Esther 2:8,9 – “So it was, when the king’s command and decree were heard, and when many young women were gathered at Shushan the citadel, under the custody of Hegai, that Esther also was taken to the king’s palace, into the care of Hegai the custodian of the women. 9Now the young woman pleased him, and she obtained his favor; so he readily gave beauty preparations to her, besides her allowance. Then seven choice maidservants were provided for her from the king’s palace, and he moved her and her maidservants to the best place in the house of the women.”
King Xerxes had displayed the vast wealth of his kingdom and at the end of those days he held a special banquet lasting seven days. On the seventh day Xerxes requested Queen Vashti to come before the court wearing her royal crown in order to display her beauty to the people and nobles. She refused to do so and that set in motion a tidal wave of decisions that comprise the story of Esther. Vashti is deposed and a search is made for a suitable replacement to become queen. Many beautiful girls were brought to the palace and put through twelve months of beauty treatments. Among them a Jewish orphan named Esther. Our passage contains a key that caused Esther to rise in prominence above the other girls. The key is in the phrase in verse 9: “she obtained his favor.” When all things are equal, favor will tip the scales. I was taught by a man of God early on in the ministry, “pray for favor.” Favor will do four things for you.
Favor Brings Provision – “…so he readily gave beauty preparations to her, besides her allowance.” (v.9) Esther received more than the other girls because of favor.
Favor Brings Movement – “…and he moved her and her maidservants to the best place in the house of the women.” (v.9) Esther was moved to the best accommodations because of favor.
Favor Brings Audience – “…And Esther obtained favor in the sight of all who saw her.” (v.15) Esther was brought before the king’s court because of favor and everyone who saw her delighted in her.
Favor Brings Approval – “The king loved Esther more than all the other women, and she obtained grace and favor in his sight more than all the virgins; so he set the royal crown upon her head and made her queen instead of Vashti.” (v.17) King Xerxes approved of Esther and made her queen.
Dear friend do not underestimate the power of favor. Favor will get you places others cannot go and will cause those around you to decide on your behalf. Pray for favor and may you truly enjoy the favor of the Lord today!