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 Copyright © 2007 The Salvation Army USA Eastern Territory. All rights reserved. |
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Women of the Bible
ESTHER – A WOMAN OF COURAGE by Gladys DeMichael
February 2007
Background: Esther is a book of mystery, suspense, romance, and intrigue. It is one of only two books in the Old Testament bearing the name of a woman around whom the narrative opens. The time setting is the fifth century BC, about 100 years after the Babylonians conquered Judah. Jews have been dispersed throughout the Middle East, and Persia is the dominant world power. Written by an unknown author, Esther is unique in the Scriptures in that it never explicitly mentions God. Nevertheless, His presence is unmistakable. His purpose was still carried out. The providence and sovereignty of God shine through for a people under bondage, exiled in a foreign land. God remembers His covenant promises to Israel and orchestrates events to protect His people. The significance of this book to Jewish history is of extreme importance. In fact, it has become a patriotic symbol to a persecuted people. The book of Esther is a powerful reminder that God’s people will ultimately triumph over their enemies.
Esther’s given name is Hadassah, a Hebrew name. It is based on hadas or myrtle; an evergreen shrub used as a symbol of peace and justice. After she became queen, her name was changed to Esther or star, a variant of Ishtar, name of the Babylonian goddess of love and war. Hence, history records her as Esther – “Star of Justice”; beautiful, brave, obedient, respectful, and wise. Her name appears fifty-five times in the ten chapters of this Old Testament book. No other woman in the Bible is recorded so often.
Like many great characters in history, Esther makes her first appearance as one of the humblest of figures. She is an orphaned Jewess, educated as a daughter in the house of her cousin Mordecai, a wise and devout Israelite. Esther had probably learned from him the glorious truths about God treasured by her people. It is her courage which becomes the dominating factor in the salvation of her people.
Esther’s life story unfolds as a result of Mordecai’s position as an official at the palace gate. King Ahasuerus (Xerxes in modern translations) is in the third year of his reign over the Persian Empire. He calls for a great celebration feast at the citadel in Shushan, the throne of his kingdom. (Today this would be extreme southwestern Iran). His wife, Queen Vashti, was respected as a woman of nobility and honor. She displayed great courage when she refused to accept an unjust command from her husband in connection with the celebration. The king became so incensed that he issued an order that her royal position be given to another. Mordecai sees the royal notice that beautiful young virgins would be assembled for the king’s harem, and that the woman who pleased the king would take the place of Vashti. So it was that Mordecai sent for his lovely cousin, Esther. God is at work!
Of all the maidens gathered in Shushan, Esther was perhaps the only one who did not worship idols or some of the many heathen gods, although this fact is never mentioned. From infancy, she would have bowed her knee to Jehovah in worship of the true God. Following Mordecai’s instruction however, she never spoke of her family or racial background. Hegai, and overseer of the women, liked Esther and took a special interest in her. When all preparations were completed, Esther was taken to King Xerxes in the royal palace, in the seventh year of his reign. The king fell in love with her far more than with any of the other women. He placed a royal crown on her head and made her queen in place of Vashti. King Xerxes had no idea that she was a Jewess. He had been attracted to her because of her surpassing loveliness. He celebrated her entrance into the court with a great banquet – “Esther’s Banquet” - for all the nobles and officials, which introduced her as queen of one of the most powerful empires in the world (2: 16-18). God is at work!
Biblical Truth: Esther knew that this was not an accident but she had been placed in this position for a great purpose. “As for God, His way is perfect; the Word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him” (Psalm 18:30 NKJV).
Mordecai was loyal to King Xerxes. One day, while sitting at the King’s Gate, he heard the plan of two of the king’s eunuchs who were plotting to kill the king. Mordecai told Queen Esther, who then told the king, giving credit to Mordecai. When this plot was investigated and confirmed as true, the two men were hanged on the gallows. This was all duly recorded in a book kept for the king’s use. Called The Book of the History of King Xerxes Reign (10:2), this record would play a large role in saving the Jews (6: 1-10). God is at work!
Quickly, Queen Esther gained favor with the people. She displayed sound judgment, fine self-control and the ability to think of others first. It was not long before she learned the true character of Haman, the highest ranking official in the government and her husband’s favorite. Haman was arrogant and angry. He hated the Jews in general, but he hated one Jew in particular, Mordecai, because Mordecai had refused to bow to him. Haman knew that Mordecai’s resistance came from his religious convictions, so Haman hated Mordecai, his faith in God, and, therefore, all Jews. His anger at one man was fueled by his pride and ambition. (3: 5-6)
Biblical Truth: Satan’s ultimate goal is to destroy people’s hearts. Prejudice is an effective tool in his hands. Prejudice always puts one person in a superior position to another. Christians, however, should have no room for prejudice. “In Christ’s family there can be no division into Jew and non-Jew, slave and free, male and female. Among us you are all equal. That is, we are all in a common relationship with Jesus Christ” (Galatians 3:28 The Message).
To ascertain the most favorable moment for the destruction of the Jews, Haman piously consulted his gods by casting lots or “pur” (3: 7). A date eleven months into the future was revealed. Haman immediately persuaded Xerxes to issue a decree that all the Jews in his realm were to be slaughtered on that day. By way of incentive, the deed proclaimed anyone who killed a Jew could plunder the possessions.
Opposed to such powers of evil as Haman possessed, stood the courageous Esther. Because an unalterable law had been made, the only hope of nullifying it was through personal influence. Only one person had such influence; Esther. Upon reading the bulletin of the proposed massacre of her people, and hearing Mordecai’s plea that she must be the one to go to the king and intercede for them, she knew she must go. What courage! She was ready to defend her people even with her own life. Could it be that for this purpose she had been brought to the queenship? Mordecai perceived that God had chosen this brave young woman and placed her in that position “for such a time as this”. (4: 13-14) And Esther rose to the occasion. God is at work!
Biblical Truth: Once we know God’s will, we have no option but by faith and in His strength to obey it. The only safe place is in the center of God’s will. And, more than that, it is the most rewarding and most satisfying place to be. “Not all people who sound religious are really godly. They may refer to me as Lord, but they still won’t enter the Kingdom of Heaven. The decisive issue is whether they obey my Father in Heaven” (Matthew 7: 21 NLT).
Quote: “Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God”. CorrieTenBoom; Dutch Evangelist; 1892-1983
What spiritual maturity! Esther fasted and prayed, and asked her people to do the same as she prepared to risk her life by approaching King Xerxes. In a communal act of faith, the Jewish people fasted and petitioned God. Esther knew that her strength would come from God and that He alone could turn the heart of the king. She wisely prepared herself, however, through the disciplines of prayer and fasting.
Biblical Truth: God is honored when we seek His face before we embark on service for Him. “When You said, ‘Seek My face,’ my heart said to You, ‘Your face, Lord, will I seek’” (Psalm 27:8 NKJV) The heart is understood in the Old Testament to be the seat not only of the affections, but also of the thoughts and the will.
As Esther readied herself to appear before the king, one of the most courageous assertions made by a woman in the Bible is credited to her. “If I perish, I perish!” (4:16) Here is a woman who had not only high courage but a sincere faith and a devotion to the cause of her people. She appeared before him discreet as well as fearless. Queen Esther knew that, though she had won her husband’s love and confidence (5: 2-3), she was dealing with powerful and wicked forces. It was best to move slowly with the king. She plans a festive banquet with Haman invited to join them. While there, the King asks again of Esther what her request would be. She invites them to another banquet for the following day. This of course, gives Haman time to discuss, with his wife and friends, his plot for the massacre. Meanwhile, God is at work in the sleepless night hours of the King Xerxes. He has the book of records of the chronicles brought to him (6:1) and read. Discovering no honor was given to Mordecai at a time when there was a threat on his life, the king instructs Haman to be the one to lead the procession through the city square honoring Mordecai. How amazing! At the moment Haman plans to ask for Mordecai’s death, God contrives for him to recommend the terms of Mordecai’s honor (6:6-9).
At the second banquet, Esther is asked again by the king what he can do for her. After the careful preparation, she is finally ready to state her request. His own Prime Minister Haman had deceived him (7: 5-6). Even at this time it seems evident that the king did not yet realize that Esther was a Jewess, one of those whom Haman had vowed to kill. Overcome with wrath, King Xerxes orders Haman to be hung on the gallows that had been prepared for Mordecai. Because the law giving the enemies of the Jews the right to kill them could not be revoked, another law had to be announced that would nullify the first. This second law gave the Jews the right to retaliate against any who would assault them (8: 1-14). God is at work! Haman was powerful and King Xerxes was more powerful. But they could not destroy the people of God. Esther needed a God-sized God and He was there.
The Jews called the celebration of their deliverance from this wholesale massacre a “Purim Festival” because Haman had cast pur to ascertain a favorable day for carrying out his plot. To this day the Purim Festival is celebrated on the 14th and 15th of March, when the roll of Esther is read in Jewish synagogues all over the world (9:32). It became a law that stands even today.
Esther played an outstanding role in the lives of her people. Elevated from a Jewish orphan to queen of a great empire, she has become one of the greatest heroines of the Jews because she served with fearlessness, intelligence, deep insight and prudence. While still very young she dedicated herself, not to the pleasure, comforts and luxuries of a palace, but to the dreams, hopes, and ambitions of her people. So often, God uses the most unlikely, ordinary people to fulfill His divine purposes. Remember, He isn’t looking for people who are perfect, talented or influential. He is only looking for people who are willing.
Quote: “It is not my ability, but my response to God’s ability, that counts”. Corrie TenBoom
Ponder – Praise – Pray:
Prayer God, I praise You for Your sovereignty. Thank you for watching over me and working on my behalf. Help me to trust in You, for apart from You I have no hope. If I face trouble or danger today, please be my shield. If a crisis comes my way, be my comfort. If I must confront evil, be my strength and courage. Amen
March Study MIRIAM – A LIFE OF DEVOTION
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