Hidden But Not Forgotten
GOD’S WORD
Esther 2
DEVOTIONAL BY
Captain Kelsey Bridges
Evangeline Booth College - Director of Curriculum
Esther had not told anyone of her nationality and family background, because Mordecai had directed her not to do so.
If you’ve ever watched Saturday Night Live, you know it’s fast-paced, unpredictable, and, as the name implies – it’s live. Actors come and go, sketches change every few minutes, and it all feels seamless onscreen. Growing up in my family, the only version of SNL my parents allowed me to watch were the Christmas highlight reels that would show on repeat during the season. It was the one time per year NBC would air the censored portions of the show, deeming it more “family-friendly” for the general audience. I remember, even as a child, anytime the TV would land on an episode of SNL, I couldn’t help but wonder: what was happening behind the scenes?
Fast-forward 20 years while on vacation, I had the chance to take a behind the scenes tour of the SNL studio at 30 Rockefeller Plaza in NewYork City. You can imagine some of the characters I saw that day: set builders, lighting techs, and stage hands, moving like clockwork to make it all happen before those infamous seven words echoed across the world’s living rooms, “Live from New York, it’s Saturday Night”. These are the faces never seen on camera. They’re not in the spotlight. But without them, the show would literally fall apart. The sets wouldn’t be ready, the lights wouldn’t work, and the timing would be off. Their work in the shadows is what makes the showshine.
When I consider the account of Queen Esther, I see the faces of those humble set builders and stagehands. All those who are unseen by most, but essential all the same. In chapter 2 of Esther, she isn’t on the “mainstage” yet. She’s hidden away in the palace, unknown, her Jewish identity keeping her quiet. But behind the scenes, God was placing her exactly where she needed to be. What we see in the first act of Queen Esther’s story is, the Lord is the master director, setting the stage for something far greater than she could see.
Esther 2 marks a pivotal turning point in the unfolding story of divine providence. Following Queen Vashti’s removal in chapter 1, King Xerxes begins a search for a new queen. His officials suggest a royal beauty contest of sorts where young women from across the empire are gathered and brought to the citadel of Susa, placed under the care of Hegai, the king’s eunuch in charge of the harem.
Among the young women is Hadassah, known as Esther, a young Jewish woman who has been raised by her cousin Mordecai after being orphaned. She is described as having a lovely figure and being beautiful. In Esther 2:10, Mordecai instructs Esther not to reveal her identity, a command she faithfully follows, revealing both her caution and obedience.
She quickly gains favor with Hegai, who gives her special treatment like provisions, beauty treatments, and the best place in the harem. After a full year of preparation (six months with oil of myrrh and six with perfumes and cosmetics), Esther is brought before the king. Unlike the others, she asks for nothing extra, showing humility and discernment.
King Xerxes is captivated by Esther more than any of the other women. She wins his favor and approval, and he sets the royal crown on her head, making her queen in place of Vashti. A great banquet, "Esther's banquet," is held in her honor, and a royal decree is issued to celebrate her coronation.
The chapter closes with a separate but significant event: Mordecai uncovers a plot by two of the king’s officials, Bigthana and Teresh, who are planning to assassinate Xerxes. Mordecai tells Esther, who informs the king, giving credit to Mordecai. The conspiracy is investigated, found to be true, and the men are executed. This act of loyalty is recorded in the royal chronicles, seemingly minor, but essential to later events in the story.
Esther 2 is more than a story of beauty and royal favor. It sets the foundation for God's providential rescue of His people. In a world that seems dominated by power, politics, and appearances, this chapter of her story reminds us that God is always working, even in the details we might overlook. Even as Esther’s identity was concealed, the Lord never lost sight of her. God was working behind the scenes, preparing her for the moment she would reveal the truth and rescue her people. Reflected in the story of Esther, we can be sure that God’s plans are never hindered by what seems hidden, and He is an on-time God.
If you are sitting in a season where you feel unseen or insignificant, stand in confidence knowing the Lord sees you, knows you, and is preparing the way to use your life in ways you could not imagine.
OUR CORPORATE PRAYER
Father, thank You for Your Word, which You use through the power of Your Spirit to transform our lives into the lives You want and desire us to be. Father, Captain Kelsey has shared with us that Esther “Was more than a story of beauty and royal favor.” It sets the foundation for Your providential rescue of Your people.” We thank You for being present in all the details of our lives. You continue to create within us what You intended for us, from the very foundation of the world, spoken into existence by Your Word.
Please, Father, help us to keep walking in the story You have yet to finish writing on each of us, Your greatest creation. In Christ’s name, we pray, amen.