For such a time as this:How one woman saved a nation

The story of Esther is one of the most powerful accounts of courage, faith, and God's providence in the Bible. It takes place during the time of the Persian Empire and is recorded in the Book of Esther. The narrative centers on Queen Esther's courage to save the Jewish people from a plot to annihilate them, demonstrating the impact of one person’s brave actions when guided by faith.

Historical Context and Setting (Esther 1-2)

The story of Esther occurs during the reign of King Xerxes (Ahasuerus) of Persia, around the 5th century BCE. The Persian Empire was vast, stretching from India to Ethiopia, and King Xerxes was known for his wealth and power. The story begins in the royal palace of Susa, the capital of the Persian Empire.

Queen Vashti’s Disobedience (Esther 1): The narrative opens with King Xerxes hosting a lavish banquet for his nobles and officials. On the seventh day of the feast, when the king is drunk, he orders his queen, Vashti, to appear before him and his guests, to show off her beauty. Vashti refuses to obey the king’s command, which leads to her being deposed as queen. This sets the stage for Esther’s rise to the throne.

Esther Becomes Queen (Esther 2): After Vashti’s removal, the king seeks a new queen and holds a beauty contest for all the young virgins in the kingdom. Esther, a Jewish orphan raised by her cousin Mordecai, is chosen to be one of the candidates. Despite her beauty, Esther does not reveal her Jewish identity to anyone in the royal court, following Mordecai’s advice. Esther wins the king’s favor and becomes the new queen.

Mordecai’s Role and the Plot of Haman (Esther 3)

Mordecai’s Faithfulness: Mordecai, Esther’s cousin and guardian, works at the king's gate. One day, he uncovers a conspiracy to assassinate King Xerxes and informs Esther. She passes the information on to the king, and the plot is foiled. Mordecai’s good deed is recorded in the royal chronicles but initially goes unrewarded.

Haman’s Plot to Destroy the Jews: The villain of the story is Haman, an official in the Persian court who is promoted to a high position by King Xerxes. Mordecai refuses to bow down to Haman, which enrages him. In retaliation, Haman plots to not only punish Mordecai but to annihilate all the Jews in the empire. Haman casts lots (pur) to determine the day for this destruction and persuades King Xerxes to issue a decree ordering the extermination of the Jews. The decree is sealed with the king’s signet ring and sent out to all provinces.

Esther's Courageous Decision (Esther 4)

When Mordecai learns of the king's decree to annihilate the Jews, he is devastated and tears his clothes, putting on sackcloth and ashes, a sign of mourning. He sends a message to Esther, urging her to go before the king to plead for her people’s lives. Esther, however, is hesitant. There is a law in Persia that anyone who approaches the king without being summoned could be put to death, unless the king extends his scepter to them. Esther hasn’t been called to the king in over 30 days, so she fears that her life may be in danger.

Mordecai responds with a powerful message:

> "Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape. 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 4:13-14)

This statement challenges Esther to consider that God may have placed her in this position of power for the specific purpose of saving her people.

Esther, moved by Mordecai’s words, decides to act. She calls for all the Jews in Susa to fast for three days and nights with her. She promises to do the same, and then she will approach the king, even though it may cost her life.

Esther’s Bold Request (Esther 5)

After three days of fasting, Esther puts on her royal robes and approaches the king. When the king sees her standing in the court, he extends his scepter to her, sparing her life. He asks her what she wants, offering up to half of the kingdom. Esther doesn’t immediately reveal her request; instead, she invites the king and Haman to a banquet that she has prepared. At the banquet, the king again asks her what she desires, promising to grant it.

Esther invites the king and Haman to another banquet the following day. Her delay in revealing her request builds suspense and demonstrates her wisdom in using strategy rather than acting impulsively.

Haman's Downfall (Esther 6-7)

The Night Before the Second Banquet (Esther 6): The night before the second banquet, the king cannot sleep and orders the royal records to be read to him. He discovers that Mordecai’s good deed (warning the king of the assassination plot) has never been rewarded. The king asks Haman, who has come to seek permission to hang Mordecai, how to honor someone who has done a great service. Haman, thinking the king is referring to him, suggests a lavish honor. The king tells Haman to carry out this honor for Mordecai, which is a huge humiliation for Haman.

The Second Banquet (Esther 7): At the second banquet, Esther finally reveals her Jewish identity and exposes Haman’s plot to destroy her people. She pleads for her life and the lives of the Jews. The king is enraged and orders Haman to be hanged on the very gallows he had prepared for Mordecai. This is a dramatic reversal, and Haman’s wickedness is punished.

The Salvation of the Jews (Esther 8-10)

The Decree to Save the Jews (Esther 8): Although Haman is dead, the king’s decree to destroy the Jews cannot be undone. However, Esther and Mordecai are given authority to issue a new decree, allowing the Jews to defend themselves. On the appointed day, the Jews successfully defeat their enemies, and the holiday of Purim is established to celebrate their deliverance.

Mordecai’s Rise to Power (Esther 10): Mordecai is elevated to a position of great power, second only to King Xerxes. The story ends with the Jews living in peace, and Esther’s courage becomes a model for all generations.

Key Themes and Lessons

1. Courage and Faith: Esther’s courage is rooted in her faith and her willingness to risk her life for the good of others. Her willingness to take a stand in a moment of peril teaches the value of standing up for what is right, even when it is difficult.

2. God’s Providence: Although God is never directly mentioned in the book, His hand is evident throughout the events. Esther’s rise to queenship, the timing of the king’s sleepless night, and the reversal of Haman’s plan all point to God’s unseen guidance.

3. The Power of Influence: Esther uses her position of influence to save her people. This highlights the responsibility that comes with power, and the importance of using one’s influence for good.

4. The Importance of Preparation: Esther’s decision to fast and pray before approaching the king shows the importance of seeking God’s guidance and strength in moments of crisis.

5. Justice and Vindication: The fall of Haman and the rise of Mordecai serve as a powerful reminder that God brings justice, and those who plot evil will not prosper.

Conclusion

Esther’s courage is a remarkable story of bravery, faith, and divine intervention. Her actions saved the Jewish people from destruction and demonstrated the power of standing up for what is right, no matter the personal cost. Esther’s story encourages believers to trust in God’s timing and to act with courage when called upon to do so, understanding that God can work through them to accomplish His purposes.