Fair Young Virgins Sought Esther 2:2 - Equipped for Battle

As we continue our story, King Ahasuerus has banished Queen Vashti from the throne, and he is lonely. He begins to remember Queen Vashti and what was done to her, and now because the Persian law cannot be changed, he cannot have her again. In chapter two and verse two his servants make an interesting suggestion concerning “fair young virgins” to solve his problem. We read:

Then said the king's servants that ministered unto him, Let there be fair young virgins sought for the king:

If we use our imaginations we might be able to picture poor old King Ahasuerus without his queen. He probably looked sad, forlorn, and perhaps sighed a lot. He may have performed his duties with little vigor, and everyone around him could tell that he was quite lonely. In whatever manner he acted, it caused this response, “Then said the king's servants that ministered unto him,...” Even the servants before him saw the way he was. Often others will notice our behavior before we ourselves do.

The verse continues with the servants' suggestion, “Let there be fair young virgins sought for the king:” Because Ahasuerus' desire related to loneliness, the servants thought it would be a good idea to fill that loneliness with another woman. They asked him to “Let” or “allow” there to be a search for “fair young virgins” throughout his kingdom with the idea of finding one that would fill his need. Of course this would require the king's permission, but with the feelings he was having, it shouldn't be too hard to convince him this would be good idea.

There is an interesting scripture verse in Philippians chapter 2 and verse thirteen where we read:

For it is God which works in you both to will and to do of [his] good pleasure.

This is perhaps what occurred within Ahasuerus' heart. God was working both in the “will” and the “to do” parts of Ahasuerus. All along our study we have been reminded that God is at work behind the scenes and governing over all of it. Now there is this desire (“to will”) within Ahasuerus, and the servants have the answer (“to do”), and let us be careful to note “of his (God's) good pleasure.” Though it seems a very natural occurrence for there to be “fair young virgins” sought for the king, God Almighty is weaving these things into His master plan. If he can do so with Ahasuerus, can He not do the same with us?

Next time we will see further instructions pertaining to these young women, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” and the new marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.