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Esther 2:20

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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.

Esther {H635} had not yet shewed {H5046} her kindred {H4138} nor her people {H5971}; as Mordecai {H4782} had charged {H6680} her: for Esther {H635} did {H6213} the commandment {H3982} of Mordecai {H4782}, like as when she was brought up {H545} with him.

Ester had not yet revealed her family ties or her people, as Mordekhai had ordered her; for Ester continued obeying what Mordekhai told her to do, as she had when he was raising her.

Esther still had not revealed her lineage or her people, just as Mordecai had instructed. She obeyed Mordecai’s command, as she had done under his care.

Esther had not yet made known 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.

Commentary

Context of Esther 2:20

This verse is situated early in the book of Esther, after the selection of young virgins, including Esther, to be brought to the palace of King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I) in Susa, the capital of the Persian Empire. Esther, a Jewish orphan, was raised by her cousin Mordecai. As she is being prepared to meet the king, this verse highlights a crucial instruction from Mordecai: that Esther keep her Jewish identity, her "kindred nor her people," a secret. Her continued obedience to this command, just as she had obeyed him throughout her upbringing, is emphasized.

Key Themes

  • Obedience and Submission: Esther's character is immediately revealed through her unwavering obedience to Mordecai. Even after being taken into the royal palace and given a position of potential influence, she remained submissive to her guardian's counsel. This consistent obedience, described as "like as when she was brought up with him," underscores a deep trust and respect. This highlights the importance of heeding wise counsel and instruction from those who have our best interests at heart.
  • Discretion and Wisdom: Mordecai's charge for Esther to conceal her Jewish heritage was a highly strategic and wise act of discretion. In a foreign court, where ethnic and national identities could be a source of prejudice or danger, keeping this aspect of her background hidden provided a layer of protection and flexibility. This act of prudent discretion would prove vital for the unfolding events of the book and the ultimate salvation of her people.
  • Divine Providence (Implied): While God is not explicitly mentioned in the book of Esther, the careful, strategic actions of individuals like Mordecai, and Esther's obedience, are often seen as part of God's unseen hand guiding events. Esther's hidden identity became a key element in God's plan to position her to deliver her people from destruction later in the narrative, subtly revealing how God works through human choices and circumstances.
  • Identity in a Foreign Land: The verse touches on the theme of maintaining one's true identity, even when it must be concealed for safety or strategic reasons. Esther's Jewish identity remained intact, though hidden, which later allowed her to stand for her people.

Strategic Implications & Application

Esther 2:20 offers valuable lessons for believers today. It underscores the importance of obedience to wise and godly counsel, recognizing that such submission can be a pathway to God's greater purposes. It also teaches the virtue of discretion—knowing when to speak and when to remain silent, when to reveal and when to conceal, for the sake of safety or strategic advantage. This is not about deception but about wisdom in navigating complex situations. Ultimately, Esther's story reminds us that God can use seemingly ordinary individuals, acting in obedience and wisdom, to accomplish His extraordinary plans, even when His presence is not overtly declared.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Esther 2:10 (3 votes)

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

  • Ephesians 6:1 (3 votes)

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

  • Ephesians 6:3 (3 votes)

    That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.

  • Esther 2:7 (2 votes)

    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.