Lessons from Esther: The Keeper of the Women

9 And the maiden pleased him, and she obtained kindness of him; and he speedily gave her her things for purification, with such things as belonged to her, and seven maidens, which were meet to be given her, out of the king's house: and he preferred her and her maids unto the best place of the house of the women. 10 Esther had not shewed her people nor her kindred: for Mordecai had charged her that she should not shew it. Esther 2:9-10

As we learned from the last lesson, all the women were brought back to the king’s house. They were in the custody of Hegai, keeper of the women. Hegai was the one who took care of the women by getting them everything needed for the meeting with the king.

This portion of scripture tells us that Esther pleased him. He saw something in Esther and treated her with kindness. Hegai was so “taken “by Esther’s beauty as well as her calm demeanor that he gave her seven maids to take care of all the details.

Esther and her maids were given one of the best rooms. Keli & Delitzsch Commentary says, “he changed her and her maids into the best of the house of the women, i.e., he took them out of the ordinary rooms and placed them in the best apartments, probably in the state-rooms, where those who were accustomed to be brought to the king used to dwell.”

Throughout all the preparation and all the kindnesses shown to her, Esther kept her promise to Mordecai. She told no one of her Jewish ancestry.

He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction. Proverbs 13:3 

… a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; Ecclesiastes 3:7 

I can see “God’s hand” throughout this portion of scripture. God’s care and protection are everywhere. Hegai took her “under his care”. He gave her preferential treatment. Esther was in the center of God’s will and He was taking care of her.

When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him. Proverbs 16:7 

Sometimes we think that if everything is not going “our way” then we must be doing something wrong. We need to trust God with every detail of our life. It doesn’t matter if it is small or large, God cares about everything. God was with Esther even in the middle of a foreign palace.

God cares about you and whatever you may be going through. Trust him with all your worries and problems.

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:5 -6

Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. I Peter 5:7

Have a blessed day,
Donna