Esther

The astonishing recorded in this book took place some 2,500 years ago in the court of a Persian king. A wicked man’s plot to wipe out the Jewish exiles was opposed by the courageous efforts of a man (Mordecai) and his niece (Esther). These two heroes, with God’s help, saved their people from perishing under Haman’s evil scheme.

Palace intrigue

The story begins with a series of intrigues in the king’s palace. Haman, by promising the king money, persuades him that “a certain people” should be destroyed. The king allows Haman to proclaim a law that encourages Persian citizens throughout the empire to kill the Jews. Before the day of slaughter arrives, however, brave actions by Esther and Mordecai result in Haman’s execution (7:10).

Yet the danger remains because ancient Persian custom held that a law could not be revoked (8:8; Dan. 6:8). To counter the first law, a second law was published. This gave the Jews the right to defend themselves (8:11; 9:14). They succeeded and, with a sigh of relief, initiated the festival of Purim. When Purim is celebrated to­day, the Jews read from the book of Esther.

An accurate account

The book of Esther gives explana­tion of how the feast of Purim origi­nated. In addition, it portrays God’s great concern for His people. Yet some critics have belittled the book and suggest that the tale is too fantas­tic to be true. Others claim it has no place in scripture because God’s name is not found in it. A closer look shows both criticisms to be false.

Historians tell us that many details in Esther are substantiated by documented descriptions of the Persian empire of about 500 B.C. For ex­ample, the Persians had a sophisticated postal system. Stations were estab­lished at convenient distances and sup­plied with relays of horses and men. Rapid transmission of letters was pos­sible even to the extent that the mail was carried on through the night.

Many other features of Persian life referred to in Esther have been authenticated. These include: bowing to high government officials (3:2), observance of lucky days (3:7), rewarding bene­factors (6:3), hanging as capital pun­ishment (6:4), eating while reclining on couches (7:8), traitor’s property reverting to the crown (8:1) and irrevo­cable decrees (8:8).

The presence of God

Most readers will not notice that the name of God is absent from the text because there are many allusions that point to the actions of God. In fact, His providential care for His people is so clearly evident that even the gentiles speak of it. When Haman, the enemy of the Jews, tells his wife and friends about Mordecai, they reply: “…If Mordecai be of the seed of the Jews, before whom thou hast begun to fall, thou shalt not prevail against him, but shalt surely fall before him” (6:13). Who was it but Israel’s God that Haman had challenged?

One series of “coincidences” show that God was at work, countering Haman’s evil scheme even before it was fully conceived. Consider the se­quence of events:

• — an overheard conversation (2:21,22),
• — a sleepless king (6:1),
• — an unrewarded deed (6:3),
• — an impatient enemy (6:4).

Each seems insignificant by itself but taken together, these events were re­sponsible for Haman’s demise. They can’t all be coincidences; they are strong evidence of God’s invisible hand at work.

This is not to say, of course, that individual initiative was not critical. If neither Mordecai nor Esther had acted, then Haman might have gotten his way with the Jews. Even today, God wants our cooperation so that, by working with Him, His will is accom­plished.

Similarities to Haman

The next time we read Esther we do well to consider Haman’s actions as a caricature of our own behavior. We may think that we would never act the way Haman did when Mordecai re­fused to stand up or move as the haughty gentile pushed his way through the gate. Such a small matter would not bother us; and, even if we were slightly irritated, it could never be said of us that we were “full of indignation” (3:5).

Yet the next time a shopper edges ahead of us in the checkout line, or the car in front fails to notice the traffic light has changed or someone takes our usual chair at meeting we may find we are more like Haman than we care to admit.

Notice how pride held Haman in its grip. After having received some of the highest honors available to a Persian citizen, Haman counted them as nothing so long as Mordecai still sat in the gate (5:12,13). Haman’s entire life was spoiled because one person would not bow to him. The next time we become obsessed with our own self importance we should think of Haman. One remembrance of him should be enough to bring us back to reality.

In thinking of Haman, we should ask ourselves, “What does it take to spoil our day?” Whatever it is, we must put it aside.

Esther and Mordecai provide good examples

Esther is an outstanding example of a woman of faith. Her courage and resolve play a large role in freeing the Jewish people from destruction. Morde­cai also has a vital part to play. He initiates activities that provide Esther with sufficient impetus to

complete the difficult tasks that are necessary. Each is seen to work individually and as a member of a team in furthering the work of God. They serve as an example for brothers and sisters working together in the ecclesia.

The relationship between Esther and Mordecai also illustrates the con­cern families should show each other. With no one left to care for her, Esther went to live with her cousin Mordecai. He was concerned for his new daughter and one of the first things he did was to teach her obedience (2:20). This trait was to benefit her throughout her life whether it was in obedience to her elders (2:15; 4:8) or to God (4:14). The discipline obedience teaches is of great value to every disciple of Christ (Heb. 12:6-8,11).

Powerful gentiles set a bad example

The loving concern displayed by Mordecai and Esther is sadly lacking in the other families in the book. Vashti, the queen, is portrayed as a beautiful woman who refuses to obey her husband. She has good reason, however, as her husband wants to put her beauty on display before a roomful of drunken lords. We do well to ask our­selves how often we put family members in awkward positions by making unreasonable demands.

Haman’s family and friends contributed to his death by reinforcing his vindictive conduct. “Then said Zeresh his wife and all his friends unto him, Let a gallows be made of fifty cubits high and tomor­row speak thou unto the king that Mor­decai may be hanged thereon: then go thou in merrily with the king unto the banquet” (5:14).

Family and friends who do not share our hope can encourage us down the wrong path. Those who are seek­ing to serve God may sometimes dis­agree with us but they can help turn us around from the wrong direction. If we truly want to serve Him, we will seek the association of others who have the same aim in life.