In Esther, chapter two, verse twenty, although Esther had been chosen and crowned queen of the great Persian empire as in chapter two, verse seventeen, she was not puffed up with pride and self-importance because of her newly attained status and power. She did not despise her lowly cousin’s advice, nor did she disdain her racial or spiritual heritage. Instead, she manifested a true spirit of meekness, humility, and submissiveness after becoming queen, even as she had done before.
A rare example of virtue is Esther’s observation of Mordecai when becoming a queen. Most would forget what they were advancing to great honor, dignity, or riches. The royal dignity did not change Esther’s heart. She was still the dutiful child she had been so many years. Mordecai had forbidden her to tell her kindred; he had not removed his prohibition, so she had kept silent.
We see what absurd practices those came, who were destitute of Divine revelation, and what need there was of the gospel of Christ to purify men from the lusts of the flesh and to bring them back to the original institution of marriage. Esther received favor as queen. Those who suggest that Esther sinned to come at this dignity do not consider the customs of those times and countries. Everyone the king took was married to him and was his wife, though of a lower rank. But how low is human nature sunk when such are leading pursuits and the highest worldly happiness of men?
Disappointment and vexation must follow, and he most wisely consults his enjoyment, even in this present life, who most exactly obeys the precepts of the Divine law. But let us consider the wise and merciful providence God carrying on his deep but holy designs of all this. And let no change in our condition be a pretext for forgetting our duties to parents or the friends who have stood in their place.