Esther was a beautiful young Jewish woman who was raised by her cousin Mordecai during the time of Persian captivity. When Esther found favor with the king and was chosen to become the next queen, both she and her cousin were very surprised. For as a Jewish captive, she would now hold a highly influential position within the kingdom.
Because Esther had learned the Law of Respect, she remained accessible to Mordecai and his mentoring even after she moved into the palace. She heard and followed his advice to conceal her Jewish identity. This advice paid off, and she became queen of Persia.
What made Mordecai and his counsel such an important resource for Esther's influence, even after she became rich, famous, and powerful? Four reasons stand out:
Esther 2:7 And he brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle's daughter: for she had neither father nor mother, and the maid was fair and beautiful; whom Mordecai, when her father and mother were dead, took for his own daughter.
Esther 2:20 Esther had not yet shewed her kindred nor her people; as Mordecai had charged her: for Esther did the commandment of Mordecai, like as when she was brought up with him.
Esther 2:11 And Mordecai walked every day before the court of the women's house, to know how Esther did, and what should become of her.
Esther 2:21 In those days, while Mordecai sat in the king's gate, two of the king's chamberlains, Bigthan and Teresh, of those which kept the door, were wroth, and sought to lay hand on the king Ahasuerus.
22 And the thing was known to Mordecai, who told it unto Esther the queen; and Esther certified the king thereof in Mordecai's name.
23 And when inquisition was made of the matter, it was found out; therefore they were both hanged on a tree: and it was written in the book of the chronicles before the king.