Esther
Background
The book of Esther speaks of the experiences of
some of the Jew who stayed behind in Babylon instead of returning to Jerusalem
following the edict of King Cyrus. It takes place during the reign of
Xerxes (485-465 B.C.). Although the name of God is never mentioned in
the book, God’s divine providence and guidance is evident everywhere.
King Xerxes wants to display the beauty of Veshti the Queen at a feast put on by the King. The Queen refuses and King Xerxes deposes her and a beauty contest is arranged. Among the women displayed was a Jewish Girl named - Hadassah. Her Persian name was Esther and it means a star. She is chosen as the most beautiful woman and crowned queen of Persia. God in his providence is setting the stage for what is to follow.
Esther is adopted and raised by Mordecai her cousin. Mordecai discovers a plot to overthrow the government and reports it to the king through Esther and it is stopped.
When a Persian official named Haman was given a high rank, Mordecai refused to bow down to him out of respect. This was not a matter of religious worship as has been suggested, rather it was a gesture of respect for officials. But Mordecai disrupted court protocol and in the process jeopardised the position of his people.
In revenge Haman planned the execution of the Jews with the approval of the King. What really offended Haman was Israel's Messianic calling to maintain its uniqueness as a people of God. Mordecai exposed himself as a Jew to the people by appearing before the people in mourning. Mordecai calls upon Esther to intercede for her people with the king which she reluctantly does. Mordecai reminds her that she probably rose to this place in the kingdom for just such an occasion as this. God's providence can clearly be seen here.
Esther invites Haman and the king to dinner where she receives the favor of the king. That night the king could not sleep and stays up reading the royal chronicles and discovers that Mordecai had never been rewarded for saving his life. The king seeks advice from Haman on how to honor a man, thinking that he would be the one rewarded. He was shocked when he had to honor Mordecai. Again we see the providence of God in bringing insomnia upon the king. Haman had arranged to hang Mordecai but Esther revealed Haman as Mordecai's enemy and Haman was hung instead.
Esther intervened on behalf of her fellow Jews and won the favor of the King. But a decree could not be broken so another one cancelled the first and the Jews were able to defend themselves against their enemies. God's people are to be a witness wherever they are placed. Mordecai introduced the Feast of Purim in order to celebrate and commemorate the deliverance of the Jews from the hand of Haman. Jesus Christ is the Mediator of the New Covenant who intercedes on behalf of His people. The Lord's Supper is the New Testament Feast of Purim, a celebration of deliverance and salvation.
