Esther 2:7: “Mordecai had a cousin named Hadassah, whom he had brought up because she had neither father nor mother. This young woman, who was also known as Esther, had a lovely figure and was beautiful. Mordecai had taken her as his own daughter when her father and mother died.”

Extended Explanation of the Verse

Esther 2:7 introduces us to Esther, whose Hebrew name is Hadassah. She was an orphan, and her cousin Mordecai took on the responsibility of raising her after the death of her parents. The verse emphasizes both her beauty and her vulnerability as an orphan, setting the stage for her later rise to queenship. The mention of her being both beautiful and an orphan highlights the contrast between her humble origins and the royal position she will soon occupy.

This verse also emphasizes Mordecai’s compassion and sense of responsibility, as he takes Esther into his home and treats her as his own daughter. Their relationship is key to the story that unfolds, and Mordecai’s guidance and care for Esther play a critical role in the events to come. Esther’s beauty, though important in the context of the Persian court, is secondary to her character and courage, which will later define her role as a savior of her people.

Historical Context

The historical context of Esther 2:7 is rooted in the Persian Empire, where the Jewish people were living in exile after the Babylonian captivity. Esther’s story takes place in Susa, one of the Persian capitals. In ancient times, orphans like Esther were especially vulnerable, as they had no family to protect or provide for them. In this context, Mordecai’s act of taking her in was both an act of love and a reflection of his adherence to Jewish values, which emphasize the importance of caring for the needy and vulnerable.

Esther’s Persian name is also significant. “Hadassah” is her Hebrew name, which means “myrtle,” a plant associated with peace and healing. However, in the Persian court, she is known as Esther, which may derive from the Persian word for “star.” This dual identity highlights the tension between her Jewish heritage and her role in the Persian court.

Theological Implications

This verse reminds us of God’s care for the vulnerable and marginalized. Esther, as an orphan, represents those who are often overlooked or powerless in society. Yet, God has a plan for her life, and through His providence, she will rise to a position of influence and power, not for her own sake, but for the sake of His people. Esther 2:7 highlights the biblical theme that God often uses the weak or marginalized to accomplish His purposes (1 Corinthians 1:27).

Theologically, this verse also underscores the importance of family and community in the life of faith. Mordecai’s decision to take Esther in as his own daughter reflects the biblical mandate to care for orphans and the vulnerable (James 1:27). God’s care for Esther is demonstrated through the love and protection that Mordecai provides, showing how God often works through human relationships to bring about His plans.

Literary Analysis

Esther 2:7 serves as a key point in the development of Esther’s character. The description of her beauty is important because it will play a role in her selection as queen, but it also highlights the contrast between her outward appearance and her inner strength, which will become more evident later in the story. The duality of her names—Hadassah (her Jewish name) and Esther (her Persian name)—sets up the theme of identity that runs throughout the book. Esther will have to navigate her Jewish heritage while living in the Persian court, a tension that is central to her role in the story.

The mention of Mordecai’s care for Esther also introduces his role as her protector and guide. His love for her is evident, and their relationship will play a crucial role in the events that follow, as Mordecai encourages Esther to embrace her calling when the time comes.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• James 1:27: “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” Mordecai’s care for Esther reflects this biblical principle of looking after those who are vulnerable.
• Psalm 68:5-6: “A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families.” This passage echoes the way Mordecai acted as a father to Esther, demonstrating how God cares for the orphaned and the vulnerable.
• 1 Corinthians 1:27: “But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.” Esther’s humble beginnings as an orphan reflect this truth, as God will use her to save His people despite her initial vulnerability.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For Christians today, Esther 2:7 is a powerful reminder that God sees and cares for the marginalized and vulnerable. Esther’s story begins with loss and hardship, yet God had a purpose for her life that went beyond her circumstances. This verse encourages believers to trust that no matter how difficult or humble their beginnings, God can use them for great things.

This verse also challenges Christians to care for those in need, particularly orphans, widows, and others who are vulnerable. Mordecai’s example reminds us that caring for others, especially those who have no one else, is central to the life of faith.

Additionally, Esther’s dual identity—Jewish and Persian—resonates with the Christian experience of living in the world while maintaining a distinct identity as followers of Christ. Like Esther, Christians are called to navigate the tension between being part of a secular culture while holding fast to their faith.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

Esther 2:7 shows God’s love in action through the care that Mordecai provides for Esther. Even though she was orphaned and vulnerable, God placed Mordecai in her life to protect and guide her. This reflects God’s heart for the fatherless and His deep love for those who are in need. God’s provision for Esther through Mordecai demonstrates His compassion and care for all His people, especially those who might feel forgotten or abandoned.

This verse also shows that God’s love does not depend on status, wealth, or outward success. Esther had none of these, yet God loved her and had an important plan for her life. His love for her, like His love for all of us, is based on His grace and purpose, not on what we can offer or our circumstances.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Esther’s story, introduced in this verse, points forward to the ultimate story of salvation in Jesus Christ. Just as Esther was an unlikely candidate to become queen and save her people, Jesus was born in humble circumstances, yet He was God’s chosen Savior for all humanity. Both Esther and Jesus demonstrate how God works through those the world might overlook to bring about His plan of redemption.

Jesus also embodies God’s care for the vulnerable, as He often ministered to those who were marginalized in society—the sick, the poor, and the outcasts. Like Mordecai’s care for Esther, Jesus showed compassion and love for those who were in need.

• Isaiah 53:2: “He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.” Just as Esther’s beauty played a role in her story, Isaiah reminds us that Jesus, in contrast, had no outward beauty or majesty, yet He was the ultimate Savior.
• Matthew 25:40: “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Mordecai’s care for Esther is a reflection of this teaching, as Jesus calls His followers to care for those who are vulnerable and in need, just as He cares for us.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does Mordecai’s care for Esther challenge you to care for the vulnerable people in your own life or community?
2. In what ways can you see God’s providence at work in your life, especially in times of difficulty or uncertainty?
3. How does Esther’s story encourage you to trust that God has a purpose for your life, no matter your circumstances?
4. How can Esther’s dual identity (Jewish and Persian) help you navigate the challenges of living as a Christian in a secular world?
5. What does this verse teach you about God’s love for those who are marginalized or overlooked by society? How can you reflect that love to others?