Whatever She Desired Esther 2:13 - Equipped for Battle

The time has come, and the huge presentation of fair young maidens has begun. King Ahasuerus desires a new queen, and after twelve long months of beauty treatments, each young lady will appear before the king like a beauty contest for the possibility of winning the grand prize. In chapter two and verse thirteen, we see one final preparation that each maiden is given just before they appear. We read:

Then thus came every maiden unto the king; whatsoever she desired was given her to go with her out of the house of the women unto the king's house.

The verse begins, “Then thus came every maiden unto the king; whatsoever she desired was given her...”. Just as each maiden prepared make her appearance before the king, each was given opportunity to add to her attire. More than likely this was jewelry, accessories, and unique clothing that allowed them to differ from one another. Perhaps these articles would enhance a particular part of who they were or how they might be as queen. Whatever it was, it no doubt was one final attempt on their part to obtain the position as queen.

We are told why these “whatsoevers” were given as our verse continues, “...to go with her out of the house of the women unto the king's house.” These items would be received by the maidens from the house of women and taken to the king's part of the palace with her. In other words, each maiden would gather her “whatsoevers”, adorn herself with them and be presented to the king with her choices. What a marvelous beauty show this must have been.

Let's consider something together as we ponder this part of our story. If we were to be presented before King Jesus, with what would we desire to be adorned? Would it be fashion, jewelry, fine clothing or accessories? Would it be habits, emotions, quantitative thinking or spiritual practices? Perhaps it might be friends, occupations, hobbies or real estate? What is the “whatsoever” that we desire to go out from this world, our part of the palace, to go to King Jesus' house? Now, we must wear it and be presented to the King of Kings.

Next time we learn more about the fair young maidens as they are presented to the king, 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.