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 still had not revealed her lineage or her people,Esther’s Jewish identity remained hidden within the Persian royal court. No official hostility toward Jews had yet appeared, but disclosure could have made her vulnerable to prejudice, political suspicion, or manipulation. God’s providence worked quietly through her concealed identity, placing her in a position of influence before the coming crisis. Jos 2:4-5 But the woman had taken the two men and hidden them.… just as Mordecai had instructed. Mordecai had raised Esther after the death of her parents and continued to provide wise counsel. His instruction protected her from unnecessary exposure while she lived among a people who did not know the covenant God of Israel. Est 4:8 Mordecai also gave Hathach a copy of the written decree… She obeyed Mordecai’s command, Esther’s obedience showed humility, loyalty, and confidence in the guardian who had cared for her. Her willingness to receive counsel prepared her for the greater moment when she would act courageously for the deliverance of her people. Col 3:20 Children, obey your parents in everything,… as she had done under his care. Esther’s conduct in the palace reflected the character formed through years under Mordecai’s care. God used the faithful nurture of an ordinary Jewish household to prepare an orphaned young woman for a decisive role in preserving His covenant people. Pro 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go,… Persons / Places / Events 1. EstherA Jewish woman who became queen of Persia. She is known for her beauty, wisdom, and courage. In this verse, she is obedient to Mordecai's instructions. 2. Mordecai Esther's cousin and guardian. He raised Esther after her parents died and continued to guide her even after she became queen. His wisdom and foresight are evident in his instructions to Esther. 3. The Persian Empire The setting of the Book of Esther, where the Jewish people lived in exile. The empire was vast and diverse, with many different peoples and cultures. 4. King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I) The king of Persia during Esther's time. His decisions and decrees play a significant role in the events of the book. 5. The Jewish People Although not directly mentioned in this verse, they are central to the account. Esther's hidden identity as a Jew is crucial to the unfolding of the account. Teaching Points Obedience and WisdomEsther's obedience to Mordecai's instructions highlights the importance of wise counsel and submission to godly authority. In our lives, we should seek and heed wise advice, especially from those who have our best interests at heart. Identity and Timing Esther's concealment of her Jewish identity was strategic. There are times when discretion is necessary, and we must trust God's timing for revealing our true selves or intentions. Faithfulness in Exile Esther's account reminds us that we can remain faithful to God even in environments that are not conducive to our faith. We are called to be in the world but not of it. God's Sovereignty Although God's name is not mentioned in the Book of Esther, His providence is evident. We can trust that God is at work behind the scenes in our lives, orchestrating events for His purposes. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Esther's obedience to Mordecai's instructions reflect the biblical principle of honoring parental or guardian authority?2. In what ways can we apply the principle of discretion in our own lives, especially when it comes to revealing our identity or beliefs? 3. How does Esther's situation compare to other biblical figures who lived in exile, such as Daniel or Joseph? What can we learn from their experiences? 4. How can we discern when to speak up about our faith and when to remain silent, trusting in God's timing? 5. Reflect on a time when you saw God's providence at work in your life, even if it wasn't immediately apparent. How does this encourage you in your current circumstances? Connections to Other Scriptures Daniel 1Like Esther, Daniel was in a foreign court and had to navigate his identity and faith. Both maintained their faithfulness to God while serving in a pagan environment. Proverbs 1:8 This verse emphasizes the importance of listening to parental guidance, similar to Esther's obedience to Mordecai. 1 Peter 3:1-6 This passage speaks to the virtues of a gentle and quiet spirit, which can be seen in Esther's demeanor and obedience.
People Abihail, Ahasuerus, Benjamin, Bigthan, Bigthana, Esther, Hadassah, Hegai, Hege, Jair, Jeconiah, Jehoiachin, Kish, Mordecai, Nebuchadnezzar, Shaashgaz, Shimei, Teresh, VashtiPlaces Babylon, Jerusalem, Media, SusaTopics Background, Birth, Bringing, Care, Charge, Charged, Commanded, Commandment, Continued, Declaring, Esther, Family, Follow, Instructions, Kept, Kindred, Laid, Mordecai, Mor'decai, Mordecai's, Nationality, Nothing, Obeyed, Orders, Performed, Relatives, Saying, Secret, Shewed, Showed, Truly, YetDictionary of Bible Themes Esther 2:20Library Adoption'As many as received him to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.' John 1:12. Having spoken of the great points of faith and justification, we come next to adoption. The qualification of the persons is, As many as received him.' Receiving is put for believing, as is clear by the last words, to them that believe in his name.' The specification of the privilege is, to them gave he power to become the sons of God.' The Greek word for power, exousia, signifies … Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity Esther Links Esther 2:20 NIVEsther 2:20 NLT Esther 2:20 ESV Esther 2:20 NASB Esther 2:20 KJV Esther 2:20 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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