Book of Esther – Part 2

Est 2:1-11: Let There be Fair Young Virgins Sought for the King

[Study Posted June 25, 2020

Est 2:1  After these things, when the wrath of king Ahasuerus was appeased, he remembered Vashti, and what she had done, and what was decreed against her. 
Est 2:2  Then said the king’s servants that ministered unto him, Let there be fair young virgins sought for the king: 
Est 2:3  And let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom, that they may gather together all the fair young virgins unto Shushan the palace, to the house of the women, unto the custody of Hege the king’s chamberlain, keeper of the women; and let their things for purification be given them: 
Est 2:4  And let the maiden which pleaseth the king be queen instead of Vashti. And the thing pleased the king; and he did so. 
Est 2:5  Now in Shushan the palace there was a certain Jew, whose name was Mordecai, the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite; 
Est 2:6  Who had been carried away from Jerusalem with the captivity which had been carried away with Jeconiah king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away. 
Est 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. 
Est 2:8  So it came to pass, when the king’s commandment and his decree was heard, and when many maidens were gathered together unto Shushan the palace, to the custody of Hegai, that Esther was brought also unto the king’s house, to the custody of Hegai, keeper of the women. 
Est 2:9  And the maiden pleased him, and she obtained kindness of him; and he speedily gave her her things for purification, with such things as belonged to her, and seven maidens, which were meet to be given her, out of the king’s house: and he preferred her and her maids unto the best place of the house of the women. 
Est 2:10  Esther had not shewed her people nor her kindred: for Mordecai had charged her that she should not shew it.
Est 2:11  And Mordecai walked every day before the court of the women’s house, to know how Esther did, and what should become of her. 

The ending of Esther Chapter 1 summarizes the objective of the whole book of Esther.  It is about how to bear rule of our own house (flesh). Chapter 2 shows us the beginning of the process of what it takes to bear rule (overcome our flesh), using Esther and Mordecai as examples of the elect. It will appear from Chapter 1 that Vashti had been forgotten for good as she was not expected to come before the King again.  However, God’s ways are not our ways in the sense that God always devises means that His banished be not expelled from Him (2Sa 14:14). God always remembers, as we will see in the following:

Est 2:1  After these things, when the wrath of king Ahasuerus was appeased, he remembered Vashti, and what she had done, and what was decreed against her.

God’s wrath is not forever.  His anger is but for a moment (Psa 30:5). That is the God we serve. Although Vashti (the harlot woman) has been banned from the presence of the King, it is not forever. At the appropriate time, God will show mercy to her and her children. The fact that the king remembered Vashti means that there is hope for humanity. However, it will be by each in his own order.

In the scriptures, God’s remembrance is always followed by salvation. For example, when Moses settled in with his father-in-law Jethro, he forgot about the deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt, but in the fullness of time, God remembered Israel, and this led to their deliverance from bondage in Egypt. In a similar way, when God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, He remembered Abraham, and as a result, Lot was delivered. We were just like Vashti who had been banned from the King’s presence but in God’s own time, he has remembered us and this will certainly lead us to salvation!!

Sometimes we all get discouraged and wonder whether we will come to perfection, but whatever God starts, He is able to finish!! If this race depends on us, we will mess up big time!!! But He who has started this race with us is able to bring it to completion.  There is a song we sing in our local dialect here in Ghana which echoes God’s remembrance.  The words go like this:

Awurade kae me (God, remember me)
Kae me ma ensi me yie (When you remember me it will go well with me)
Mennyi ogyefo bi ti se wo (I don’t have a savior like you)
Me kotow me sere wo (I’m pleading that you remember me)

Psa 30:5  For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.

Isa 54:7  For a small moment have I forsaken thee; but with great mercies will I gather thee.
Isa 54:8  In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the LORD thy Redeemer.

Exo 2:23  And it came to pass in process of time, that the king of Egypt died: and the children of Israel sighed by reason of the bondage, and they cried, and their cry came up unto God by reason of the bondage.
Exo 2:24  And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob.
Exo 2:25  And God looked upon the children of Israel, and God had respect unto them.

Gen 8:1  And God remembered Noah, and every living thing, and all the cattle that was with him in the ark: and God made a wind to pass over the earth, and the waters assuaged;

Gen 19:29  And it came to pass, when God destroyed the cities of the plain, that God remembered Abraham, and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow, when he overthrew the cities in the which Lot dwelt.

Gen 30:22  And God remembered Rachel, and God hearkened to her, and opened her womb.

Est 2:2  Then said the king’s servants that ministered unto him, Let there be fair young virgins sought for the king: 
Est 2:3  And let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom, that they may gather together all the fair young virgins unto Shushan the palace, to the house of the women, unto the custody of Hege the king’s chamberlain, keeper of the women; and let their things for purification be given them:
Est 2:4  And let the maiden which pleaseth the king be queen instead of Vashti. And the thing pleased the king; and he did so. 

In this age, fair virgins are being sought to become the bride of the King. Many are responding to this call all over the world, but few will be chosen.  The officers the King is appointing represent the elders all over the world in every generation whose task is to gather together the elect (young virgins) under the custody of Jesus (Hege, the King’s chamberlain, the keeper of the women). Yes, Jesus is the head of the church and is therefore the keeper of the women. This passage highlights the importance of fellowshiping. It is when we gather that we begin to know the things we have been given for our purification, that is, the judgment of the old man. It is only through this purification (judgment) that we can please the King and therefore become the bride (queen) of King Jesus. We are elected as queens to replace Vashti, (the harlot woman). This election is therefore at the expense of Vashti’s unbelief now.

Heb 10:25  Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Rom 11:30  For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief:
Rom 11:31  Even so have these (Vashti and her children) also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy.
Rom 11:32  For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.

Est 2:5  Now in Shushan the palace there was a certain Jew, whose name was Mordecai, the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite; 
Est 2:6  Who had been carried away from Jerusalem with the captivity which had been carried away with Jeconiah king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away. 

Mordecai is introduced as a Jew who was under Babylonian captivity. As we have learned, a true Jew is not one who is a physical descendent of Israel but rather someone who is spiritually circumcised (whose flesh has been subdued). Thus, Mordecai represents the elect. We all, in our appointed times, have been under Babylonian captivity, and it is through the grace of God that we are coming out just like Mordecai. It is worth mentioning that anytime Jeconiah is mentioned regarding Babylonian captivity, God always gives assurance that the captives in the company of Jeconiah will return to the promised land (overcome our flesh)!! Since Mordecai was in the company of Jeconiah, it was no wonder that Mordecai, representing the elect, had his freedom (overcame the flesh). This was not the case with Zedekiah, the king of Judah, and others who were also in Babylonian captivity.  Zedekiah’s eyes were removed, and he was imprisoned until his death in Babylon. Zedekiah’s group of captives represent those who are not given to break away from the shackles of the flesh in this life. Their eyes have been removed, and therefore, in this age, they will not be able to see.  What this is telling us is that if we were carried away captives along with Jeconiah, then God will surely break the yoke of our Babylonian captivity.

Rom 2:28  For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:
Rom 2:29  But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.

Jer 28:4  And I will bring again to this place Jeconiah the son of Jehoiakim king of Judah, with all the captives of Judah, that went into Babylon, saith the LORD: for I will break the yoke of the king of Babylon.

Jer 52:9  Then they took the king (Zedekiah), and carried him up unto the king of Babylon to Riblah in the land of Hamath; where he gave judgment upon him.
Jer 52:10  And the king of Babylon slew the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes: he slew also all the princes of Judah in Riblah.
Jer 52:11  Then he put out the eyes of Zedekiah; and the king of Babylon bound him in chains, and carried him to Babylon, and put him in prison till the day of his death.

Est 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. 

Mordecai, the cousin of Esther, was the one who took care of Esther when her father and mother died. When God begins to open our eyes to see, then spiritually, our father and mother have died!! Our father here is the devil who abode not in the truth, and our mother is the harlot woman upon whose forehead is written Mystery Babylon. So Esther here represents the elect who are coming out of the influence of Babylon powered by the devil. The verse here also teaches us that those who are mature should guide to maturity those who are coming out of the grips of the harlot woman and the devil. As we go along, we will learn how Mordecai was able to guide Esther to maturity.

Joh 8:44  Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

Rev 17:3  So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.
Rev 17:4  And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication:
Rev 17:5  And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.

Est 2:8  So it came to pass, when the king’s commandment and his decree was heard, and when many maidens were gathered together unto Shushan the palace, to the custody of Hegai, that Esther was brought also unto the king’s house, to the custody of Hegai, keeper of the women. 
Est 2:9  And the maiden pleased him, and she obtained kindness of him; and he speedily gave her her things for purification, with such things as belonged to her, and seven maidens, which were meet to be given her, out of the king’s house: and he preferred her and her maids unto the best place of the house of the women. 

In every generation, many virgins are responding to the King’s commandment and decree as proclaimed by the Elect. These virgins were just like Israel coming out of Egypt after hearing Moses’ words of leaving Egypt to possess the land given by God. Esther being one of them represents a young elect. She was therefore immature and is not accustomed to strong meat which belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil (Heb 5:14).

We as virgins are gathering together in every generation under the custody of Jesus. Whether we will be chosen by the King is another matter. The gathering together is the many called, but few will be chosen!!  If we are chosen, then it is not because we are better in any way, but because God decided to show kindness to us before the foundations of the earth. In this case we are able to please Him just as Esther obtained kindness and therefore pleased Hegai. It is God who decides to have mercy on whom He will have mercy, and whom He will He hardens (Rom 9:18)!! It is therefore not of him that willeth nor of him that runneth, but of God that showeth mercy (Rom 9:16). When this kindness or mercy is shown to us, we are then given all we need to go through our purification process (the seven plagues) which will grant us access to the temple to meet the King!!

As a result of this kindness, Esther was speedily given the things she needed for her purification which included seven maidens selected from the King’s palace. The seven maidens are all the elect God brings in our way to prepare us as bride of our King Jesus.

According to verse 8, Esther and the seven maidens were given the best place of the house of the women. The “place” is in italics in King James which means that it was not in the original manuscript. So omitting the “place”, we can say that Esther and the seven maidens were given the best of the house of the women. The house of the women signifies the church.  As Paul explained in Galatians, there are two types of houses of the women (churches) – Jerusalem which is and the Jerusalem above. Jerusalem which is (current church system), is in bondage with her children.  Jerusalem which is above is the mother of us all, and it is the best place of the house of women assigned to you and me even as it was given to Esther and the seven maidens.

Act 4:4  Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand.

Heb 5:14  But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

Mat 22:14  For many are called, but few are chosen.

Rom 9:13  As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.
Rom 9:14  What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid.
Rom 9:15  For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.
Rom 9:16  So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.

Rev 15:8  And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power; and no man was able to enter into the temple, till the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled.

Gal 4:22  For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman.
Gal 4:23  But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise.
Gal 4:24  Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar.
Gal 4:25  For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children.
Gal 4:26  But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.

Est 2:10  Esther had not shewed her people nor her kindred: for Mordecai had charged her that she should not shew it.

As indicated, Esther represents a young elect who was just coming out of the clutches of Babylonian captivity and therefore needs to be guided by Mordecai who was experienced and knows what should be done at every point in time. As our eyes are being opened, we need to pay heed to what our elders are saying, and we should be deferring to them. That was what Esther did by not revealing her identity as a Jew.

What this teaches us is that we are not to parade ourselves as the true sons of God as our other brothers, the Pharisees of today, are doing. God is hiding us like arrows in His quiver, and at the appropriate time, when the kingdom of this world becomes the kingdom of our God and of His Christ, that is when we shall be revealed. That is what the whole of creation is waiting for – the revelation of the sons of God!! In God’s own wisdom He hides our identity when we are just coming out of Babylon just like Esther did because if we are revealed to the world, we may repent when we see war (extreme opposition) and return to Egypt. Remember that the way to Canaan was only a three-day journey through the land of the Philistines, but God directed the Israelites to take a different route lest they turn back when they see war. Again, Joseph’s revelation as a ruler to his brothers (the world) attracted extreme opposition which we may not be able to bear as we journey out of Babylon.

Isa 49:2  And he hath made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his hand hath he hid me, and made me a polished shaft; in his quiver hath he hid me;

Rom 8:19  For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.
Rom 8:20  For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,
Rom 8:21  Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
Rom 8:22  For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.

Mat 23:5  But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,
Mat 23:6  And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues,
Mat 23:7  And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.

Exo 13:17  And it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God led them not through the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, Lest peradventure the people repent when they see war, and they return to Egypt:

Est 2:11  And Mordecai walked every day before the court of the women’s house, to know how Esther did, and what should become of her. 

Mordecai was very concerned about Esther’s welfare. Here Mordecai represents Christ Who is eager to present us faultless and with great joy before God. Jesus is walking in our midst every day and is concerned about what we do, our welfare and what we are becoming. This should give us hope that God is with us!! If there is anything we can be sure of, it is that God cares about us.  The bible is filled with many scriptures talking about God’s care.  For example, in Isaiah 41:13 it states, “For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.”

If God cares about us so much, then it makes sense to pay heed to what He says in Matthew 6:31 and 32 – ‘Therefore take no thought, saying, what shall we eat? Or, what shall we drink? Or, wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For all these things do the Gentiles seek) for the heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.’ Although this has a physical application in the sense that God will meet our daily needs, there is also the spiritual dimension of these verses. It means we should not be worried about how we will be fed spiritually and whether or not we will indeed be clothed with Christ’s righteousness. Our Father who has called us, will feed us through His elect and will make us perfect even though we may be far away from perfection now!! When we worry, it shows that we think the race depends on us. I used to worry so much about whether I would be perfected as I consider myself the worst sinner on earth!! However, gradually, He who has begun good works in my life, and that of others, will bring it to completion. He is involved in every tiny detail of our life including recognizing the number of hairs on our head. That is the God we serve!!!

Isa 41:10  Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Isa 43:2  When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

Psa 32:8  I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.

1Pe 5:6  Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
1Pe 5:7  Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

Php 1:6  Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

ESTHER 2:12-18: And The King Loved Esther Above All the Women

Est 2:12  Now when every maid’s turn was come to go in to king Ahasuerus, after that she had been twelve months, according to the manner of the women, (for so were the days of their purifications accomplished, to wit, six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with sweet odours, and with other things for the purifying of the women;) 
Est 2:13  Then thus came every maiden unto the king; whatsoever she desired was given her to go with her out of the house of the women unto the king’s house. 
Est 2:14  In the evening she went, and on the morrow she returned into the second house of the women, to the custody of Shaashgaz, the king’s chamberlain, which kept the concubines: she came in unto the king no more, except the king delighted in her, and that she were called by name. 
Est 2:15  Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, was come to go in unto the king, she required nothing but what Hegai the king’s chamberlain, the keeper of the women, appointed. And Esther obtained favour in the sight of all them that looked upon her. 
Est 2:16  So Esther was taken unto king Ahasuerus into his house royal in the tenth month, which is the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign. 
Est 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. 
Est 2:18  Then the king made a great feast unto all his princes and his servants, even Esther’s feast; and he made a release to the provinces, and gave gifts, according to the state of the king. 

The last session ended with Mordecai walking every day before the court of the women’s house and being concerned about Esther’s welfare. He represents Jesus who walks in our midst, concerned about our welfare. That is very comforting!! The next verse deals with the purification process to become like Christ.

Est 2:12  Now when every maid’s turn was come to go in to king Ahasuerus, after that she had been twelve months, according to the manner of the women, (for so were the days of their purifications accomplished, to wit, six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with sweet odours, and with other things for the purifying of the women;) 

As indicated, these virgins, including Esther, were just like Israel when they left Egypt. In other words, they have just started the process of leaving Babylon. They therefore have to meet their God in Mount Sinai to start the process of knowing Him intimately. Thus, all the virgins gathered will each have to appear before the King at the appointed time after going through the initial purification process to gradually become like Christ. Remember that the number 12 is the number of Christ. The 12 months therefore is the initial purification period we go through to start the process of becoming like Christ, worthy to appear before Him for the first time just as the Lord told Moses to sanctify the Israelites and let them wash their clothes in a bid to meet the Lord on Mount Sinai for the first time. The question is: what does it mean to appear before the King (Jesus)? In the books of Exodus and Deuteronomy, we are given to know that every male is to appear before the Lord three times in the year.  The number three means the process of spiritual completion through judgment. It is through these appearances before God that we are judged (the purification process) and become like Christ. In Exodus 34:24 and Deuteronomy 31:11, we are made to understand that when we appear God, the following happens:

• He will cast out the nations before us, enlarge our borders and no man shall desire our land. It means that the beast within will be subdued.
• The law will be read to our hearing. Our heavens will be opened to accelerate our understanding of the mystery of God.
• When the Israelites met God for the first time at Mount Sinai, they saw the following: Smoke, Thunder, Lightning, Fire and earthquake.  Whenever there is smoke, it speaks of burning. Our evil deeds provides the material for God to burn with fire (His Words) and that is what brings about the smoke. So the smoke, thunder, lightning and earthquake reflect the judgment we must go through (the seven plagues) to enter into the temple to meet God (For God to sit in the throne of our hearts and mind).

So the essence of the virgins, including Esther, meeting the King at their appointed times suggests a time in our life as believers after our eyes are being opened, when we start to understand the Lord’s words, especially His words concerning our judgment. That is what kick-starts the process of subduing our flesh so we can become like Christ – each one in his own order.  No wonder the Psalmist desired to appear before God as he thirsts after God (Psalm 42:2).

Exo 23:17  Three times in the year all thy males shall appear before the Lord GOD.

Exo 34:23  Thrice in the year shall all your men children appear before the Lord GOD, the God of Israel.
Exo 34:24  For I will cast out the nations before thee, and enlarge thy borders: neither shall any man desire thy land, when thou shalt go up to appear before the LORD thy God thrice in the year.

Deu 31:11  When all Israel is come to appear before the LORD thy God in the place which he shall choose, thou shalt read this law before all Israel in their hearing.

Psa 42:2  My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?

Exo 19:14  And Moses went down from the mount unto the people, and sanctified the people; and they washed their clothes.
Exo 19:15  And he said unto the people, Be ready against the third day: come not at your wives.
Exo 19:16  And it came to pass on the third day in the morning, that there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mount, and the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud; so that all the people that was in the camp trembled.
Exo 19:17  And Moses brought forth the people out of the camp to meet with God; and they stood at the nether part of the mount.
Exo 19:18  And mount Sinai was altogether on a smoke, because the LORD descended upon it in fire: and the smoke thereof ascended as the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mount quaked greatly.

This period consists of six months being purified with oil of myrrh and six months exuding the sweet fragrance of Christ. According to Strong, the definitions of myrrh are: to trickle, bitter, grieve, etc. as shown below:

mârar
maw-rar’
A primitive root; properly to trickle (see H4752); but used only as a denominative from H4751; to be (causatively make) bitter (literally or figuratively): – (be, be in, deal, have, make) bitter (-ly, -ness), be moved with choler, (be, have sorely, it) grieved (-eth), provoke, vex.

Total KJV occurrences: 16

The number six symbolizes mankind. So the six months of purification using the oil of myrrh and six months exuding sweet odor means that it is appointed to every man to go through judgment which brings about grief, bitterness, etc., but this done gradually (trickles). In the end, it produces a sweet smelling odour of Christ. That is the plan of God for every man but each in his own order. Paul puts it this way: “For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish.”

2Co 2:15  For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish:
2Co 2:16  To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?

Joh 12:3  Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment. (This speaks of how our walk and our house (our bodies) should show the sweet fragrance of Christ).

Est 2:13  Then thus came every maiden unto the king; whatsoever she desired was given her to go with her out of the house of the women unto the king’s house. 
Est 2:14  In the evening she went, and on the morrow she returned into the second house of the women, to the custody of Shaashgaz, the king’s chamberlain, which kept the concubines: she came in unto the king no more, except the king delighted in her, and that she were called by name. 

As indicated, we all have undergo preliminary purification before we can appear before the King just as the Israelites came out of Egypt and went straight to Mount Sinai to meet the Lord. The maidens were given whatsoever they desired to appear before the King. In a similar manner, our Lord has provided us with all we need as we progress through our spiritual journey. It must be noted that it is in the evening that the maiden would go to see the King. This age is regarded as a long evening or night. As Paul says in his letter to the Romans the night is almost over, and so we should put on the armour of light. It is in this age that we are being prepared to be the bride of the King if so be that we are favored. Verse 14 also shows us that there are two houses of women – the house where the virgins are preparing to appear before the King and the house where those who have been rejected as a bride reside (the concubines). These represent the two Jerusalems as explained in Galatians Chapter 4. There is the Jerusalem which is above (the elect) and that is the mother of us all, and there is also Jerusalem which exists now (Christendom) which is in bondage with her children. It is comforting to note that for those rejected (the concubines), they will not be forgotten forever. One day, the King may delight in them and call them by name just as God in His appointed time delighted in us and called us by name even though we were rejected. It also means that one day God will have mercy on everybody!!

Rom 13:12  The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.
Rom 13:13  Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.
Rom 13:14  But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

Gal 4:22  For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman.
Gal 4:23  But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise.
Gal 4:24  Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar.
Gal 4:25  For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children.
Gal 4:26  But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.
Gal 4:27  For it is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not; break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband.

Rom 11:32  For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.

Est 2:15  Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, was come to go in unto the king, she required nothing but what Hegai the king’s chamberlain, the keeper of the women, appointed. And Esther obtained favour in the sight of all them that looked upon her. 
Est 2:16  So Esther was taken unto king Ahasuerus into his house royal in the tenth month, which is the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign. 
Est 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. 

Finally, it came the turn of Esther to see the King. What is important to point out here is that in her preparation, she required nothing but what Hegai (who represents Jesus) appointed to her. One of the key lessons we need to learn in our walk is that it is not what we want, but what God has appointed for us. His ways are not our ways, and His thoughts are not our thoughts. What he has appointed for us is always the best!! That is why we pray that His will be done!!

The scriptures never said that Esther was the most beautiful among the virgins, so her selection as the bride of the King is based purely on the fact that the King favored her or showed mercy on her.  He showeth mercy on whom he wills!! It is therefore not of him that willeth or of him that runneth but of God that showeth mercy!! It also affirms the fact that many are called to be the bride of Christ but few are chosen. Here Esther represents the few chosen, and the other virgins represent the many called.

Before Esther goes through the seven plagues in order to enter the temple to worship God, we are here shown what will happen at the end – the crowning of Esther as the bride of the King and the marriage feast that follows.  In the book of Revelation, we are given to see the 144,000 overcomers (representing the elect of every generation) just before the seven angels began blowing their trumpet. This is to show us that God calls those things which are not as though they were. He sees the end from the beginning. This should give us hope. If we have started this journey with Him, then we should believe that we will be brought to our desired haven even as Esther was crowned. Our crowning will be the redemption of the purchased possession. Nothing can stopped us if we have been chosen.  That is why Paul asks, “Who shall separate us from the love of God? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine or nakedness, or peril, or sword?” This is to encourage our brothers and sisters all over the world who are going through the fiery trials appointed by our Lord that it shall be well with us all!! One day, we will all be crowned as the bride of the King.

Job 23:14  For he performeth the thing that is appointed for me: and many such things are with him.

Isa 55:8  For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.
Isa 55:9  For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Rom 9:15  For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.
Rom 9:16  So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.
Rom 4:17  (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.

Rev 7:2  And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea,
Rev 7:3  Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.
Rev 7:4  And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.

Eph 1:13  In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
Eph 1:14  Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

Rom 8:35  Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
Rom 8:36  As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
Rom 8:37  Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
Rom 8:38  For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
Rom 8:39  Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Est 2:18  Then the king made a great feast unto all his princes and his servants, even Esther’s feast; and he made a release to the provinces, and gave gifts, according to the state of the king. 

The feast here is for the princes and the King’s servants, that is, the elect. That is the marriage supper of the Lamb!! The gift we are all waiting for is the redemption of the purchased possession. As indicated, all these are for us to know how the end will play out before we go through the seven plagues which will qualify us to appear in the temple. Esther was in the same situation. She was yet to go through the seven plagues.

Rev 19:9  And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.

Est 2:19  And when the virgins were gathered together the second time, then Mordecai sat in the king’s gate. 
Est 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. 

The virgins gathered for the second time.  The number two stands for a witness as by two or three witnesses the matter under consideration is established. Thus, the gathering of the virgins a second time is to stress the importance of our gathering together. The following verses highlight what takes place when we gather together:

• Heb 10:25  Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.  (This means when we get together, we are encourage and strengthened to withstand the seven plagues marked out for us as the day of the Lord approaches)
• 1Jn 1:3  That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. (We experience uniquely the presence of Jesus and our heavenly father) 
• Act 4:32  And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. Act 4:33  And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. (It is in our gathering together that we experience great grace. Here grace is qualified as being great)

Mordecai is always found at the King’s gate. The King’s residence is the palace. In our case, our Lord Jesus’ residence is in the temple, and our bodies are the temple. ‘The King’s gate’ appears eleven times in the Bible, and ten of them are in the Book of Esther. The first time the King’s gate was mentioned is in 1 Chronicles 9:18. Here it explained the role of those who sit at the King’s gate by saying that those at the King’s gate are porters in the companies of the children of Levi. In our modern day, the porters are those who help people with their bags and show them where to go. We see a lot of them at airports, hotels, stations, etc. So those who sit at the King’s gate are the gatekeepers or porters who ensure that nothing evil enters through the gate, and they show those entering the King’s gate where to go. This role is being played by the elders who ensure that we do not take in false doctrines and guide us to know where we are going. We should note that this role is also being played by the Levites who are joined to us but cannot enter the temple. They are also helping others, but the recipients of their assistance become entrenched in Babylonian captivity.

Esther 4:2 says that we should not enter the King’s gate clothed with sackcloth. Sackcloth represents mourning. When we enter His presence individually or collectively, we should not be as those who are not appreciative of what our Lord is doing in our lives.  The Psalmist said that we should enter His gate with thanksgiving in our heart and His courts with praise. The encouraging words we receive from our brothers, the porters, are to help us all have hope that whatever situation in which we find ourselves, God will show up!! This should make us joyful.  Paul said rejoice, again I say rejoice (Php 4:4)!!

One of the things I used to miss a lot when I started my Babylonian captivity exit was the praise and worship we sing when we go to church. Later I came to realize that we cannot sing the Lord’s song in a strange land. We cannot praise and worship the Lord when we are in Babylon!!!

Deu 19:15  One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established.

Mat 18:16  But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.

1Ch 9:18  Who hitherto waited in the king’s gate eastward: they were porters in the companies of the children of Levi.

Est 4:2  And came even before the king’s gate: for none might enter into the king’s gate clothed with sackcloth.

Psa 100:4  Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

Psa 137:3  For there they that carried us away captive required of us a song; and they that wasted us required of us mirth, saying, Sing us one of the songs of Zion.
Psa 137:4  How shall we sing the LORD’S song in a strange land?

Est 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. 

We have already explained earlier why it was imperative that Esther hide her identity as a Jew. We said that God is hiding us like arrows in His quiver, and at the appropriate time, when the kingdoms of this world becomes the kingdom of our God and of his Christ, we shall be revealed.

Est 2:21  In those days, while Mordecai sat in the king’s gate, two of the king’s chamberlains, Bigthan and Teresh, of those which kept the door, were wroth, and sought to lay hand on the king Ahasuerus. 
Est 2:22  And the thing was known to Mordecai, who told it unto Esther the queen; and Esther certified the king thereof in Mordecai’s name. 
Est 2:23  And when inquisition was made of the matter, it was found out; therefore they were both hanged on a tree: and it was written in the book of the chronicles before the king. 

What Mordecai did in telling Esther to tell the king about the death plot is what saved the king. Since we are the Jesus of Nazareth, we represent the king who was the center of the plot. This plot against us is happening in every generation. We are all experiencing rage from those in Babylon and the world as the Psalmist said in Psalm 2: “Why do the heathen rage and the people imagine a vain thing?” This is all part of the persecution we face every day because human beings hate the idea that God has a chosen people. So when they see that you do not do what they do, they become angry. Remember that Ishmael persecuted Isaac. However, in the end, He that sitteth in our heavens shall laugh, and He will speak to them in His wrath and vex them in His sore displeasure. We used to be like the two Chamberlains, Bigthan and Teresh, when we hated God’s anointed, but in God’s own time He showed mercy to us and is hanging our old man on a tree, just as the two chamberlains were hanged on a tree.

In the fullness of time, this deed by Mordecai resulted in his salvation. In a similar way, we should not be weary in well doing knowing that at the right time we will reap if we do not lose hope!! Jesus said that the very little words of encouragement, assistance, prayer, etc. that we do for our brothers and sisters please Him because we have done it for Him. At the right time, He will remember these deeds, and His remembrance leads to salvation as we have discussed earlier on in this chapter.

Act 22:6  And it came to pass, that, as I made my journey, and was come nigh unto Damascus about noon, suddenly there shone from heaven a great light round about me.
Act 22:7  And I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
Act 22:8  And I answered, Who art thou, Lord? And he said unto me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest.

Psa 2:1  Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?
Psa 2:2  The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying,
Psa 2:3  Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.
Psa 2:4  He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.
Psa 2:5  Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.

Gal 4:28  Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise.
Gal 4:29  But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now.

Mat 25:34  Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
Mat 25:35  For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
Mat 25:36  Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
Mat 25:37  Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?
Mat 25:38  When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?
Mat 25:39  Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?
Mat 25:40  And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

Gal 6:9  And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

2Th 3:13  But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.

If God permits, we will look at Esther Chapter 3 next time.