The Esther Kind of Favor.

The story of Esther is one of remarkable favor and divine positioning, one of the most captivating narratives I’ve ever read. 

Before I dive deeper, let me say this: I relate so much to Esther among all the women in the Bible. You know, there’s this powerful analogy that I’ve heard before; find yourself in the Bible. It’s the idea that, as you study Scripture, a certain verse or character will resonate with your spirit, almost as if the Holy Spirit is whispering, this is you. It’s similar to what Jesus did in Luke 4:18 when He stood in the synagogue, read from the scroll of Isaiah, and declared, “This scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” What I’m saying is, immerse yourself in the Word so deeply that you find yourself within its pages. Get lost in its wisdom, until a story or a passage calls out to you. That’s where transformation begins.  

Okay, back to this. 

It begins with the downfall of Queen Vashti, who lost her royal position due to disobedience and ego. In Esther 1:12, we read how Vashti refused the king’s command, which led to her removal from the throne. As Proverbs 11:2 says, “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” Vashti’s loss created an opportunity for Esther, a young Jewish woman, to rise to prominence, her rebellion against the king led to a void that only Esther could fill. Now you see how pride and rebellion close doors to favor.

Now, what’s fascinating about Esther is, and this is what made me write about her today is, that when she appeared before King Xerxes, they had no prior relationship. Can you imagine? No conversations, no connections. Nothing. They hadn’t met before. Literally no interactions. Esther didn’t have the usual privileges that would’ve given her access to the king’s favor. Yet, as soon as the king saw her, he was captivated. Without knowing her personally, he was moved to elevate her above all others. Esther 2:17 tells us, “Now the king was attracted to Esther more than to any of the other women, and she won his favor and approval more than any of the other virgins.” How is it that with no history or personal rapport, the king immediately chose her? This is the kind of supernatural favor that only God can bestow.

Let’s explore the key virtues Esther possessed that attracted this favor:

1. Obedience

Esther was raised by her cousin Mordecai, who guided her with wisdom. She obeyed him even when it came to not revealing her Jewish identity (Esther 2:20). Her obedience showed humility, a trait that attracts divine favor. “Obey those who rule over you” (Hebrews 13:17) echoes the importance of honoring leadership, just as Esther did with Mordecai.

2. Respect and Submission 

Esther carried herself with respect, not only towards Mordecai but also towards those in authority within the palace. In Esther 2:15, we read how she found favor with Hegai, the custodian of the women, because of her respectful and kind demeanor. Her ability to submit to the process, even when she didn’t fully understand it, reflects the grace of humility, which God honors. James 4:6 reminds us, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

3. Inner Beauty and Character

It wasn’t just Esther’s outward beauty that attracted the king, but her inner beauty, her purity of heart, and her gentle spirit. “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight” (1 Peter 3:3-4). Esther embodied this kind of beauty, which made her irresistible to those around her.

4. Courage and Boldness

Esther’s courage is another hallmark of her favor. She was willing to risk her life to save her people, famously declaring, “If I perish, I perish” (Esther 4:16). Courage in the face of adversity is a virtue that sets apart those who are destined for greatness. Joshua 1:9 reminds us, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

5. Favor with Others

Even before meeting the king, Esther found favor with her maidservants and Hegai, who gave her the best preparations and advice (Esther 2:9). This favor didn’t come from manipulation or force, but from her grace, humility, and kindness. Proverbs 3:4 tells us, “Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.”

Esther’s story is a profound example of how God elevates the humble and blesses those who are faithful in their assignments. Her favor didn’t come from scheming or trying to manipulate situations. Instead, her obedience, humility, respect, inner beauty, and courage were what set her apart and led her to be crowned queen.

These are the virtues that opened the door to favor in Esther’s life:

– Obedience to Godly counsel 
– Respect for authority
– Humility and inner beauty 
– Courage to stand up for what is right