Esther 2:13: “And this is how she would go to the king: Anything she wanted was given her to take with her from the harem to the king’s palace.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
Esther 2:13 describes the process that each young woman had to go through before meeting King Xerxes. After completing their extensive beauty treatments, the women would be allowed to take anything they wanted from the harem to the king’s palace. This could include clothing, jewelry, or other items to enhance their appearance and increase their chances of impressing the king.
The idea behind allowing each woman to take what she desired was likely to give her the opportunity to show her unique beauty or personality, making her stand out in the competition to become queen. The focus on physical beauty and material possessions in this process highlights the values of the Persian court, where external appearance and wealth were prized. For Esther, however, it will be her inner qualities that ultimately win the king’s favor and secure her place as queen.
Historical Context
In the Persian Empire, the selection of a new queen was not merely about personal relationships but also about political status and prestige. The women chosen for this process came from all over the empire, and the emphasis was on their beauty and refinement. The harem was a secluded part of the palace where the women lived in luxury, receiving treatments and being prepared to meet the king.
The allowance of “anything she wanted” reflects the extravagance and opulence of the Persian court. Each woman was given the freedom to showcase her beauty in the way she saw fit, highlighting the materialism and emphasis on external appearance that defined much of royal life in Persia. This was a culture where power and beauty were closely linked, and the choice of queen was a matter of national and political significance.
Theological Implications
Theologically, this verse reveals the contrast between human values and God’s values. In the Persian court, the emphasis was on outward appearance and material wealth. Each woman was allowed to take whatever she wanted to enhance her beauty, reflecting the shallow and external focus of the world. However, God’s focus is always on the heart. While the women were concerned with impressing the king with their beauty, Esther’s rise to queenship will show that it is her character, faith, and courage that truly matter.
This verse also reminds us of the danger of placing too much importance on material things or outward appearance. While the Persian women were focused on using their possessions to gain favor, God’s people are called to seek after inner qualities like faithfulness, integrity, and humility. In Esther’s case, her true beauty is found in her character, not in the things she could take with her to meet the king.
Literary Analysis
From a literary perspective, Esther 2:13 adds to the sense of competition and tension in the story. Each woman is given the chance to present herself to the king in the best possible light, creating an atmosphere of rivalry. The focus on what each woman could take with her emphasizes the superficial values of the Persian court, where wealth and beauty were paramount.
However, this verse also serves to heighten the contrast between Esther and the other women. While they may rely on material things to win the king’s favor, Esther’s story will demonstrate that her true strength lies in her character and her faith. The verse builds anticipation for the moment when Esther will meet the king, setting up a pivotal turning point in the story.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- 1 Samuel 16:7: “The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” This verse echoes the contrast between the Persian court’s focus on outward beauty and God’s emphasis on inner character.
- Proverbs 31:30: “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” This reminds us that while beauty and charm may gain temporary favor, it is a woman’s faith and character that are truly valuable.
- Matthew 6:19-21: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” This passage reminds us of the dangers of focusing on material wealth and encourages us to focus on spiritual treasures instead.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Esther 2:13 serves as a reminder not to place too much importance on external appearance or material possessions. The women in the Persian court were given the freedom to take anything they wanted to enhance their beauty, but true worth comes from our inner character, not from what we wear or possess. This verse challenges us to consider what we value most in life and to seek after the things that matter to God, rather than the things that are valued by the world.
This verse also encourages us to remember that God is more concerned with our hearts than with how we appear on the outside. In a world that often prioritizes beauty, status, and material success, we are called to focus on developing inner qualities like faithfulness, kindness, and humility. Esther’s story reminds us that God uses people based on their inner strength and character, not their outward appearance.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Esther 2:13 shows us that God’s love is not based on our outward appearance or the things we can possess. In a culture that emphasized beauty and wealth, God was working through Esther’s character and faith to bring about His plan for His people. God’s love for us is unconditional and is not influenced by the world’s standards of beauty or success. He sees us for who we truly are and values the qualities that reflect His image—our faith, love, and obedience.
This verse also reminds us of God’s care in preparing us for the purposes He has for us. While the women in the Persian court were preparing to meet an earthly king, God prepares His people for something much greater—His kingdom. God’s love involves shaping our character and refining us, not through outward adornment, but through the development of inner qualities that reflect His glory.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Esther 2:13 points to the greater truth found in Jesus Christ. Just as the women in the Persian court were focused on what they could take with them to impress the king, Jesus teaches us that true greatness comes not from what we possess but from how we live and serve. Jesus Himself modeled this humility and inner strength, choosing not to rely on outward appearances or material wealth but on obedience to God’s will.
- Philippians 2:7: “Rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.” Jesus’ humility stands in stark contrast to the materialism and focus on outward beauty seen in this verse. He came not to be served but to serve, showing that true greatness comes through humility and obedience to God.
- 1 Peter 3:3-4: “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.” Just as Esther’s true worth lay in her character, we are called to develop inner beauty that reflects the character of Christ.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does this verse challenge you to rethink what is truly valuable in your life—are you focused more on outward appearance or inner character?
- In what ways can you cultivate the kind of inner beauty that is pleasing to God, rather than focusing on what the world values?
- How does Esther’s story encourage you to trust that God is more concerned with who you are on the inside than what you have or how you look?
- What does this verse teach you about the dangers of materialism and how can you prioritize spiritual treasures in your life?
- How does Jesus’ example of humility and service challenge you to live differently in a world that often values outward success and appearance?