ESTHER – GOD’S PROVIDENTIAL PROTECTION OF HIS PEOPLE
Philippe R. Sterling
The Book of Esther was named after one of its main characters. The events took place in the Persian period after the captivity of the Jews when many of them had returned to the land of Israel. An unknown author used Mordecai’s record of the events and the Book of Chronicles of the Persians to tell the story (2:23; 6:1; 9:20, 32).
The Book of Esther is an historical and theological short story that follows the events, plots and plans in the Royal Palace of Susa which related to an attempt to exterminate the Jewish exiles remaining in Persia. It shows God working providentially to preserve the Jewish people even when they remained in exile and unfaithfulness. The story unfolds in three acts with a historical prologue and epilogue.
Historical Prologue (1:1-4)
In the 3rd year of his reign, Ahasuerus celebrated his greatness for 180 days by inviting the civil and military officials of his kingdom to his palace in Susa. Ahasuerus or Xerxes was the ruler of the Persian Empire which stretched from India to Ethiopia. He ascended to the throne in 486 BC, a hundred years after Nebuchadnezzar had destroyed the Temple in Jerusalem and taken the Jews into exile to Babylon. The Jewish people spread throughout the empire. Xerxes wanted to go to war against Greece. His predecessor Darius had lost the battle of Marathon in his attempt to take Athens. In the 3rd year of his reign, Xerxes held a series of banquets for his nobles and army officers to show off his riches and majesty and garner support for a renewed war effort.
Act 1 – Palace Tensions (1:5−3:6)
The first act involves two interwoven story lines. The first concerns the conflict in the royal household prompted by the refusal of Queen Vashti to exhibit herself at Xerxes’ royal banquet and the eventual selection of a new queen. The second concerns the clash of two royal courtiers, Mordecai and Haman. The clash of Mordecai and Haman provides the primary tension of the story, but it is the appointment of the new queen that makes possible the eventual resolution of the crisis.
Scene 1 – Conflict in the Royal Household (1:5−2:20)
· Xerxes rejected Vashti for refusing to appear at his summons (1:5-22).
Xerxes and Vashti his Queen both gave a banquet. Xerxes decided to display the beauty of Vashti and ordered her appearance at his banquet. The text specifies that she was to wear her crown suggesting that she was to appear wearing only her crown. Vashti refused to exhibit herself and arouses the fury of Xerxes. Xerxes asked his advisors for what was to be done with Vashti. They counseled that she should never appear before him again and that she be replaced by someone with a more compliant spirit.
· Xerxes selected Esther as his new queen (2:1-20).
When Ahasuerus began to miss Vashti, his attendants suggested that beautiful virgins from all the provinces of his kingdom be brought to Susa that he might choose one of them to be his new queen. He may be the prototype for the Bachelor show, except instead of 28 women there were at least 127, and they all were taken into the fantasy suite. There’s nothing new under the sun. Esther was presented along with the other beautiful women and chosen as the new queen. The appointment of a new queen set the stage for the resolution of the upcoming crisis concerning the Jews.
Esther was an orphan brought up in the family of her cousin Mordecai. Mordecai was a Jew from the tribe of Benjamin and a descendant of King Saul. Esther followed Mordecai’s instructions; and did not reveal that she was a Jewess.
Scene 2 – Clash of Two Royal Courtiers (2:21−3:6)
· Mordecai saved the King (2:21-23).
Soon after Xerxes selected Esther as his new queen, Mordecai discovered a plot to assassinate the king. Mordecai was not rewarded for exposing the conspiracy, but his act was recorded in the Book of the Chronicles.
· Mordecai clashed with Haman (3:1-6).
The king elevated Haman to authority over the princes. Haman was an Amalekite and descendant of Agag their king during Saul’s reign. Saul had failed to follow God’s instructions to completely destroy the Amalekites (1 Sam 15; Deut 25:17-19; Exod 17:8-16). The Book of Esther addressed that unfinished business.
Haman requested and received a decree from the king requiring everyone pay him homage. Mordecai refused and Haman was filled with rage. The first act ends with Haman’s decision to exterminate the Jews as a way to avenge Mordecai’s refusal to bow before him.
Act 2 – Palace Intrigues
Scene 1 – Haman versus Mordecai
· Haman plotted to exterminate the Jews (3:7-15).
Haman persuaded Xerxes to issue a decree permitting the destruction of the Jews. He determined by the casting of the lot the best time for their destruction. After obtaining Xerxes’ approval, he sent proclamations throughout the empire for the extermination of the Jews and the seizure of their property on the 13th day of the 12th month Adar.
· Mordecai counter-planned to save the Jews (4:1-17).
When Mordecai realized what had been decreed, he mourned, fasted, and sat in sackcloth and ashes. Esther heard about Mordecai and sent to find out what was wrong. Mordecai related the problem, sent a copy of the edict, and asked that Esther go to the king and implore his intervention. Esther sent back word that she might lose her life if she went to the king without having been summoned. Mordecai replied to Esther that she would none the less perish if she remained silent and that deliverance would arise from another place for the Jews, but she may have come to her position as queen “for such a time as this.” This is a slightly veiled reference to the providence of God. Esther requested that all the Jews fast for her as she tried to intervene. She would risk her life – “If I perish, I perish.”
Scene 2 – Esther’s 1st Intervention (5:1-14)
Esther presented herself to the king who received her. She requested that he and Haman come to a banquet. At this first banquet she requested that they attend a second banquet on the next day.
Haman was pleased but was again angered when he saw Mordecai. He was pleased when his wife and friends suggested he make the gallows on which to hang Mordecai.
Scene 3 – Providential Intervention (6:1-14)
The plot turns on the insomnia of the king, the reading of the Book of the Chronicles detailing the service of Mordecai to the king, and the resulting decree to honor Mordecai by having Haman parade him through the streets. Haman’s wife’s comment reinforces this as a pivotal moment, “If Mordecai, before whom you have begun to fall, is of Jewish origin, you will not overcome him, but will surely fall before him” (6:13). Haman must then quickly go to Esther’s second banquet.
Scene 4 – Esther’s Second Intervention (7:1-10)
Esther at the second banquet pleaded for her life and the life of her people. Ahasuerus asked that Esther tell him who had planned such a plot. Esther revealed that Haman was the man. On the suggestion one of the eunuchs, Haman was hanged on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai.
Act 3 – Jewish Deliverance (8:1−9:19)
The final act resolved the crisis by Ahasuerus giving the Jews the right of self-defense against their enemies and elevating Mordecai to the royal position previously held by Haman. The Jews took action against their enemies and celebrated with a festival commemorating their victory.
Scene 1 – Resolution of Crisis (8:1−9:17)
Esther disclosed to the king her relationship to Mordecai who then received the king’s signet ring. Esther set Mordecai over the house of Haman. Esther requested and received a decree to permit the defense of the Jews.
The Jews struck their enemies throughout the empire in the 12th month of Adar on the 13th day. Esther requested and received from the king another day to complete the destruction of their enemies in Susa and hang the ten sons of Haman.
Scene 2 – Celebration (9:18-32)
The Jews in the provinces celebrated their victory on the 14th day while the Jews in Susa celebrate on the 15th day. Mordecai recorded these events and commanded the Jews to celebrate the feast of Purim every year on the 14th and 15th day of Adar. Esther also wrote a letter to confirm and establish the celebration.
Historical Epilogue (10:1-3)
The accomplishments of both Ahasuerus and Mordecai were written in the Book of the Chronicles of the kings of Media and Persia. Mordecai was second in command to Ahasuerus and great among the Jews because he looked out for the welfare of his people.
Conclusion
God providentially preserved His unfaithful people who remained in the land of Persia. He directed the outcome of events from behind the scenes. Vashti’s refusal to attend the king’s banquet led to Esther’s selection as Queen. Haman’s casting of the lot (3:7) delayed his intended attempt at the eradication of the Jews. The king could not sleep and just happened to read the section in the Book of the Chronicles about Mordecai. At the very moment that Haman showed up to request the hanging of Mordecai, the king searched for a way to honor Mordecai. Even though God’s name does not appear in the Book of Esther, we see His “fingerprints.”
The story portrays the Jews in unfaithfulness. They were prosperous and remained in Persia. Esther, per Mordecai’s instructions, kept her Jewish identity secret. She was a willing concubine to the king. Mordecai and Esther used the religious ritual of fasting but didn’t combine it with prayer. Purim is a secular not religious festival. Though His people were unfaithful, God remained faithful (2 Tim 2:13).
Throughout their history in the Diaspora the Jews have been vulnerable. God has preserved the Jewish people down through the ages though at times with great suffering. The Book of Esther prepares God’s people for their precarious existence in every Diaspora. God preserves them. This includes Jews who are in unbelief and belief in any age and the Church scattered throughout the world in this age. Esther challenges us to consider how God has prepared us “for such a time as this” and what that “time” might be in each of our lives.
The Hebrew text never mentions God’s name. The Septuagint adds several texts that names God and describes His intervention, reports a dream of Mordecai and its interpretation, quotes prayers of Mordecai and Esther, and gives more details of the edicts. The Catholic Bible includes these later additions.
Esther was willing to give up her life to save her people (4:10-17). Jesus willingly gave up His life take away the sin of the world (Matt 26:36-46; John 1:29). The greatest reversal in human history was the reversal from death to life though the death and resurrection of Christ.
Book of Esther – “For Such a Time as This”
Historical Prologue (1:1-4)
Act 1 – Palace Tensions (1:5−3:6)
Scene 1 – Conflict in the Royal Household
Scene 2 – Clash of Two Royal Courtiers
Act 2 – Palace Intrigues (3:7−7:10)
Scene 1 – Haman versus Mordecai
Scene 2 – Esther’s 1st Intervention
Scene 3 – Providential Intervention
Scene 4 – Esther’s 2nd Intervention
Act 3 – Jewish Deliverance (8:1−9:19)
Scene 1 – Resolution of Crisis
Scene 2 – Celebration
Historical Epilogue (10:1-3)
Philippe R. Sterling
The Book of Esther was named after one of its main characters. The events took place in the Persian period after the captivity of the Jews when many of them had returned to the land of Israel. An unknown author used Mordecai’s record of the events and the Book of Chronicles of the Persians to tell the story (2:23; 6:1; 9:20, 32).
The Book of Esther is an historical and theological short story that follows the events, plots and plans in the Royal Palace of Susa which related to an attempt to exterminate the Jewish exiles remaining in Persia. It shows God working providentially to preserve the Jewish people even when they remained in exile and unfaithfulness. The story unfolds in three acts with a historical prologue and epilogue.
Historical Prologue (1:1-4)
In the 3rd year of his reign, Ahasuerus celebrated his greatness for 180 days by inviting the civil and military officials of his kingdom to his palace in Susa. Ahasuerus or Xerxes was the ruler of the Persian Empire which stretched from India to Ethiopia. He ascended to the throne in 486 BC, a hundred years after Nebuchadnezzar had destroyed the Temple in Jerusalem and taken the Jews into exile to Babylon. The Jewish people spread throughout the empire. Xerxes wanted to go to war against Greece. His predecessor Darius had lost the battle of Marathon in his attempt to take Athens. In the 3rd year of his reign, Xerxes held a series of banquets for his nobles and army officers to show off his riches and majesty and garner support for a renewed war effort.
Act 1 – Palace Tensions (1:5−3:6)
The first act involves two interwoven story lines. The first concerns the conflict in the royal household prompted by the refusal of Queen Vashti to exhibit herself at Xerxes’ royal banquet and the eventual selection of a new queen. The second concerns the clash of two royal courtiers, Mordecai and Haman. The clash of Mordecai and Haman provides the primary tension of the story, but it is the appointment of the new queen that makes possible the eventual resolution of the crisis.
Scene 1 – Conflict in the Royal Household (1:5−2:20)
· Xerxes rejected Vashti for refusing to appear at his summons (1:5-22).
Xerxes and Vashti his Queen both gave a banquet. Xerxes decided to display the beauty of Vashti and ordered her appearance at his banquet. The text specifies that she was to wear her crown suggesting that she was to appear wearing only her crown. Vashti refused to exhibit herself and arouses the fury of Xerxes. Xerxes asked his advisors for what was to be done with Vashti. They counseled that she should never appear before him again and that she be replaced by someone with a more compliant spirit.
· Xerxes selected Esther as his new queen (2:1-20).
When Ahasuerus began to miss Vashti, his attendants suggested that beautiful virgins from all the provinces of his kingdom be brought to Susa that he might choose one of them to be his new queen. He may be the prototype for the Bachelor show, except instead of 28 women there were at least 127, and they all were taken into the fantasy suite. There’s nothing new under the sun. Esther was presented along with the other beautiful women and chosen as the new queen. The appointment of a new queen set the stage for the resolution of the upcoming crisis concerning the Jews.
Esther was an orphan brought up in the family of her cousin Mordecai. Mordecai was a Jew from the tribe of Benjamin and a descendant of King Saul. Esther followed Mordecai’s instructions; and did not reveal that she was a Jewess.
Scene 2 – Clash of Two Royal Courtiers (2:21−3:6)
· Mordecai saved the King (2:21-23).
Soon after Xerxes selected Esther as his new queen, Mordecai discovered a plot to assassinate the king. Mordecai was not rewarded for exposing the conspiracy, but his act was recorded in the Book of the Chronicles.
· Mordecai clashed with Haman (3:1-6).
The king elevated Haman to authority over the princes. Haman was an Amalekite and descendant of Agag their king during Saul’s reign. Saul had failed to follow God’s instructions to completely destroy the Amalekites (1 Sam 15; Deut 25:17-19; Exod 17:8-16). The Book of Esther addressed that unfinished business.
Haman requested and received a decree from the king requiring everyone pay him homage. Mordecai refused and Haman was filled with rage. The first act ends with Haman’s decision to exterminate the Jews as a way to avenge Mordecai’s refusal to bow before him.
Act 2 – Palace Intrigues
Scene 1 – Haman versus Mordecai
· Haman plotted to exterminate the Jews (3:7-15).
Haman persuaded Xerxes to issue a decree permitting the destruction of the Jews. He determined by the casting of the lot the best time for their destruction. After obtaining Xerxes’ approval, he sent proclamations throughout the empire for the extermination of the Jews and the seizure of their property on the 13th day of the 12th month Adar.
· Mordecai counter-planned to save the Jews (4:1-17).
When Mordecai realized what had been decreed, he mourned, fasted, and sat in sackcloth and ashes. Esther heard about Mordecai and sent to find out what was wrong. Mordecai related the problem, sent a copy of the edict, and asked that Esther go to the king and implore his intervention. Esther sent back word that she might lose her life if she went to the king without having been summoned. Mordecai replied to Esther that she would none the less perish if she remained silent and that deliverance would arise from another place for the Jews, but she may have come to her position as queen “for such a time as this.” This is a slightly veiled reference to the providence of God. Esther requested that all the Jews fast for her as she tried to intervene. She would risk her life – “If I perish, I perish.”
Scene 2 – Esther’s 1st Intervention (5:1-14)
Esther presented herself to the king who received her. She requested that he and Haman come to a banquet. At this first banquet she requested that they attend a second banquet on the next day.
Haman was pleased but was again angered when he saw Mordecai. He was pleased when his wife and friends suggested he make the gallows on which to hang Mordecai.
Scene 3 – Providential Intervention (6:1-14)
The plot turns on the insomnia of the king, the reading of the Book of the Chronicles detailing the service of Mordecai to the king, and the resulting decree to honor Mordecai by having Haman parade him through the streets. Haman’s wife’s comment reinforces this as a pivotal moment, “If Mordecai, before whom you have begun to fall, is of Jewish origin, you will not overcome him, but will surely fall before him” (6:13). Haman must then quickly go to Esther’s second banquet.
Scene 4 – Esther’s Second Intervention (7:1-10)
Esther at the second banquet pleaded for her life and the life of her people. Ahasuerus asked that Esther tell him who had planned such a plot. Esther revealed that Haman was the man. On the suggestion one of the eunuchs, Haman was hanged on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai.
Act 3 – Jewish Deliverance (8:1−9:19)
The final act resolved the crisis by Ahasuerus giving the Jews the right of self-defense against their enemies and elevating Mordecai to the royal position previously held by Haman. The Jews took action against their enemies and celebrated with a festival commemorating their victory.
Scene 1 – Resolution of Crisis (8:1−9:17)
Esther disclosed to the king her relationship to Mordecai who then received the king’s signet ring. Esther set Mordecai over the house of Haman. Esther requested and received a decree to permit the defense of the Jews.
The Jews struck their enemies throughout the empire in the 12th month of Adar on the 13th day. Esther requested and received from the king another day to complete the destruction of their enemies in Susa and hang the ten sons of Haman.
Scene 2 – Celebration (9:18-32)
The Jews in the provinces celebrated their victory on the 14th day while the Jews in Susa celebrate on the 15th day. Mordecai recorded these events and commanded the Jews to celebrate the feast of Purim every year on the 14th and 15th day of Adar. Esther also wrote a letter to confirm and establish the celebration.
Historical Epilogue (10:1-3)
The accomplishments of both Ahasuerus and Mordecai were written in the Book of the Chronicles of the kings of Media and Persia. Mordecai was second in command to Ahasuerus and great among the Jews because he looked out for the welfare of his people.
Conclusion
God providentially preserved His unfaithful people who remained in the land of Persia. He directed the outcome of events from behind the scenes. Vashti’s refusal to attend the king’s banquet led to Esther’s selection as Queen. Haman’s casting of the lot (3:7) delayed his intended attempt at the eradication of the Jews. The king could not sleep and just happened to read the section in the Book of the Chronicles about Mordecai. At the very moment that Haman showed up to request the hanging of Mordecai, the king searched for a way to honor Mordecai. Even though God’s name does not appear in the Book of Esther, we see His “fingerprints.”
The story portrays the Jews in unfaithfulness. They were prosperous and remained in Persia. Esther, per Mordecai’s instructions, kept her Jewish identity secret. She was a willing concubine to the king. Mordecai and Esther used the religious ritual of fasting but didn’t combine it with prayer. Purim is a secular not religious festival. Though His people were unfaithful, God remained faithful (2 Tim 2:13).
Throughout their history in the Diaspora the Jews have been vulnerable. God has preserved the Jewish people down through the ages though at times with great suffering. The Book of Esther prepares God’s people for their precarious existence in every Diaspora. God preserves them. This includes Jews who are in unbelief and belief in any age and the Church scattered throughout the world in this age. Esther challenges us to consider how God has prepared us “for such a time as this” and what that “time” might be in each of our lives.
The Hebrew text never mentions God’s name. The Septuagint adds several texts that names God and describes His intervention, reports a dream of Mordecai and its interpretation, quotes prayers of Mordecai and Esther, and gives more details of the edicts. The Catholic Bible includes these later additions.
Esther was willing to give up her life to save her people (4:10-17). Jesus willingly gave up His life take away the sin of the world (Matt 26:36-46; John 1:29). The greatest reversal in human history was the reversal from death to life though the death and resurrection of Christ.
Book of Esther – “For Such a Time as This”
Historical Prologue (1:1-4)
Act 1 – Palace Tensions (1:5−3:6)
Scene 1 – Conflict in the Royal Household
Scene 2 – Clash of Two Royal Courtiers
Act 2 – Palace Intrigues (3:7−7:10)
Scene 1 – Haman versus Mordecai
Scene 2 – Esther’s 1st Intervention
Scene 3 – Providential Intervention
Scene 4 – Esther’s 2nd Intervention
Act 3 – Jewish Deliverance (8:1−9:19)
Scene 1 – Resolution of Crisis
Scene 2 – Celebration
Historical Epilogue (10:1-3)
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