Esther 2:17

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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.

Esther 2:17 KJV marks a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative of Esther, describing her elevation to the position of queen of Persia. This verse highlights King Ahasuerus's distinct preference for Esther among all the women presented to him, culminating in her coronation.

Context

This verse follows a significant period of preparation and selection. After Queen Vashti's disobedience and subsequent removal from her royal position (as detailed in Esther 1:19), King Ahasuerus initiated a search for a new queen from among the most beautiful virgins in his vast empire. Esther, an orphaned Jewish girl raised by her cousin Mordecai, was brought into the king's harem. Despite her humble background and the political complexities of the Persian court, she found favor with Hegai, the keeper of the women, and underwent a rigorous twelve-month beautification process, setting the stage for this momentous decision.

Key Themes

  • Divine Providence and Favor: The phrase "obtained grace and favour in his sight" strongly suggests that Esther's ascent was not merely due to her physical beauty or human manipulation, but a clear manifestation of God's invisible hand at work. Though the name of God is not explicitly mentioned in the Book of Esther, His sovereign control over events is undeniable. This divine favor positioned her to eventually save her people.
  • Esther's Character and Humility: Esther's success was also attributed to her wise choices and humble spirit. She followed the advice of Hegai (as seen in Esther 2:15), not seeking excessive adornments but relying on what was given to her, which further distinguished her.
  • God's Use of Ordinary People: Esther was an ordinary girl in extraordinary circumstances. Her story is a powerful testament to how God can use anyone, regardless of their background or perceived limitations, to accomplish His divine purposes, especially for "such a time as this" (a profound theme later articulated in Esther 4:14).

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "grace and favour" translates the Hebrew words chen (חֵן) and chesed (חֶסֶד). Chen typically refers to favor, grace, or charm. Chesed is a rich Hebrew term often translated as "lovingkindness," "mercy," or "steadfast love," especially in the context of God's covenant loyalty. Here, in the context of human interaction, it signifies the king's deep affection and benevolent disposition towards Esther, elevating her above the other women. This combination emphasizes the profound and favorable impression Esther made, suggesting a depth of approval beyond mere superficial attraction.

Practical Application

Esther 2:17 offers several timeless lessons. It reminds us that God is actively involved in the details of our lives, even when we cannot perceive His direct intervention. We are encouraged to cultivate a spirit of humility and wisdom, as Esther did, which can open doors of opportunity. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of trusting God's plan, even when we are placed in challenging or unfamiliar environments. Just as Esther was positioned for a divine purpose, believers today are called to be prepared and available for God to use them to impact their world for His glory. Recognizing and embracing the "favor" God gives us can lead to unexpected and impactful outcomes.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back