Today Verse: Esther 2:7, NIV
“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.”
Today Reflection
Esther’s story is a remarkable example of God using an ordinary person for extraordinary purposes. After her parents died, her cousin Mordecai raised her like his own child. When King Xerxes searched for a new queen, the king was attracted to Esther more than to any of the other women, and she won his favor and approval more than any of the other virgins. So he set a royal crown on her head and made her queen.
Later she learned that Haman, a powerful official, had tricked the king into signing a decree to kill all the Jews. Mordecai encouraged her to risk her life and plead with the king to save her people. Although terrified, Esther asked her people to fast and pray for 3 days.
Then she went before the king, even though doing so without being summoned could have meant death. She revealed Haman’s evil plan at a banquet and won the king’s favor. Haman was executed, and the Jews were saved because of her courage.
Esther’s story reminds us that God places us in certain positions to bring hope and deliverance to others. There are lessons we can learn from Esther’s leadership. First, she surrounded herself with strong support. Mordecai encouraged her and gave godly advice when she hesitated.
Second, she sought God’s wisdom through fasting and prayer before making her bold move. Third, she gave credit where it was due, honoring Mordecai for saving the king from an assassination plot. True leaders don’t seek glory for themselves, but lift others who deserve it.
Fourth, she was calm but firm in executing her plan, even under pressure. She approached the king with dignity and confidence, speaking the truth that saved her people. Like Esther, we are called to be leaders wherever God places us, in our homes, workplaces, and communities. Even when it is difficult, our faith, humility, and courage can make a lasting impact for God’s glory.
Today Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for the courageous example of Esther. Help us to trust you fully when we face hard decisions and give us the boldness to stand for what is right. Surround us with godly people who will speak wisdom into our lives and teach us to lead with humility, calmness, and faith. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
In Other Translations
- KJV (King James Version): “And he brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle’s daughter: for she had neither father nor mother, and the maid was fair and beautiful; whom Mordecai, when her father and mother were dead, took for his own daughter.”
- AMP (Amplified Bible): “He was the guardian of Hadassah, that is Esther, his uncle’s daughter, for she had no father or mother. The young woman was beautiful of form and face; and when her father and mother died, Mordecai took her in as his own daughter.”
- NLT (New Living Translation): “This man had a very beautiful and lovely young cousin, Hadassah, who was also called Esther. When her father and mother died, Mordecai adopted her into his family and raised her as his own daughter.”
- NASB (New American Standard Bible): “He was bringing up Hadassah, that is Esther, his uncle’s daughter, for she had no father or mother. Now the young lady was beautiful of form and face, and when her father and her mother died, Mordecai took her as his own daughter.”
- ESV (English Standard Version): “He was bringing up Hadassah, that is Esther, the daughter of his uncle, for she had neither father nor mother. The young woman had a beautiful figure and was lovely to look at, and when her father and her mother died, Mordecai took her as his own daughter.”
Related Verses
- Esther 4:14: “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”
- Joshua 1:9: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
- 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.”
- Ephesians 2:10: “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
- 2 Timothy 1:7: “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”
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