Book of Esther - Chapter 2 - Verse 7

Esther, also known as Hadassah, was brought up by her cousin Mordecai after both of her parents passed away. The verse highlights the care and love that Mordecai showed towards Esther, treating her as his own daughter. The fact that Esther had lost both her parents speaks to the challenges she had to overcome at a young age. However, despite her difficult circumstances, Esther's beauty and grace are emphasized in the verse. This sets the stage for Esther's later role in the biblical narrative, where her beauty and courage play a crucial part in the survival of the Jewish people. The verse lays the foundation for Esther's character, portraying her as a strong and resilient individual who rises above adversity to become a powerful force for good in the face of danger.

Within this verse from the biblical Book of Esther, the term "Hadassah" is mentioned as being the Hebrew name for Esther. This dual naming convention serves an important theological purpose, as it highlights Esther's dual identity as both a Jew and a Persian queen. The Hebrew name "Hadassah" means "myrtle," a symbol of peace and harmony in Jewish tradition, while the Persian name "Esther" is derived from the goddess Ishtar, a symbol of beauty and power. This duality emphasizes Esther's ability to navigate her dual identity and use it to her advantage in saving her people from destruction.

Furthermore, the mention of Esther's beauty in this verse holds theological significance as it denotes her exceptional physical appearance. In Jewish tradition, beauty is often associated with righteousness and favor in the eyes of God. Esther's beauty is not only a physical attribute but also a reflection of her inner righteousness, which allows her to find favor in the eyes of the Persian king and ultimately save her people from annihilation.

Overall, this verse sets the stage for the remarkable story of Esther, a woman who defies the odds and rises to power to protect her people, showcasing the themes of identity, beauty, and divine favor that are central to the theological interpretation of the Book of Esther.