An interval of perhaps four years is passed substantially between the first and second chapters. Profane history tells us that in this period Persia was occupied with an attempt to conquer Greece, and Xerxes was absent from the Persian capitol directing the war. Not being of moment here, this is not mentioned in the book of Esther.
The anger of the king abated, and he remembered Vashti, and what she had done, and what was decreed against her. The servants who attended to his wants and whims, then ventured to suggest that fair young virgins should be sought, from among whom a suitable queen, chosen by the royal personage himself, might be obtained. They proposed that officers be appointed in all the provinces to gather together all those Who might appear suitable to grace the position vacated by the beautiful Vashti. These suggestions pleased the king, and he issued the necessary orders.
God's interests in and concern for the poor Jews in Persia now appears. The Hebrew maiden Hadassah, or Esther (her Persian name), is among those chosen for presentation to the king.
Her cousin Mordecai, when her parents were dead had taken her for his own daughter, and he and she and the chosen race of Israel, or as many of them as were subjects to the king of Persia, are hereafter seen to be the persons on behalf of whom the unseen, and here unnamed God, is at work, moulding the affections and will of a capricious king who knew not Himself.
Esther, object of the tender care of Him who will not here declare Himself openly, becomes, under God, pleasing to the keeper of the women, who shows her kindness and gives her the best place in the house.
The circumstance reminds us of Joseph in prison in Egypt (Gen. 39), and Daniel (1:9) in the court of Nebuchadnezzar.
Esther's being an Israelite is however concealed, at Mordecai's request. At length Esther is presented, having obtained favor of all them that looked upon her, and the self-indulgent monarch loved her above-all the women. She obtained grace and favor in his sight, more than all the virgins, so that he set the royal crown on her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti. What a transition for the captive maiden!
A great feast was made in celebration of the choice of the king, and henceforth Mordecai sat in the king's gate. There he learned of the plans of two of the king's servants to get rid of the king, and he told it to Esther, who told the king of the plot, as the discovery of Mordecai, and the result was, when investigation was made, that the two servants were hanged.
Undoubtedly we have here an illustration the choice of the Jew, as the earthly bride of Christ, when the Gentile's day is run; and Mordecai's reporting the offenders, and their summary punishment, speak of the character of God's government during the Millennium.