Introduction

The account of Esther, a Jewish woman who becomes queen of Persia, is a remarkable narrative of divine providence and favor. The account is primarily found in the Book of Esther in the Old Testament. Esther's journey from an orphaned Jewish girl to a queen who saves her people is a testament to God's sovereignty and the importance of faithfulness and courage.

Background

Esther, originally named Hadassah, was a young Jewish woman living in the Persian Empire during the reign of King Xerxes (Ahasuerus). She was raised by her cousin Mordecai after the death of her parents. The Jewish people were living in exile, and the political climate was often hostile towards them.

Esther Becomes Queen

The narrative begins with King Xerxes deposing his queen, Vashti, for her refusal to appear at a royal banquet. To find a new queen, the king orders a search for the most beautiful virgins in the empire. Esther, noted for her beauty and grace, is taken to the king's palace as a candidate.

Esther 2:9 states, "She pleased him and won his favor. So he quickly provided her with beauty treatments and special food. He assigned to her seven chosen maidens from the king’s palace and moved her and her maids to the best place in the harem." Esther's favor with Hegai, the custodian of the women, is the first indication of the divine favor that will follow her throughout the account.

Esther Finds Favor with the King

After a year of preparation, Esther is presented to King Xerxes. Esther 2:17 records, "And the king loved Esther more than all the other women, and she won his favor and approval more than any of the other virgins. So he set the royal crown on her head and made her queen in place of Vashti." Esther's favor with the king is pivotal, as it positions her to later intercede for her people.

Mordecai's Influence and Haman's Plot

Mordecai, Esther's cousin, uncovers a plot to assassinate the king and informs Esther, who in turn warns the king, saving his life. This act of loyalty is recorded in the royal chronicles, setting the stage for future events.

Meanwhile, Haman, an Agagite and high-ranking official, harbors a deep hatred for the Jews, particularly Mordecai, who refuses to bow to him. Haman devises a plan to annihilate all the Jews in the empire, casting lots (Purim) to determine the date of their destruction.

Esther's Courageous Intervention

Mordecai urges Esther to use her position to plead for her people. Esther 4:14 highlights Mordecai's faith in divine providence: "For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?"

Esther, risking her life, approaches the king unsummoned, a bold move that could result in her death. Esther 5:2 describes the moment: "As soon as the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, she found favor in his sight, and he held out to her the golden scepter that was in his hand. So Esther approached and touched the tip of the scepter."

The Banquets and Haman's Downfall

Esther invites the king and Haman to two banquets. During the second banquet, she reveals her Jewish identity and Haman's plot against her people. Esther 7:3-4 records her plea: "If I have found favor with you, O king, and if it pleases the king, grant me my life as my petition, and the lives of my people as my request. For my people and I have been sold to destruction, death, and annihilation."

The king, enraged by Haman's treachery, orders Haman to be hanged on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai. Esther 7:10 states, "So they hanged Haman on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the king’s fury subsided."

The Jews' Deliverance

With Haman's death, Esther and Mordecai are given authority to issue a new decree allowing the Jews to defend themselves. Esther 8:17 notes the outcome: "In every province and every city, wherever the king’s edict and decree reached, there was joy and gladness among the Jews, with feasting and celebrating. And many of the people of the land became Jews, because fear of the Jews had fallen upon them."

Conclusion

Esther's account is a powerful example of how God can use individuals to fulfill His purposes. Her favor with the king and her courage to act at the right moment were instrumental in the deliverance of the Jewish people, demonstrating the profound impact of faith and obedience.