What Esther Taught Me About God’s Presence in Silence (Esther 1-3)
Have you ever felt like God was nowhere to be found? The Book of Esther shows that even in silence and hiddenness, God is still working behind the scenes.
Esther 1-3
Today's Scripture Passage
A Few Thoughts to Consider
Have you ever felt like you’re living in a godless, hopeless situation?
This was certainly the backdrop for the Book of Esther. This book differs from other Old Testament books focusing on exile, such as Daniel and Ezra, in that it does not explicitly mention God, prayer, or Jewish religious practices. It’s so different that for centuries, early Christian leaders (unlike Jewish communities) seldom referenced it and did not include it in the Canon of Scripture we have today.
Esther emphasizes Jewish identity and survival. While other books often highlight the return to Jerusalem and the rebuilding of the temple, Esther centers on the preservation of the scattered Jewish people. This book is set during the Persian rule over Judah, specifically in the reign of King Xerxes (Ahasuerus). After Cyrus the Great of Persia conquered Babylon in 539 BC, many Jews who had been exiled to Babylon chose to remain there rather than return to the ruined land of Judah. These Jews became well-settled and prosperous in Babylon, and some moved further east to Susa, the Persian capital. In Susa, Jews like Esther and Nehemiah found opportunities for influence and affluence while maintaining their heritage. Esther’s story unfolds within this community of Persian Jews, highlighting their integration and perseverance in a foreign land.[1]
One of the primary purposes of this book was to “institute and regulate the festival of Purim.”[2] This festival commemorates the events in the Esther narrative. Thus, this book serves as a testament for generations throughout time to how God raises up certain people at certain times to rescue his people.
The first three chapters of Esther are bleak, and a lot is going on. In Esther 1-3, King Xerxes of Persia—who famously attempted to invade Greece in 481 BC—holds a lavish banquet to display his wealth and power. When Queen Vashti refuses his command to appear before the drunken guests (probably naked), Xerxes deposes her, setting the stage for a search for a new queen. Esther, a beautiful Jewish woman raised by her cousin Mordecai, is chosen as the new queen, though she keeps her Jewish identity hidden.
During this time, Mordecai uncovers a plot to assassinate King Xerxes. He informs Esther, who conveys the information to the king, saving his life and earning Mordecai a place in the king's records. Meanwhile, Haman, an ambitious and powerful official, is promoted to a high position. When Mordecai refuses to bow to him due to his Jewish faith, Haman becomes furious and devises a plan to annihilate all Jews in the Persian Empire. He convinces King Xerxes to issue a decree to carry out this genocidal plot, setting a specific date for the mass execution. This dramatic narrative sets the stage for the events to follow, where Esther becomes the savior of her people.
A Meditation to PRAY
Praise | Lord, I praise you for your sovereignty and faithfulness, as demonstrated in the story of Esther. You orchestrate events for the good of your people and protect them even in foreign lands. Thank you for your unwavering presence and power to turn situations around for our benefit.
Release | I release my fears and doubts, trusting your perfect plan. Help me to relinquish control and rely on your guidance, knowing that you work all things for the good of those who love you. I let go of my anxieties and rest in the assurance that you are in control of every detail of my life.
Ask | Give me the courage and wisdom of Esther to stand up for what is right, even in the face of danger. Help me to be an instrument of your deliverance and protection for others. Strengthen me to act with boldness and faith, knowing that you are with me every step of the way.
Yield | I yield to your will and purpose for my life. Use me as you used Esther to bring about your divine plans and to be a light in the midst of darkness. I submit my desires and ambitions to you, trusting that your plans for me are greater than I can imagine.
A Challenge to Act Like Christ
While the book of Esther is different than other books in the Old Testament, it has the continuous theme of pointing readers toward an ultimate deliver, savior, and mediator for his people. As Elyse Fitzpatrick writes, “When everything seems to be under the control of a godless despot; when God’s people, because of their own sin, have lost all memory of him, of their true identity, and of their land; God is nevertheless at work to fulfill his promise of ultimate triumph over his enemies (Gen. 3:15).”[3]
This is who God is. Fitzpatrick goes on to say, “The triumph of God’s kingdom is not dependent upon the faithfulness of God’s people. Even when they think that the only way to survive is to blend in or keep quiet, God is yet able and willing to deliver.”[4]
The same holds true for every situation we face today. Sometimes, life feels unbelievably dark, and we feel powerless to stop the onslaught of evil. God seems absent. But even then, he is working. Sometimes, it takes days, months, or even years to see his activity, but we can rest assured it is happening. God never forgets his people, and he has not forgotten you—regardless of how bleak your days might look.
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[1]John H. Walton and Craig S. Keener, eds. NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible. Accordance electronic ed. (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2016), paragraph 5270.
[2] Fredric W. Bush, Ruth, Esther, vol. 9, Word Biblical Commentary (Dallas: Word, Incorporated, 1996), 298.
[3] Bryan Chapell, eds. Gospel Transformation Study Bible Notes. Accordance electronic ed. (Wheaton: Crossway, 2013), paragraph 2037.
[4]Bryan Chapell, eds. Gospel Transformation Study Bible Notes. Accordance electronic ed. (Wheaton: Crossway, 2013), paragraph 2037.
