God’s Advanced Planning
The historical backdrop of Esther is rich and complex. From books like Haggai, Zechariah, Ezra, and Nehemiah, we understand the life and faith of the Jews who returned to Jerusalem after Cyrus the Persian's decree in 539 BC. However, only about 50,000 returned. The majority, approximately one million Jews, remained in Persia. Without Esther, their story would remain untold.
Esther offers a crucial window into the lives of those Jews who stayed behind. It demonstrates that God's covenant promises at Sinai to His chosen people are not confined by geography. God is Lord over all nations, wherever His people reside. This truth brings immense comfort and assurance.
Esther is a literary masterpiece that, despite not mentioning God's name even once, showcases His presence and sovereignty on every page. Through ordinary people and events, God fulfills His redemptive purposes. Even those who do not know Him are used to accomplish His divine plans.
As we delve into Esther, we'll uncover striking parallels between the ancient world and our current context. Just like the Jews in Esther, we are exiles living in a land that is not our true home. Our ultimate allegiance is to a different King, and we operate under a divine management system that sets us apart from our neighbors. The temptation to assimilate and "go along to get along" is strong, but Esther reminds us that compromising our faith can lead to dire consequences.
The Book of Esther has its challenges. Some find it troubling that God is not explicitly mentioned and that it promotes a festival (Purim) not prescribed in the Law of Moses. Purim, derived from the Persian word "pur" (meaning "lot"), celebrates the preservation of the Jewish people despite the evil plans of Haman. This festival, although the most secular of Jewish celebrations, remains one of the most joyful, highlighting God's providence and protection throughout history.
Critics also point to what they perceive as a vindictive spirit in the book, and the moral ambiguity of Mordecai and Esther compared to figures like Daniel. Mordecai and Esther do not openly oppose Esther's marriage to a pagan king or her participation in the king’s harem, yet the biblical narrative does not judge them for this. This complexity adds depth to the story, showing that God works through imperfect people in less-than-ideal circumstances.
The setting of Esther is in the land known today as Iran, which was called Persia until 1935. Some believe that the Jews' troubles in Persia were due to their decision not to return to Judah when they had the chance. However, as the story unfolds, we'll see that Esther becomes a deliverer for her people, akin to Moses.
One of the most powerful aspects of Esther is the way God works behind the scenes. Unlike the dramatic miracles seen with Moses or Elijah, God's actions in Esther are subtle and often go unnoticed until we look back and see His guiding hand. This resonates with our experiences today, where God's work in our lives can seem quiet and hidden during difficult times but becomes clear in hindsight.
In Chapter 1, we witness the regal dinner hosted by King Ahasuerus (Xerxes) and the subsequent events leading to Queen Vashti's dismissal. The story begins with the king's grand display of wealth and power, setting the stage for the unfolding drama. Despite the king's outward show of strength, cracks in the empire's foundation become apparent, reminding us that appearances can be deceiving.
The lesson here is profound: true strength and power lie not in wealth or status but in a heart that trusts in God. As Psalm 20:7 says, "Some boast in chariots and some in horses, but we will boast in the name of the LORD, our God."
In the end, the story of Esther teaches us that God is always at work, orchestrating events for the good of His people. Even when we cannot see His hand, we can trust that He is guiding us and caring for us. So, as we journey through Esther, let's remain open to seeing God's unseen hand in our own lives, working quietly yet powerfully to fulfill His purposes.
