SUMMARY
EstherQueen in Persia who prevented an anti-Jewish pogrom. More is taken to the king’s harem, along with other young women from the empire. There, she wins the favor of Hegai, the eunuchAn eunuch is a castrated male, often in the service of a person in power. While the Bible mentions eunuchs many times, the most memorable eunuch is the one who was baptized by Philip in Acts 8. More in charge of the harem. She also wins the favor of everyone who sees her (2:15), including the king, who chooses her as his new queen.
ANALYSIS
Once Esther is taken into the king’s harem, her story takes a familiar turn, with parallels to the stories of Joseph and DanielAn interpreter of dreams who was delivered from the lions' den. More, two other Israelite/Jewish figures living in a foreign court. Like them, Esther for no apparent reason wins the favor of those in authority, in this case, Hegai, the eunuch in charge of the harem (2:8-9; cf. Genesis 39:3-4, 21; Daniel 1:9). This unexplained favor results in Esther being given an advantage over the other women (2:9, 15). Esther also “finds favor” with everyone who sees her (2:15), including the king. Even though God is never mentioned in the book, this strange graceGrace is the unmerited gift of God's love and acceptance. In Martin Luther's favorite expression from the Apostle Paul, we are saved by grace through faith, which means that God showers grace upon us even though we do not deserve it. More bestowed on Esther hints at divine providence working behind the scenes.
