SCRIPTURE: Esther 2:1-18

SHOW NOTES: The second chapter in the book of Esther begins, “After these things,” so we ask this question, “What things?” King Ahasuerus had hosted a military planning session in Susa for 180 days that concluded with a 7-day feast “where wine was abundant.”

The King summoned Queen Vashti to appear before him and his guests. But she refused and he removed her from the throne as Queen. Soon after He turned his attention to Greece where his mighty troops met a severe disaster and defeat. Returning home, he is surrounded by life in the Persian palace, and he remembers Queen Vashti and all that had happened. The king’s advisors suggest that officers in all the provinces of his kingdom gather beautiful young virgins and bring them to the harem in Susa the citadel. 

There was a Jew in Susa named Mordecai, who had been carried away from Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon. He was raising Hadassah (that is Esther), the daughter of his uncle, as his own daughter. The young woman had a beautiful figure and was lovely to look at, and her father and her mother had died. She is brought to the palace harem, and very quickly Esther began winning favor in the eyes of all who saw her. 

SONG: "Look To Me" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iu8t9D1SZys