Queen Esther: Courage, Grace, and the Power of Hidden Strength

She hid her identity, risked her life, and saved a nation. Discover the deeper story of Esther’s greatness and grace.

Esther is one of the most remarkable women in Jewish history, and her story continues to inspire us each Purim. But behind the surface of the Megillah lies a world of fascinating insights, teachings, and mysteries from our sages. These midrashim and Talmudic teachings reveal just how deep and powerful her character truly was.

The Talmud offers two main views on Esther’s beauty. One opinion teaches that there were four women known for their exceptional beauty: Sarah, Abigail, Rahab, and Esther. Another opinion, from Ben Azzai, says that Esther wasn’t especially tall or short but of average height and graceful like a hadas (myrtle branch). Rabbi Yehoshua ben Korcha said she had a greenish complexion, but was wrapped in a special "string of favor," a divine charm that made her beloved in everyone’s eyes.

The Babylonian Talmud also discusses the meaning behind Esther’s name. Rabbi Yehuda said she was called Esther because she hid her identity, just as it says in the Megillah, “Esther did not reveal her nationality.” Rabbi Nechemia explained that the nations of the world called her Istahar, meaning “moon,” symbolizing beauty and mystery.

Esther also had another name, Hadassah. Rabbi Meir explained that righteous people are called hadasim (myrtles), and since Esther embodied modesty and righteousness, she was called Hadassah.

Why did Mordechai and Esther merit such an open miracle? According to Midrash Shmuel, it was because of an act of selfless modesty by one of their ancestors. Rabbi Shmuel bar Nachmani said in the name of Rabbi Yonatan: the wife of Shimei, an ancestor of Mordechai and Esther, once saved two tzaddikim (righteous men) by hiding them in a well and sitting on top of it to shield them. Out of respect for her modesty, the king’s servants left them alone. Hashem said, “Because you sacrificed your honor for others, I will bring two righteous descendants from you who will save the Jewish people.”

When Esther went to the king, she did not go dressed in royal robes alone. The Talmud teaches that when it says she “donned royalty,” it means she was clothed in Ruach HaKodesh, Divine inspiration. This moment was much deeper than it appeared.

As Esther approached King Achashverosh, a miracle occurred. Rabbi Yochanan explained that three angels came to help her. One lifted her neck, one drew a line of grace upon her, and one extended the king’s scepter. Some say the scepter stretched as long as 62 cubits (about 100 feet), slowly shortening as Esther got closer. Hashem was with her every step of the way.

Why did Esther invite Haman to her private banquet? The Talmud says that she did it so that the Jewish people wouldn’t rely on her being in the palace. She wanted them to continue praying and begging Hashem for mercy, not to assume she would take care of everything on her own.

There is even a hidden hint to Esther in the Torah itself. In Sefer Devarim (Deuteronomy), Hashem says: “And I will surely hide (haster astir) My face on that day.” This double expression of hiding (haster astir) shares the same root as Esther’s name and reminds us of the hidden nature of the Purim miracle.

How old was Esther when she was taken to the palace? The Midrash offers several views. Rab said she was forty years old. Shmuel said she was eighty. The Rabbis said she was seventy-five. Regardless of her age, her inner strength and courage were timeless.

One of Esther’s defining traits was her silence. She did not reveal her origins, much like her ancestor Rachel, who stayed quiet when Yaakov married her sister Leah. Benjamin, their son and Esther’s ancestor, was also known for silence, his stone on the High Priest’s breastplate was yashfeh, which comes from the words “yesh peh,” meaning “there is a mouth,” yet he remained silent about Yosef. Esther inherited this quiet strength knowing when to speak and when to stay silent.

The Midrash Shocher Tov describes Esther’s heartfelt prayer during the three days of fasting. On the first day, she cried, “My God.” On the second day, again she said, “My God.” On the third, she cried out in anguish, “Why have You forsaken me? I cry to You by day and You do not answer!” She begged Hashem, “In Egypt, when our ancestors called out to You, You listened even though they were only facing Pharaoh’s decree. Now, when we face destruction, will You not hear our cries?”

The Midrash also teaches us what happened to Haman’s wealth. After his downfall, it was divided into three parts. One-third went to Mordechai and Esther. One-third was given to support those who study Torah. And one-third was set aside for rebuilding the Beit HaMikdash (Holy Temple). This is hinted in the verse: “The humble shall eat and be satisfied” referring to Mordechai and Esther. “Those who seek Hashem shall praise Him” referring to Torah scholars. “Let your hearts live forever” referring to the rebuilding of the Temple.

Rabbi Emmanuel Mizrachi adds a powerful insight into Esther’s character. Her greatness wasn’t only in her bold decisions or royal actions, it was in her deep faith, her inner strength, and her trust in Hashem. She reminds us that even when G-d’s presence feels hidden, He is guiding everything from behind the scenes. Esther showed us that silence can hold power, prayer can move mountains, and one woman, with Hashem’s help, can change the destiny of an entire people.