Definition: And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favour in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from the Book of Esther. It's a really significant passage about leadership and God’s favor! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a beautiful and amazing situation where King Mordecai, who was previously upset with his queen Vashti for being too bold, really loved Esther. He saw her as more valuable than all the other women in the kingdom – even the most wealthy and attractive ones. Let’s unpack it: “And the king loved Esther above all the women…” This means King Mordecai felt a deep affection for Esther, far more than any of the other women in the court. He saw her as special and important. “…and she obtained grace and favor in his sight more than all the virgins.” "Grace and favor" is a fancy way of saying God’s approval or blessing. This means he truly liked Esther, and he considered her worthy of something special. “More than all the virgins” – this highlights how much she was valued compared to the other women. “So that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti.” This is the big payoff! The king decided to give Esther a royal crown (a symbol of royalty and power) and make her Queen. He chose her over Vashti, who had been banished for being too outspoken. What does this tell us about God's plan? This verse shows that God’s love isn’t just about us – it’s about recognizing and valuing the people He chooses to bless. It speaks to a deeper purpose: God’s Favor: Esther’s love for her is a demonstration of God’s favor towards his people. His Plan for Israel: This event highlights that God has a plan for Israel, even when things seem difficult or chaotic. He uses individuals with special qualities (like Esther) to bring about His will. In short, this verse describes a moment where God chose to bless Esther and elevate her position, showing the power of love and grace. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of it in more detail? Connect this verse to a larger story or theme in the Bible? Give you a quick summary of what happened next?