes of the Persian court.
* **Charged (Hebrew, צוה _tsavah_):** This verb means "to command, to order, to give a charge." It signifies a strong, authoritative instruction, not merely a suggestion. Mordecai's directive was a firm mandate, underscoring his role as Esther's guardian and the seriousness with which he viewed the necessity of her secrecy. Esther's response demonstrates not just compliance, but respectful obedience to a trusted authority figure.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Esther had not shewed her people nor her kindred:"** This clause establishes the central fact of the verse: Esther's hidden identity. The double negative ("not shewed... nor") emphasizes the complete absence of disclosure. By concealing both her broader ethnic group ("her people," referring to the Jews) and her specific family line ("her kindred"), Esther ensured a comprehensive veil over her background. This act of concealment was a deliberate and active choice, reflecting her adherence to Mordecai's instruction and her remarkable self-control in a new and potentially overwhelming environment.
* **"for Mordecai had charged her that she should not shew [it]."** This clause provides the rationale and source of Esther's secrecy. It was not an arbitrary decision on her part but a direct command from Mordecai, her guardian. The word "charged" (צוה, _tsavah_) indicates a strong, authoritative instruction, highlighting Mordecai's wisdom and foresight in protecting Esther. His command underscores the precarious position of Jewish exiles in a foreign court and sets the stage for how this hidden identity will later serve a crucial purpose in God's redemptive plan.

#### Literary Devices
Esther 2:10 employs several subtle yet significant literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as the secrecy surrounding Esther's identity hints at its future revelation and crucial role in the unfolding drama. This hiddenness creates narrative tension, building anticipation for the moment her true background will be exposed. There is also an element of **Irony**, as the very act of concealment, intended for protection, ultimately becomes the means through which Esther can strategically intervene and save her people. This verse also contributes to **Characterization**, revealing Esther's obedient and discreet nature, as well as Mordecai's protective wisdom and foresight. Finally, the emphasis on hiddenness subtly points to the broader theme of **Divine Hiddenness** or **Providence** throughout the book of Esther, where God's hand is at work behind the scenes, orchestrating events through human choices without explicit divine intervention.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Esther's hidden identity in Esther 2:10 profoundly illustrates the biblical principle of divine providence, particularly how God often works through unseen, human means to accomplish His sovereign will. While God's name is conspicuously absent from the book of Esther, His orchestrating hand is evident in every detail, including Esther's obedience to Mordecai's command for discretion. This verse teaches us that God can use seemingly ordinary, or even hidden, circumstances and choices to position individuals for extraordinary purposes. It underscores the wisdom of discretion and obedience to godly counsel, recognizing that there are times when strategic silence or concealment is not a compromise of faith but a necessary component of God's unfolding plan. This reflects a broader biblical truth that God's ways are often beyond our immediate comprehension, working through the mundane to achieve the miraculous.

* [Proverbs 15:28](/proverbs/15-28 "Proverbs 15:28 - The Heart of the Righteous Ponders How to Answer")
* [Psalm 37:23](/psalm/37-23 "Psalm 37:23 - The Steps of a Man Are Established by the Lord")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works for Good in All Things")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Esther 2:10 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. In a world that often pressures for immediate transparency and self-revelation, Esther's example reminds us of the spiritual wisdom of discretion. There are times when it is prudent to withhold certain information, not out of deceit, but out of wisdom, protection, or strategic timing, especially when navigating complex or potentially hostile environments. This verse also highlights the importance of trusting and obeying wise counsel, particularly from those who genuinely care for our well-being and spiritual flourishing. Just as Mordecai's instruction positioned Esther for her divine assignment, listening to and acting upon godly wisdom can prepare us for God's purposes in our lives. Ultimately, this passage encourages us to trust in God's sovereign hand, even when His workings are not immediately apparent. Our "hidden" seasons, our discreet actions, and our quiet obedience can be precisely where God is preparing us for a greater purpose, working behind the scenes for His glory and the good of His people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **When might discretion be a spiritual virtue rather than a lack of transparency?**
* **How does Esther's obedience to Mordecai's counsel challenge or affirm your own approach to receiving advice?**
* **In what ways might God be working in "hidden" or seemingly insignificant areas of your life to prepare you for a future purpose?**
* **What are the potential dangers of revealing too much, too soon, in certain contexts?**

### FAQ
**Why did Mordecai tell Esther to keep her identity a secret?**

Answer: Mordecai's instruction for Esther to keep her Jewish identity a secret was a strategic and protective measure. As Jewish exiles in the vast Persian Empire, they were a minority group potentially vulnerable to prejudice, political intrigue, or even persecution. In the highly competitive and often dangerous environment of the royal harem, revealing a distinct ethnic or religious background could have exposed Esther to immediate suspicion or hostility. Mordecai, acting as her guardian, wisely sought to safeguard her by allowing her to integrate into the court without drawing undue attention to her heritage. This hiddenness ultimately proved to be crucial for her survival and, later, for the salvation of her people when Haman's plot emerged.

**Did Esther's secrecy contradict her faith?**

Answer: No, Esther's secrecy did not contradict her faith. The Bible often commends wisdom and discretion, especially in challenging circumstances. Her concealment was not a denial of her Jewish identity or her God, but a pragmatic act of prudence and obedience to wise counsel. The book of Esther, while not explicitly mentioning God, implicitly demonstrates His sovereignty working through human actions, including Esther's hiddenness. Her secrecy was a temporary, strategic measure that ultimately positioned her to fulfill God's redemptive plan for His people. Her later courageous revelation of her identity ([Esther 7:4](/esther/7-4 "Esther 7:4 - Esther Reveals Her Identity")) at the opportune moment further underscores that her initial discretion was not a compromise of faith but a divinely guided tactical maneuver.

**When does Esther reveal her identity, and why is it significant?**

Answer: Esther reveals her identity much later in the narrative, in [Esther 7:4](/esther/7-4 "Esther 7:4 - Esther Reveals Her Identity"), during the second banquet she prepares for the King and Haman. This revelation is profoundly significant because it is the pivotal moment that allows her to expose Haman's wicked plot to annihilate the Jews. By revealing that she herself is Jewish, Esther makes Haman's decree a direct threat to her own life, compelling the King to act decisively. Her earlier secrecy allowed her to gain favor and position without prejudice, but her timely revelation, at the height of Haman's power and the Jewish people's peril, was the courageous act that turned the tide and led to their deliverance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Esther's hidden identity in Esther 2:10, though a strategic human decision, beautifully foreshadows the profound mystery of Christ's incarnation and the hiddenness of God's redemptive plan. Just as Esther's true heritage was concealed for a time, allowing her to enter the palace and gain favor, so too did God's ultimate plan of salvation remain a "mystery hidden for ages and generations" ([Colossians 1:26](/colossians/1-26 "Colossians 1:26 - The Mystery Revealed")). Christ, the Son of God, "emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humiliation")), concealing His divine glory in human flesh. He came not as an overtly powerful king, but as a humble carpenter's son, born in obscurity, to identify fully with humanity ([Hebrews 2:17](/hebrews/2-17 "Hebrews 2:17 - Jesus Made Like His Brothers")). This "hiddenness" allowed Him to enter our world, live among us, and ultimately become the perfect sacrifice, the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Like Esther, whose hidden identity was revealed at the critical moment to save her people, Christ's true identity as God incarnate was progressively revealed through His life, death, and resurrection, culminating in the full disclosure of God's saving grace to all who believe. His hiddenness was not a denial of who He was, but a strategic act of love to accomplish our salvation, ultimately revealing "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 10:16

¶ Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

Esther 2:20

Esther had not [yet] shewed her kindred nor her people; as Mordecai had charged her: for Esther did the commandment of Mordecai, like as when she was brought up with him.

Ephesians 6:1

¶ Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.

Esther 3:8

And Haman said unto king Ahasuerus, There is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among the people in all the provinces of thy kingdom; and their laws [are] diverse from all people; neither keep they the king's laws: therefore it [is] not for the king's profit to suffer them.

Esther 4:13

Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king's house, more than all the Jews.

Esther 4:14

For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, [then] shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for [such] a time as this?

Esther 2:7

And he brought up Hadassah, that [is], Esther, his uncle's daughter: for she had neither father nor mother, and the maid [was] fair and beautiful; whom Mordecai, when her father and mother were dead, took for his own daughter.