1. By what steps did Esther become queen?
   Consider the events and the timing in terms of God’s overruling care for His people.
   See Note on verse 16; cf. Rom. 8:28; Is. 65:24.
2. How far should a Christian conform to the laws and customs of his country?
   Cf. Dan. 1:8; 1 Pet. 2:13, 14.

Notes

1. Verses 5, 6. ‘Who had been carried into exile…’: this refers not to Mordecai, but to Kish his grandfather.
2. Verse 16. Cf. 1:3. Four years had elapsed since Vashti was deposed.