Esther had not revealed her
nationality and family background, because Mordecai had forbidden her to do so. Esther 2:10
But Esther had kept secret
her family background and nationality just as Mordecai had told her to do, for
she continued to follow Mordecai’s instructions as she had done when he was
bringing her up. Esther 2:20
Esther won the heart of the king
because of her beauty, but kept the secret of her nationality because the Jews
were considered slaves to the Persians and of a lower status than the
people. Her nationality could have
kept her out of the running and, thus, not in a position later on to save the Jews
from extinction.
It doesn’t appear she lied, just
never confirmed or denied her nationality.
Her beauty so enamored the people, it never seemed to matter.