New Queen Sought

n this third message we see the changing EMOTIONS of the king, after the loss of his queen. His problem went from getting over his anger at Vashti, to missing her. The king's attendants proposed a four step approach to meet the king's need: (1) search out beautiful young virgins; (2) gather them to the harem in Susa; (3) give them their cosmetics; and (4) the one who pleases the king will be queen. This plan met the king's approval and was put into action. In the process of gathering beautiful young virgins, ESTHER is discovered. She is living with Mordecai, her fellow captive and cousin and she is an extremely pretty young lady, both in figure and face. Under Medo-Persian rule, the EXPECTATIONS were very clear - (1) submit to the custody of Hegai, the king's eunuch; (2) accept his charity in preparation for the king; (3) maintain control to not reveal her people or kindred; and (4) live with the concern that Mordecai had, as he paced in front of the court of the harem wanting to know about her welfare and destiny.