4 Character qualities that turned a woman into a Queen

 Read Esther 2. 

King Ahasuerus announced a Miss Persian Empire contest in order to replace Queen Vashti. 

The Jews had been conquered, taken captive, and lived as slaves when the Medes and Persians defeated Babylonia.  Hadassah, commonly known as Esther, had been raised by her cousin Mordecai.  Being taken as a candidate for Queen of Persian, she never revealed that she was a Jew.  While the other women evidently asked for and received whatever they wanted, Esther did not. 

Her different character and behavior did not go unnoticed.

"And the young woman pleased him (Hegai, the man in charge) and won his favor." (v.9)

"Now Esther was winning favor in the eyes of all who saw her." (v.15)

"...she won grace and favor in his (the king's) sight more than all the virgins..." (v.17) 

There are at least four character qualities displayed by Esther in this chapter that set her apart from all the rest.

1. Discretion.

She was careful in what she said and to whom she said it.  She did not tell everyone all her business.  Some things she kept to herself. 

2. Humility.

She demanded nothing.  She made do with what she had been given. 

3. Relationships.

She connected with and earned the favor of those around her. 

4. Obedience.

As a young woman, she was raised to respect those over her.  In the king's care, she listened to Hegai and followed his instructions.  Then, even as a queen, she responded well to her cousin’s coaching and advice.