Esther
Queen Vashti is removed from her position. She is replaced by Esther. There is no direct mention of God in connection with these events. That fact that the book of Esther has been included in the Word of God indicates that these events were interpreted as evidence of God’s activity among His people. It is important that we read the book of Esther as part of Scripture, and not only in terms of what is written in the book itself. Reading Esther in this way, we see it as part of God’s Story, and not only as a human story.
Queen Vashti is removed from her position. She is replaced by Esther. There is no direct mention of God in connection with these events. That fact that the book of Esther has been included in the Word of God indicates that these events were interpreted as evidence of God’s activity among His people. It is important that we read the book of Esther as part of Scripture, and not only in terms of what is written in the book itself. Reading Esther in this way, we see it as part of God’s Story, and not only as a human story.
Although the Name of God
does not appear in this book, we have here an inspiring story of the
triumph of good over evil. This is a book about God and Satan. They are
opposites. The victory belongs to God. He is Lord. Before the victory,
there is the conflict. The people of God are in great jeopardy. Their
life is in danger. The evil man, Haman, “planned to wipe out ... All the
Jews in the entire kingdom of Xerxes” (Esther 3:6). Esther played a
vital part in the defeat of Haman. She was willing to die for the sake
of her people. She was protecting her people, even at the risk of losing
her own life: “I will go to the king, even if it is against a royal
decree. If I die, I die” (Esther 4:16).
Esther’s bold request -
“Spare my life ... Spare the life of my people” (Esther 7:3) - was
followed by an even bolder accusation of Haman - “Our vicious enemy is
this wicked man, Haman!” (Esther 7:6). God honoured His servant, Esther.
God’s people were spared. God’s enemy, Haman, was killed. Here, we see
salvation and judgment. The Lord is the Saviour of all who put their
trust in Him. He is also the Judge of those who oppose Him.
Esther
showed great courage in standing up for her people - “I cannot bear to
see my people suffer such evil” (Esther 8:6). The outcome of her stand
for her people was wonderful - “So the Jews were cheerful, happy,
joyful, and successful” (Esther 8:16). What celebration there was among
God’s people - “Their grief turned to joy.” In their joy, they did not
forget “the poor” (Esther 9:22).
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