Esther 2:5-10

Spend time in prayer and silence with God asking Him to meet with you and speak to you.

Bible Reading

Now there was in the citadel of Susa a Jew of the tribe of Benjamin, named, Mordecai son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, who had been carried into exile from Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, among those taken captive with Jehoiachin king of Judah. Mordecai had a cousin named Hadassah, whom he had brought up because she had neither father or mother. This girl, who was also known as Esther, was lovely in form and features, and Mordecai had taken her as his own daughter when her father and mother died. When the king’s order and edict had been proclaimed, many girls were brought to the citadel of Susa and put under the care of Hegai. Esther also was taken into the king’s palace and entrusted to Hegai, who had charge of the Harem. The girl pleased him and won his favor. Immediately he provided her with beauty treatments and special food. He assigned to her seven maids selected from the king’s palace and moved her and her maids into the best place in the harem. Esther had not yet revealed her nationality and family background, because Mordecai had forbidden her to do so.

– Esther 2:5-10

Devotion

The book of Esther tells the story of a beautiful Jewish girl whom King Xerxes chose to be his queen. When Haman plots to murder all the Jews, Queen Esther intervened to save to her people. Risking her own life, Esther appealed to the king and rescued her people. Although the name of God is not mentioned in this book, His care for His chosen people is clearly shown. The book of Esther provides us with the greatest illustrations of the providence of God. Although His name is never mentioned, we see His hand at work in human history.

The Big Question

Although God’s name is not mentioned in this book, we clearly see God’s hand at work in the course in human history as He directs the events of His creation. The Jews that still remained in Babylon were living outside of the will of God. They could have returned to Jerusalem, but they chose to stay in a foreign land. They were far from Him, but He had not forgotten them. How does it make you feel to know that God is always behind the scenes working out His perfect plan and purposes even when we disobey and rebel against Him? Do you struggle to understand the providence and will of God?

Conclude your time in prayer and silence reflecting on what God revealed to you today.