Esther
The story of Esther in the Scriptures is unique
At no point In the narrative is God's name invoked,
but it is the theme of Providence that makes the story complete,
It is set during the exile, in the court of an all powerful king.
The story opens with a description of the king's power and the opulence of his court.
His word must be obeyed by all; the queen Vashti being no exemption
When she does not respond to his command to appear in court,
his furious reaction results in her being stripped of her regal status.
We now learn of the beautiful niece of Mordecai, a Jew,
Her parents having died when she was young, he had brought her up.
Noted for her outstanding beauty the king was unaware that she was one of the Jews.
Her name was Esther and she was eventually selected to replace Vashti as queen.
Again in the Providence of God her uncle overheard a plot to kill the king,
whilst he was keeping watch over his charge sitting at the gate of the palace.
Through queen Esther the plot discovered by Mrdecai was conveyed to the king
Having been verified by an investigation, the event was written into the court records.
We are now introduced to an arrogant nobleman who is favoured by the king.
Haman is elevated to high office and revels in the way he is revered
The people bow in his presence but when Mordecai refuses to do so it is reported and he is given leave for revenge by the king
Haman:s fury extends to the nation also, when he learns Mordecai is a Jew, he plots to wipe them out.
He persuades the king that the Jews threaten the stability of his kingdom,
and a date is therefore set for their annihilation in all the land to take place
An edict being proclaimed to this effect throughout the Persian kingdom
Mordecai displays his sorrow at the news by tearing his clothing and weeping in contrition
Refusing to be consoled by his niece he pleads with her to petition the king
Reminding her of her heritage and intimating that she may have become queen for a reason
An agreement is reached for a time of prayer and fasting as Esther considers approaching the kng
Again we recognise the Providence of God in the king having a sleepless night
He reads of Mordecai saving his life, and asks Haman how he should honour a deserving subject of the king
the advice of Haman who thinks he is to be the recipient of this honour,
results in Mordecai being rewarded for having saved the life of the king.
Humbly, Haman therefore has to escort Mordecai as he rides the king's horse wearing the king's robe!
Esther puts herself in view of the king and is asked to approach; he notes something is disturbing her
She informs him that she will tell him when he attends a banquet she is going to have for him.
Esther also asks the king to invite his friend Haman to join her.
Unknown to the court, Haman has decided to hang Mordecai, the cause of his perceived humiliation
However he attends Esther's feast.as the day draws near for the annihilation of the Jews
On the second day, the king offers to grant a request for anything to his queen
Esther then pleads for her life and that of her people, revealing herself as one of the Jews
On learning that Haman has instigated this plan the king orders his execution.
Haman who had arranged for a 75 foot scaffold to be built to hang Mordecai then died on it in his place.
The law to kill the Jews could not be repealed but a further decree gave them the right to resist
Thus in the Providence of God Mordecai's words came true; Esther was in the right place.
God's name never appears in the text, but His influence pervades the entire tale.
©