Esther

Introduction

This story has all of the elements of a good fairytale: a beautiful but poor girl, a powerful king, an evil schemer, a protective guardian, certain death, and a happy ending. It even has a search for “who’s the fairest of them all?” The book of Esther is no frothy fable, though. It shows us the power of the hand of God on His people, even when they are in exile and under attack. It shows us the power of a praying people, relying on God when all hope seems lost. And it shows us that with courage, faith does win in the end.

One writer proclaimed that the Book of Esther is the one “most beloved and well known by the Jews.” It tells of the origins of the celebratory Feast of Purim, but more importantly, it tell of God’s protection in the midst of persecution. “It is a book that remains forever new because Jewish enemies will not allow it to grow old.”

One might wonder how Christians can relate to a book so specifically directed at the Jewish people. How are Christians supposed to read it? The sad news is that Christians are facing more persecution now than they have since the days of the early Church. The International So- ciety for Human Rights reported recently that 80% of religious persecution in the world is now directed against Christians. Christians are fleeing countries in the Middle East in alarming numbers. The government of China has announced new crackdowns against house churches. Even in the US, we are seeing growing harassment of Christians, especially when we take a stand for God’s truth in a relativistic society.

When faced with these kinds of pressures, even dangers, how will we respond? Will we hide ourselves in our huddles and pews, or will we be willing to stand before the king and say, “If I perish, I perish,” trusting that God has called each one of us “for such a time as this” ()

The Persian Exile

The story of Esther takes place during the exile of the Jews, under the reign of the Persian King Ahasuerus (486-465 BC), also known by his Greek name, Xerxes. Xerxes’ reign followed that

of Cyrus and Darius, the kings who permitted Ezra and Nehemiah to rebuild the Temple and walls in Jerusalem. Many exiles returned to Jerusalem with Ezra and Nehemiah under the reign of the Persians, but thousands of Jews remained scattered across the vast empire which stretched from India to Ethiopia. Different families had different reasons for not returning. Some were comfortable where they were and had established new lives for themselves; others were afraid to go back because Jerusalem remained an isolated and unprotected city.

📷The Persians would often invite the best of their conquered peoples into the king’s court, to draw from the wisest and strongest in the known world. Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were four such examples, and in Esther, we meet her cousin Mordecai and his arch enemy, Haman.

The feud between Mordecai and Haman had ancient roots. Haman was an Amalakite, the warring people who were the first to attack the Israelites when they escaped out of Egypt and

Seek the peace and pros- perity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.

later attacked Israel during the reign of King Saul. Mordecai’s ancestor was Kish, the father of King Saul. Haman’s direct ancestor was Agag, king of the Amalakites. tells the story of the prophet Samuel instructing Saul to destroy the Amalakites and all of their plun-

der. Saul killed most of the Amalakites as he had been told, but he “and the army spared Agag and the best of the sheep and cattle, the fat calves and lambs—everything that was good” (). When Samuel returned and heard the bleating of sheep, he confronted Saul about his disregard of a direct order from the Lord. “Because you have rejected the word of the Lord,” Samuel told Saul, “he has rejected you as king” (). That moment led to the downfall of Saul’s kingdom and the rise of King David.

Now, hundreds of years later, descendants of Kish have a chance to obey the word of the Lord and complete the instructions given hundreds of years before.

Help Wanted: Queen

In Chapter 1 of Esther, we meet King Xerxes and his queen, Vashti. The king was triumphant and proud of his splendor, and he decided to throw a banquet for everyone in the capital city of Susa. Wine flowed liberally, and on the seventh day of celebration, he decided he also

wanted to show off his wife. He demanded that she come from the women’s banquet into his party, but she refused. We do not know the exact reasons for her refusal. Perhaps he want- ed her to appear “unveiled,” which was immodest for a queen to do. Perhaps she had gotten irritated at his drunken revelry. Whatever the reason, Xerxes was furious at her response. His

advisors feared that this insolence would spread to other women, so they recommended that he replace her with a new queen – and issue an edict saying that all women must respect their husbands.

In Chapter 2, Esther is presented as a striking contrast to Vashti. She is young and beautiful, and, most importantly, submissive. Her Hebrew name, Hadassah, means “myrtle” – often a symbol of the Lord’s mercy and forgiveness in Hebrew tradition (see ). Her Persian name means “star,” perhaps for the star-shaped flowers on a myrtle tree.

When she was brought into the harem, she immediately pleased Hegai, the head eunuch, and submitted to his guidance and advice. After the required full year of beauty treatments, Esther was ready. Although she could have chosen anything from the treasury to adorn herself, she chose nothing other than what Hegai suggested. With this air of humility and grace, she “won the favor of everyone who saw her,” including the king himself (). He declared Esther his queen and called a for a great feast.

The Plot Thickens

Mordecai had instructed Esther to keep their Jewish heritage secret, and that served them well, until Haman was promoted to a position of great power in the kingdom. All were sup- posed to bow before him, but Mordecai refused (reminiscent of the command to worship the golden statue of the king in ). When Haman discovered that Mordecai was a Jew, he plotted to kill not only Mordecai but all of his people. He cast lots to determine the day of the

Who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this.

annihilation and manipulated the king into signing it into law.

Suddenly the only hope for the Jewish people rested in the hands of Queen Esther. Mordecai told her she had to go before the king and beg for mercy. She sent a message back saying it was certain death to appear without being summoned. The king had already shown his will- ingness to get rid of a disobedient queen. Would he do it again?

Mordecai reminded her that she faced death already because of Haman’s edict and told her,

“Who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”

Sobered by his challenge, Esther asked Mordecai to bring the people together to fast and pray for three days, and then she would go before the king. Her faith was declared to her uncle and echoes still in our ears through the daring words, “And if I perish, I perish” ().

The Tables Turn

With God’s protection, Esther was granted favor before the king. Then, like an unraveling yarn, all the schemes Haman had knit together fell apart. First, Mordecai received the great honor that Haman himself thought he would get. Then, after Esther revealed Haman’s plot against the Jews, and against herself, Haman was executed on the very same gallows he had built for Mordecai.

By Persian law the king was unable to revoke his order for the Jews to be attacked, but instead he issued an edict allowing the Jews to defend themselves. The Jews triumphed over their enemies, and those days of triumph have been commemorated by the feast of Purim (which means “lots”) ever since.

Think About It

Esther’s first response to the call for courage was to offer an excuse and try to take the easier path. As our culture grows more and more hostile to our faith, it is tempting to hide our heri- tage and “go along to get along.” However, there may soon come a time when each of us has to decide— what is the true cost of discipleship? In a world of compromise, will we be bold enough to say, “If I perish, I perish”? Perhaps we too have been called for such a time as this.

Spending Time With God

This lesson, from the series “Reigning Heroes,” is designed to supplement your personal and small group Bible study. The devotion questions are written for your personal study. The dis- cussion questions are especially for small groups. Members who answer the questions ahead of time can bring more insight into their small group meeting. The digging deeper questions are for those who wish for more personal or small group study. As you spend time with God, may His Word enrich your life and enhance your daily walk with Him. BEFORE YOU BEGIN, PRAY.

Devotion (Personal Study)

1. Read and 2. Describe one or two character traits of King Xerxes, based on his actions.

2. Why did the king’s advisors believe it was important to disci-

pline Queen Vashti for her disobedience?

3. After his experience with Vashti, what might the King have been looking for in a new queen?

4. In , why might Mordecai have asked Esther to

conceal her nationality and family background?

5. Have you ever felt caught up in circumstances beyond your control? If so, how did God guide you through the situation? Pray for the Lord’s guidance now for any difficulties you cur- rently face.

Discussion (Small Group Study)

6. What insights did you draw from the personal study ques- tions, or commentary reading which were especially encourag- ing or challenging for you?

7. Describe someone you have seen demonstrate great cour- age.

What do you admire most about what they did or said?

8. As the culture changes around us, Christians need to demon- strate new courage to stand up for our faith. What issues do you think are especially difficult or challenging?

9. In , the Lord says, “Seek the peace and prosper- ity of the city to which I have carried you into exile.” Mordecai does this by protecting the life of the king. Do you find this command challenging or easy? Explain.

10. Read . When Mordecai refused to bow before Ha- man, he knew he was exposing himself to danger, and yet he had to (literally) take a stand. When should we support those in authority (like ) and when should we stand against them?

11. Read . What is the choice that Mordecai gives Es- ther? How does she respond?

Digging Deeper (Further Study)

12. Discuss any insights from your small group discussion or personal study that were especially helpful for you.

13. It is striking that the author of Esther chooses not to men- tion God directly in this book, though his presence is every- where. Describe two or three specific instances where you see God at work.

14. The Bible is full of stories of people standing up for what they believe. Some end triumphantly, like Esther. Stephen was one who had a different experience (see & 7). What are some of the similarities and differences between Esther and Stephen?

15. List specific areas you can pray for your family, your church, Christians in your country, and Christians around the world, so that they may have courage to stand up for their faith.

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