Esther 2:20: “But Esther had kept secret her family background and nationality just as Mordecai had told her to do, for she continued to follow Mordecai’s instructions as she had done when he was bringing her up.”

Extended Explanation of the Verse

In Esther 2:20, we see that even after being crowned queen, Esther continued to obey Mordecai’s instructions by keeping her Jewish heritage a secret. Despite her rise to power, Esther remained humble and trusted the wisdom of her older cousin, who had raised her after she was orphaned. The verse underscores Esther’s loyalty and the respect she had for Mordecai’s guidance.

Mordecai had earlier advised Esther not to reveal her Jewish identity. His reasoning likely stemmed from the precarious situation Jews faced in the Persian Empire, where they were often viewed with suspicion or even hostility. By keeping her background secret, Esther was protecting herself and positioning herself for God’s greater purpose, even though she didn’t yet know how significant her role would become.

Historical Context

The Jews had been living in exile in various foreign empires, including Persia, since the Babylonian captivity. Though some Jews had returned to Israel, many remained scattered throughout the Persian Empire. Anti-Semitic sentiments were not uncommon, and Jewish people often found themselves in difficult and dangerous situations.

Mordecai’s caution in advising Esther to keep her Jewish identity hidden reflects the complex and often hostile environment in which the Jewish people lived. He likely feared that revealing her background could bring unnecessary risk or discrimination. In Persian society, especially within the royal court, being an outsider could lead to suspicion or exclusion.

Esther’s choice to follow Mordecai’s advice and keep her heritage secret allowed her to navigate the Persian court without drawing unwanted attention to her ethnicity, which would later be crucial in her role as queen.

Theological Implications

This verse highlights the importance of obedience, wisdom, and trust in God’s timing. Esther’s decision to follow Mordecai’s advice—even after becoming queen—shows her humility and willingness to trust the guidance of someone wiser. In this, we see a model for Christians to follow: submitting to godly wisdom and trusting that God is working, even when we don’t fully understand the situation.

Theologically, this verse also points to the idea of God’s providence. Though Esther was silent about her identity, God was not silent in her life. He was orchestrating events behind the scenes, preparing her for a critical role in the salvation of His people. Sometimes God asks us to wait, remain silent, or withhold certain actions until the right moment, all for His larger plan.

Literary Analysis

From a literary perspective, Esther 2:20 builds suspense in the story. Esther’s secret identity as a Jew becomes a key element later in the narrative, when Haman’s plot to destroy the Jewish people is revealed. The decision to keep her background hidden adds to the tension, as readers anticipate the moment when her true identity will be revealed and how that revelation will impact the story.

This verse also highlights Esther’s character development. Despite her rise to power, she remains obedient and humble, still relying on Mordecai’s guidance. Her loyalty to Mordecai and her willingness to follow his instructions, even when she is queen, set the stage for the later actions she will take to protect her people.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Esther’s decision to follow Mordecai’s advice, even when she didn’t know the full picture, reflects this principle of trusting in God’s guidance.
• Ephesians 6:1: “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.” Though Esther is an adult and a queen, her respect and obedience toward Mordecai, who raised her, reflects the biblical call to honor those who provide wise counsel and leadership in our lives.
• James 1:5: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” This verse reminds us of the importance of seeking and following godly wisdom, as Esther did by listening to Mordecai.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For Christians today, Esther 2:20 teaches the value of humility and obedience, even when we are in positions of influence or authority. Esther, despite being queen, continued to honor Mordecai’s wisdom. This challenges us to remain teachable and open to godly advice, no matter our status or achievements.

This verse also encourages us to trust in God’s timing. There may be situations where we need to wait, hold back, or keep certain things hidden until the right time. Like Esther, we are called to trust that God is working behind the scenes, preparing us for the moment when we will need to act.

Finally, this verse reminds us that faithfulness in small things—like obeying wise counsel—prepares us for greater responsibilities in God’s kingdom. Esther’s quiet obedience in this verse sets the stage for her bold actions later in the story.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

Esther 2:20 reveals God’s loving care for His people through His providence. Even though Esther kept her Jewish identity hidden, God was fully aware of her background and was protecting her for a greater purpose. God’s love is seen in the way He guides and protects His people, even when they don’t understand all the details of His plan.

God’s love is also shown in the way He provides wise counsel and guidance through people like Mordecai. Just as Mordecai’s wisdom protected Esther, God often places people in our lives who help guide us and keep us on the path He has set for us. His love ensures that we are not left alone but surrounded by His guidance and protection.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Esther’s secret identity and her obedience to Mordecai can be connected to Jesus, who also understood timing and obedience to the Father’s will. Jesus, during His ministry, often kept certain aspects of His identity and mission hidden until the right time, especially when He instructed His disciples not to reveal His messianic identity too soon (e.g., Matthew 16:20). Like Esther, Jesus knew when to speak and when to remain silent, always trusting in God’s perfect plan.

• John 6:38: “For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me.” Jesus’ submission to God’s will mirrors Esther’s submission to Mordecai’s wisdom, both of them trusting in God’s plan over their own understanding.
• Philippians 2:8: “And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!” Esther’s humility and obedience foreshadow the ultimate obedience of Christ, who humbled Himself even to the point of death for the salvation of humanity.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does Esther’s obedience to Mordecai challenge you to honor and seek out godly wisdom in your own life?
2. In what ways can you trust God’s timing, even when you don’t fully understand the reasons behind certain situations?
3. How does this verse encourage you to stay humble and teachable, no matter what position of influence or authority you might hold?
4. What can you learn from Esther’s decision to keep her identity hidden until the right moment? How can you apply that wisdom to your own life decisions?
5. How does Esther’s obedience to Mordecai point you to Jesus’ obedience to the Father, and what does that teach you about following God’s will in your life?