Esther 2:17

KJV

And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favour in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the king {H4428} loved {H157} Esther {H635} above all the women {H802}, and she obtained {H5375} grace {H2580} and favour {H2617} in his sight {H6440} more than all the virgins {H1330}; so that he set {H7760} the royal {H4438} crown {H3804} upon her head {H7218}, and made her queen {H4427} instead of Vashti {H2060}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The king liked Ester more than any of his wives; none of the other virgins obtained such favor and approval from him. So he put the royal crown on her head and made her queen in place of Vashti.

Berean Standard Bible

And the king loved Esther more than all the other women, and she found grace and favor in his sight more than all of the other virgins. So he placed the royal crown upon her head and made her queen in place of Vashti.

American Standard Version

And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained favor and kindness in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Esther 2:17 marks the climactic moment of Esther's ascension to the throne of Persia, detailing King Ahasuerus's profound affection and favor for her above all other women, culminating in her coronation as queen in place of Vashti. This verse signifies a pivotal turning point, not merely for Esther personally, but for the entire Jewish people, as it strategically positions an orphaned Jewish girl in a position of immense power and influence within the Persian empire, setting the stage for divine deliverance and highlighting the subtle yet powerful hand of divine providence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Esther 2:17 serves as the culmination of a meticulously described selection process initiated by King Ahasuerus after the deposition of Queen Vashti in [Esther 1](/esther/1 "Esther 1 - Vashti's Disobedience and Deposition"). Following Vashti's refusal to appear before the king, a decree was issued to gather beautiful young virgins from across the empire into the royal harem in Susa. Esther, an orphaned Jewish girl raised by her cousin Mordecai, was among those chosen. The preceding verses in [Esther 2](/esther/2 "Esther 2 - Esther's Selection and Coronation") detail her year-long purification and beautification regimen under the care of Hegai, the king's eunuch. Esther's humble and discerning character, particularly her willingness to follow Hegai's counsel and not seek excessive adornments ([Esther 2:15](/esther/2-15 "Esther 2:15 - Esther's Favor with Hegai")), distinguished her even before she met the king. This verse, therefore, is the direct outcome of that rigorous preparation and the king's personal encounter with each woman, signifying Esther's unique appeal and divine appointment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of the Book of Esther unfold during the reign of Ahasuerus, generally identified with Xerxes I (486-465 BC), a powerful Persian emperor. The Persian Empire was vast, stretching from India to Ethiopia, and its court was known for its opulence, strict protocols, and absolute monarchical power. Kings like Ahasuerus held immense authority, and their decisions, including the selection of a queen, were final and often influenced by political considerations and personal whims. The practice of gathering virgins for the king's harem was a common royal custom in the ancient Near East, designed to ensure a wide selection for the royal lineage and to maintain the king's prestige. For a Jewish woman like Esther, who was part of the Diaspora community living under foreign rule, entering the royal court was an extraordinary and perilous undertaking, requiring careful navigation of cultural norms and strict adherence to court etiquette, including concealing her Jewish identity as advised by Mordecai ([Esther 2:10](/esther/2-10 "Esther 2:10 - Esther Conceals Her Identity")).
* **Key Themes:** Esther 2:17 powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes of the Book of Esther. Foremost among these is **Divine Providence**, even though God's name is conspicuously absent from the entire book. Esther's elevation is presented as a series of seemingly coincidental events—Vashti's removal, Esther's beauty, her favor with Hegai, and ultimately the king's love—all orchestrated by an unseen hand to position her for a critical role in saving her people. This highlights God's sovereign control over human affairs, even in secular settings. Another key theme is **God's Use of the Ordinary and Marginalized**. Esther, an orphaned Jewish girl from a minority group, is chosen for an extraordinary destiny, demonstrating that God can use anyone, regardless of their background or perceived limitations, to accomplish His purposes. This resonates with the later challenge from Mordecai, "who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for [such a time as this](/esther/4-14 "Esther 4:14 - For Such a Time as This")?" The verse also touches on the theme of **Favor and Wisdom**, as Esther's success is attributed not just to beauty but to her discerning character and the "grace and favour" she obtained, which can be seen as both human and divine endowments.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Loved (Hebrew, _ʼâhab'_):** This verb (H157) signifies a deep affection or strong emotional attachment. In this context, it describes the king's personal, preferential regard for Esther, distinguishing her from all other women. It goes beyond mere physical attraction, suggesting a genuine fondness that led to her elevation.
* **Grace (Hebrew, _chên'_):** This term (H2580) refers to favor, charm, or graciousness. It denotes a positive disposition or acceptance from someone in a position of power. Esther "obtained grace" in the king's sight, meaning she found favor and was viewed with approval and delight, not just by the king but also earlier by Hegai ([Esther 2:9](/esther/2-9 "Esther 2:9 - Esther's Favor with Hegai")).
* **Favour (Hebrew, _chêçêd'_):** While often translated as "lovingkindness" or "steadfast love" when referring to God's covenant loyalty, in human contexts like this, _chêçêd_ (H2617) can denote a deep, benevolent disposition, kindness, or loyal affection. Its pairing with _chên_ emphasizes the profound and enduring positive impression Esther made on the king, suggesting a depth of approval and benevolent regard that secured her position.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the king loved Esther above all the women":** This clause establishes the primary reason for Esther's elevation: the king's personal and profound affection for her. It highlights a subjective preference that transcended the objective beauty standards of the other virgins, indicating a unique connection or appeal that Esther possessed in the king's eyes. This love was the decisive factor in her selection.
* **"and she obtained grace and favour in his sight more than all the virgins":** This phrase further elaborates on the king's preference, emphasizing that Esther not only captivated his heart but also garnered a special, distinguishing favor and benevolent regard. The repetition and combination of "grace" (_chên_) and "favour" (_chêçêd_) underscore the exceptional nature of the king's disposition towards her, setting her apart from the multitude of other beautiful women who had been presented. This suggests a divine element at play, guiding the king's heart.
* **"so that he set the royal crown upon her head":** This is the direct consequence of the king's love and favor. The act of placing the royal crown signifies the official investiture of Esther as queen. The crown is a potent symbol of sovereignty, authority, and royal status, marking her formal ascension to the highest female position in the Persian Empire.
* **"and made her queen instead of Vashti.":** This final clause explicitly states the outcome of the entire selection process. Esther's coronation directly replaces the deposed Queen Vashti, fulfilling the decree made in [Esther 1:19](/esther/1-19 "Esther 1:19 - Vashti's Replacement Decreed"). This highlights the finality of Vashti's removal and Esther's complete and legitimate succession to the throne, underscoring the dramatic shift in power and the unexpected rise of an orphaned Jewish woman.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of Esther 2:17 employs several potent literary devices. **Irony** is subtly present, as the king's seemingly arbitrary choice, driven by personal preference, unknowingly serves God's ultimate purpose to protect His people. The grand selection process, intended to secure the king's personal gratification, becomes the very mechanism for divine intervention. **Foreshadowing** is also evident; Esther's elevation, though celebrated, hints at the significant role she will play in the unfolding drama of her people's survival. Her being "made queen instead of Vashti" sets up a **Contrast** between the disobedient queen who lost her position and the humble, obedient Esther who gained it, highlighting the different outcomes of character and divine favor. Furthermore, the repeated emphasis on "grace and favour" can be seen as a form of **Emphasis**, drawing the reader's attention to the extraordinary nature of Esther's appeal and the unseen hand guiding her destiny, even without explicit mention of God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Esther 2:17 is a profound testament to the active, though often unseen, hand of God in human history. It illustrates that divine providence is not limited to miraculous interventions but frequently operates through seemingly ordinary circumstances, human choices, and even the whims of powerful rulers. Esther's elevation, while appearing to be a result of her beauty and the king's preference, is ultimately part of God's intricate plan to preserve His covenant people. This narrative reassures believers that God remains sovereign and faithful to His promises, working behind the scenes to accomplish His purposes, even when His name is not explicitly invoked. It underscores the biblical truth that God can use anyone, from the most humble backgrounds, to fulfill His divine will, positioning them precisely "for such a time as this" ([Esther 4:14](/esther/4-14 "Esther 4:14 - Mordecai's Challenge to Esther")).

* [Genesis 39:21](/genesis/39-21 "Joseph Finds Favor")
* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "The King's Heart in God's Hand")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "God Works All Things for Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Esther 2:17 offers a powerful reminder that God is intimately involved in the details of our lives, even when His presence feels hidden or His actions are not immediately obvious. Esther's journey from orphan to queen, marked by "grace and favour," encourages us to trust in God's sovereign plan, even when we find ourselves in unfamiliar or challenging circumstances. It calls us to cultivate a spirit of humility, wisdom, and obedience, as Esther did, recognizing that these qualities, coupled with divine favor, can open doors of opportunity and position us for God's purposes. Just as Esther was prepared and placed for a specific mission to save her people, believers today are called to be available and responsive to God's leading, understanding that our unique gifts and positions might be precisely what God intends to use to impact our spheres of influence for His glory. This verse challenges us to look beyond the immediate and visible, discerning the deeper, providential hand of God at work in our lives and in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Esther's story encourage you about God's invisible hand at work in your own life or in the world, even when circumstances seem secular or random?**
* **In what ways can cultivating "grace and favour" (both human and divine) prepare you for opportunities or challenges God might place before you?**
* **Considering Esther's humble background, how does this verse challenge your perceptions of who God can use to accomplish His purposes?**
* **What "royal crown" or position of influence might God be preparing you for, and how are you responding to that preparation?**

### FAQ

**Was Esther's beauty the sole reason for her becoming queen?**

Answer: While Esther's beauty was certainly a prerequisite for being selected for the king's harem, Esther 2:17 explicitly states that "she obtained grace and favour in his sight more than all the virgins." This suggests that beyond her physical attractiveness, there was something about her character, demeanor, or spirit that uniquely captivated the king. Earlier, she also found "favour and kindness" with Hegai, the keeper of the women ([Esther 2:9](/esther/2-9 "Esther 2:9 - Esther's Favor with Hegai")), indicating a consistent pattern of winning people over. This "grace and favour" points to a deeper, perhaps divinely influenced, appeal that transcended mere physical beauty, aligning with the biblical theme that God looks at the heart ([1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - The Lord Looks at the Heart")).

**How does God work in the Book of Esther, given that His name is never mentioned?**

Answer: The Book of Esther is unique in the Bible for its complete absence of God's explicit name or direct divine intervention (like miracles or prophecies). However, His presence is profoundly felt through the theme of **divine providence**. In Esther 2:17, Esther's exceptional "grace and favour" and the king's "love" for her are presented as the culmination of a series of seemingly coincidental events—Vashti's removal, Mordecai's guidance, Hegai's kindness, and the king's choice—all of which perfectly align to position Esther to save her people. This demonstrates God working behind the scenes, orchestrating human events and choices to fulfill His purposes, even in a secular court. It teaches us that God's sovereignty is not limited to overt miracles but extends to the subtle, everyday workings of history and human affairs, confirming that "the king's heart is in the hand of the Lord" ([Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in God's Hand")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Esther's elevation to queen, marked by the king's love and her obtaining "grace and favour," serves as a poignant type and shadow of Christ's ultimate exaltation and His relationship with His people. Just as Esther was chosen from among many and uniquely favored to become queen and deliver her people, so too was Jesus, the [Son of God](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World"), uniquely chosen and anointed to be King and Savior. His "grace and favour" are not merely human but divine, as He is "full of [grace and truth](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")" and "from His fullness we have all received, grace upon grace" ([John 1:16](/john/1-16 "John 1:16 - From His Fullness")). Esther's position as queen, mediating between the king and her people, foreshadows Christ's role as our [great High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Our Great High Priest") and [advocate](/1_john/2-1 "1 John 2:1 - Christ Our Advocate") who intercedes for us before the Father. Furthermore, the Church, as the [Bride of Christ](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ Loves the Church"), is chosen and adorned by Him, not for her own merit but by His sacrificial love and grace, to reign with Him eternally ([Revelation 19:7-9](/revelation/19-7-9 "Revelation 19:7-9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")). Thus, Esther 2:17, though set in a secular context, powerfully illustrates the divine principle of election, favor, and redemptive purpose culminating in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

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

Psalms 113:7

He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, [and] lifteth the needy out of the dunghill;

Psalms 113:8

That he may set [him] with princes, [even] with the princes of his people.

Luke 1:48

For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.

Luke 1:52

He hath put down the mighty from [their] seats, and exalted them of low degree.

Ezekiel 17:24

And all the trees of the field shall know that I the LORD have brought down the high tree, have exalted the low tree, have dried up the green tree, and have made the dry tree to flourish: I the LORD have spoken and have done [it].

Psalms 75:6

¶ For promotion [cometh] neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south.

Psalms 75:7

But God [is] the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.