Saturday, April 13, 2013

Teens in the Bible - Esther, beauty queen


Chapter 13 teen Esther, future queen

From beauty queen to real queen, wealthy and powerful and shrewd, Esther gives us a story that combines elements of Cinderella, Survivor, and James Bond. When King Ahasuerus (a.k.a. King Xerxes) dethroned his first queen for disobedience he instituted a search for the most beautiful girl in the land. Aha, the first ever recorded beauty contest.

Esther was one of many virgins who were rounded up into the harem. They received twelve months of beauty treatments. Twelve months! Imagine how Esther felt to be sent to beauty camp for special skin treatments with oils, perfumes, and cosmetics, with the ultimate prize ahead: marry a king and receive wealth beyond your imagination. Technically she didn't have a chance because she was a Jew, but she kept that little detail hidden. In fact, Esther’s name means “hidden”.

This teen wasn't just nice to look at, though, she was smart. She sought out the advice of the king’s chamberlain who was in charge of the harem. She followed that advice and when it was her turn to parade in front of the king (evening gown competition, bathing suit, and talent combined) she won his favor. She won! He set a royal crown on her head and made her queen.

The Cinderella/Survivor part of the story is finished, but this young girl had a mission to complete next. Think subterfuge, spying, intrigue, 007, a plot to destroy all Jews, entrapment, and an unexpected execution. Yes, all that in the short book of Esther. Please read it for yourself.

(Next Saturday teen Josiah)
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