The answer is: He held a beauty contest for the young girls of Persia

Esther 2:2-4

In the Book of Esther, we see a vivid snapshot of life in the Persian Empire through the lens of a beauty contest, but there’s more beneath the surface. King Xerxes, known also as Ahasuerus, had just experienced a dramatic situation with his previous queen, Vashti. After she defied him, it seems the king needed not just a new queen, but perhaps a display of grace and beauty that would soothe the empire’s sensitivities.

Now, the process to find Esther involved gathering “the beautiful young virgins” throughout the provinces, showcasing how beauty and youth were valued in ancient cultures. Interestingly enough, it's important to remember that queens often held remarkable sway, so finding the right partner wasn’t just a simple game. Kings looked for allies and nurturers who would fit within their royal narrative.

Interestingly, while Esther participated in this contest, she wasn't the only remarkable character. There were many young women, each with stories and potential waiting to unfold. This contest structure begs echoes of today’s values, examining how appearances continue to influence judgements in various spheres of life—be it in employment or social relationships.

Throughout the unfolding story, Esther represents bravery, resilience, and ultimately, political acumen—qualities that a simple beauty contest couldn’t truly unveil at first glance. And think about this: Had King Xerxes held auditions based on skill or wisdom—imagine the different path world history might have taken! Esther's rise to queen portrays how often amidst uncertainty, forbearance and opportunity can generate change.