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Changing The World

October 17th, 2024

Esther 2:12-23

While the thought of a beautiful young woman being invited to the king’s harem may sound exciting, it’s likely it was frightening as well. Aware of the court gossip, the women knew what had happened to Vashti, and knew their future depended on the whims of the king. Adding to Esther’s possible apprehension was that her Jewish background was kept from the king.

As the story unfolds, the narrator hints at Esther’s popularity, saying “Esther won the favor of everyone who saw her” (2:15). Then, against all odds, Esther was chosen to replace Vashti. As her story continues in the remainder of the book, it’s clear that Esther gained Xerxes’s trust, and ultimately was able to use her position to save the Hebrew people.

We, too, can use our abilities and giftedness to change the world we live in. We, too, can make plans and determine the best way to carry them out. Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani educational activist, agrees: “One child, one teacher, one book, one pen can change the world.” A young Hebrew woman shows us the way.

Author: Joann Shade