This post is Day 6 in a series of studies about “Esther”. I strongly suggest you begin with the introduction to this study, please click here to read it.

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Esther – Day 6

The setting for the story has been explained. Here we have the introduction to our heroine, but first the hero. Mordecai had had a really important role to play before this story began with Vashti. He came from a respectable family and had done what was right for his cousin.

Esther 2:5-7

Now there was in the citadel of Susa a Jew of the tribe of Benjamin, named Mordecai son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, who had been carried into exile from Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, among those taken captive with Jehoiachim, king of Judah. Mordecai had a cousin named Hadassah, whom he had brought up because she had neither father nor mother. This young woman, who was known as Esther had a lovely figure and was beautiful. Mordecai had taken her as his own daughter when her father and mother died.

The Thought

The setting for the story has now been explained and here we have the introduction to our heroine, but before that to the hero. Mordecai had had a really important role to play even before this story began with the rebellious Vashti. He came from a respectable family and had done what was right for his cousin.

If you know anything about the Jewish nation today you will know that “The family” is still very important. Heritage details and family history is learned by succeeding generations and passed on faithfully to the younger ones.

We have no idea how Hadassah became an orphan, or how/why her name was changed to Esther. All we know is that Mordecai took her in and educated her. It was rare for girls to be educated other than in household tasks in those days, but unknowingly Mordecai was preparing her for her future role as queen.

Action

Can you look back on your life and praise God that He prepared you for what you are doing today?

Imagine Esther listening to her cousin recounting the story of the Jewish nation, chosen by God to be His people.

Praise God that salvation in Jesus came through the Jews and that when He returns to earth they will recognise Him as King.