Chapter 2 A Girl Named Hadassah

In that same city of Shushan, a young Jewish girl named Hadassah lived with her cousin Mordecai, who had raised her since her parents died. No one called her Hadassah in Persia, though. They called her Esther, which means star.

Esther was kind, wise, and beautiful-but she didn't grow up with riches or royalty. She was part of a people who had once lived in Jerusalem but had been taken into exile. Many Jews still lived far from home, scattered through the Persian empire.

When the king's officials came looking for girls to bring to the palace, Esther was chosen.

It wasn't optional.

She was taken to the palace with many other young women. For a whole year, they were given perfumes, oils, and fine clothes. But Esther stood out-not just because of her looks, but because of her grace.

"And Esther obtained favor in the sight of all them that looked upon her." -Esther 2:15

When it was her turn to meet the king, Esther asked for nothing extra. She wore only what the king's servant, Hegai, recommended. The king was struck by her beauty and calm strength.

"And the king loved Esther above all the women... so that he set the royal crown upon her head." -Esther 2:17

A Jewish girl, orphaned and unknown, had become Queen of Persia.

But she told no one about her people. Mordecai had warned her to keep it secret-for now.

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