Esther Becomes Queen

Esther was a Jewish girl who lost her parents young and was raised by her cousin Mordecai as if she were his own daughter. When King Ahasuerus of Persia was displeased with Queen Vashti, he issued a decree to gather young women from across the kingdom to choose a new queen. Mordecai had Esther go into the palace as commanded, and every day he came near the palace gate to watch over her. In the palace Esther was loved by everyone for her gentleness and humility, and she found special favor with the king above all the other women. The king set the royal crown on Esther's head, declared her queen, and held a great banquet for her. None of this was by chance — it was God's providence and calling, placing His child in the right place at the right time to prepare her for the special mission of saving her people.