Esther
4:14 – “For if you remain silent at
this time, relief and deliverance will arise from another place, but you and
your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to the
royal position for such a time as this”.
Purpose of Writing
The Book of
Esther displays the providence of God, especially in regard to His chosen
people, Israel. It records the great deliverance of the Jewish nation brought
about by God through Esther. Jews today still read Esther during the feast of Purim.
Brief summary
Brief summary
The Book of
Esther can be divided into three main sections. Chapters 1:1-2:18 – Esther
replaces Vashti; 2:19-7:10 – Mordecai overcomes Haman; 8:1-10:3 – Israel
survives Haman’s attempt to destroy them. The noble Esther risked her own death
as she realized what was at stake. She proved a wise and most worthy opponent,
all the while remaining humble and respectful of the position of her
husband-king.
.
Esther's story is much like the story of Joseph in Genesis 41. Both stories involve foreign monarchs who control the destiny of the Jews. Both accounts show the heroism of Israelite individuals who provide the means for the salvation of their people and nation. The hand of God is evident, in that what appears to be a bad situation is indeed very much under the control of the Almighty God, who ultimately has the good of the people at heart. Haman’s goal is the final effort recorded in the Old Testament period of the complete eradication of the Jews. His plans eventually end up with his own demise, and the elevation of his enemy Mordecai to his own position, as well as the salvation of the Jews.
Esther risked her life by going not once uninvited before the king but twice, (Esther 4:1-2; 8:3). She was not content with the destruction of Haman; she was intent on saving her people. God's chosen people, without any direct mention of His name, were granted a stay of execution through the wisdom and humility of Esther.
Just as Haman plotted against the Jews in order to destroy them, so has Satan set himself against Christ and God’s people. Just as Haman is defeated on the gallows he built for Mordecai, so does Christ use the very weapon that his enemy devised to destroy Him and His spiritual seed. For the cross, by which Satan planned to destroy the Messiah, was the very means through which Christ “having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross” (Colossians 2:14-15). Just as Haman was hanged on the gallows he built for Mordecai, so the devil was crushed by the cross he erected to destroy Christ.
Practical Application
Esther's story is much like the story of Joseph in Genesis 41. Both stories involve foreign monarchs who control the destiny of the Jews. Both accounts show the heroism of Israelite individuals who provide the means for the salvation of their people and nation. The hand of God is evident, in that what appears to be a bad situation is indeed very much under the control of the Almighty God, who ultimately has the good of the people at heart. Haman’s goal is the final effort recorded in the Old Testament period of the complete eradication of the Jews. His plans eventually end up with his own demise, and the elevation of his enemy Mordecai to his own position, as well as the salvation of the Jews.
Esther risked her life by going not once uninvited before the king but twice, (Esther 4:1-2; 8:3). She was not content with the destruction of Haman; she was intent on saving her people. God's chosen people, without any direct mention of His name, were granted a stay of execution through the wisdom and humility of Esther.
Just as Haman plotted against the Jews in order to destroy them, so has Satan set himself against Christ and God’s people. Just as Haman is defeated on the gallows he built for Mordecai, so does Christ use the very weapon that his enemy devised to destroy Him and His spiritual seed. For the cross, by which Satan planned to destroy the Messiah, was the very means through which Christ “having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross” (Colossians 2:14-15). Just as Haman was hanged on the gallows he built for Mordecai, so the devil was crushed by the cross he erected to destroy Christ.
Practical Application
The Book of Esther shows the choice we make between
seeing the hand of God in our circumstances in life and seeing things as merely
coincidence. God is the sovereign Ruler of the universe and we can be assured
that His plans will not be moved by the actions of mere evil men. Although His
name is not mentioned in the Book of Esther specifically, His providential care
for his people, both individuals and the nation, is evident throughout. For
instance, we cannot fail to see the Almighty exerting influence over King
Xerxes’s timely insomnia. Through the example of Mordecai and Esther, the
silent love language our Father often uses to communicate directly to our
spirits is shown in this book.
.
Esther proved to have a godly and teachable spirit that also showed great strength and willing obedience. Esther’s humility was markedly different from those around her, and this caused her to be elevated into the position of queen. She shows us that remaining respectful and humble, even in difficult and humanly impossible circumstances, often sets us up to be the vessel of untold blessing for both ourselves and others. We would do well to emulate her godly attitudes in all areas of life, but especially in trials. Not once is there a complaint or bad attitude exposed in the writing about Esther. Many times we read she won the "favor" of those around her. Such favor is what ultimately saved her people. We can be granted such favor as we accept even unfair persecution and follow Esther’s example of maintaining a positive attitude, coupled with humility and the determination to lean on God. Who knows but that God put us in such a position, for just such a time as this?
Esther proved to have a godly and teachable spirit that also showed great strength and willing obedience. Esther’s humility was markedly different from those around her, and this caused her to be elevated into the position of queen. She shows us that remaining respectful and humble, even in difficult and humanly impossible circumstances, often sets us up to be the vessel of untold blessing for both ourselves and others. We would do well to emulate her godly attitudes in all areas of life, but especially in trials. Not once is there a complaint or bad attitude exposed in the writing about Esther. Many times we read she won the "favor" of those around her. Such favor is what ultimately saved her people. We can be granted such favor as we accept even unfair persecution and follow Esther’s example of maintaining a positive attitude, coupled with humility and the determination to lean on God. Who knows but that God put us in such a position, for just such a time as this?
Are you listening? Have you got it now? God richly bless you as
you begin to see your current position as an opportunity to bless others. Amen!
No comments:
Post a Comment