After Ahashverosh removed Vashti from her position as queen, the king searched for a long time for a suitable replacement. Eventually he chose Esther, who “found favor in the eyes of everyone who saw her” (Esther 2:15). The Sages explain the meaning of this phrase.

“Esther found favor in the eyes of everyone who saw her” (Esther 2:15). Rabbi Yuda says: She was like this fine portrait that is viewed by one thousand people and is liked by all. Rabbi Nehemya says: They positioned Median woman on one side and Persian women on the other side, and Esther was more beautiful than all of them.

And the Rabbis say: “Esther found favor in the eyes of everyone who saw her”; in the eyes of the upper worlds [God and His angels] and in the eyes of the lower worlds [people], as the verse states: “And you will find grace and high favor in the eyes of God and man” (Proverbs 3:4). (Esther Rabba 6)