The story of Esther in the Bible offers important lessons about God’s providence and using one’s position for good. Esther, a Jewish woman living in exile in Persia, was raised up to be queen “for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14) to save her people from destruction. Her courageous act of approaching the Persian king to intercede for the Jews exemplifies using one’s influence and privilege on behalf of others. Her wise actions and willingness to risk her life out of obedience to her cousin Mordecai’s charge demonstrate strong faith and trust in God. Furthermore, while God is never directly mentioned in the book of Esther, His providential guidance and timing are evident throughout. The theme “for such a time as this” shows that God is sovereignly orchestrating events to place His people in strategic positions according to His timetable for the good of His people and the glory of His name.
Here are some key points that elaborate on the meaning behind Esther’s divine appointment:
1. God providentially placed Esther as queen to save the Jews from destruction
Esther’s ascent to the throne was no coincidence but rather an integral part of God’s greater plan to save His people from annihilation. When King Ahasuerus deposed Queen Vashti, Esther was selected through an empire-wide search to take her place (Esther 2:1-18). While this seems like a series of random events, God was purposefully orchestrating the circumstances. As Mordecai later tells Esther, “And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14). The implicit message is that God, in His providence, elevated Esther to the position of queen so that she could use her influence with the king to intercede for the Jews at this critical juncture.
Some key verses that demonstrate God’s providential guidance include:
– Esther 2:8 – “So when the king’s order and his edict were proclaimed, and when many young women were gathered in Susa the citadel in custody of Hegai, Esther also was taken into the king’s palace and put in custody of Hegai, who had charge of the women.”
– Esther 2:15 – “When the turn came for Esther the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her as his own daughter, to go in to the king, she asked for nothing except what Hegai the king’s eunuch, who had charge of the women, advised. Now Esther was winning favor in the eyes of all who saw her.”
– Esther 2:17 – “the king loved Esther more than all the women, and she won grace and favor in his sight more than all the virgins, so that he set the royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti.”
God maneuvered all these circumstances so that Esther, a Jew, would be elevated to the royal position of queen, setting the stage for her to save her people.
2. Esther risked her life out of obedience to God’s call
Upon learning of Haman’s genocidal plot against the Jews, Esther’s cousin Mordecai urged her to approach King Ahasuerus on their behalf, declaring “who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14). While Esther initially hesitated out of fear, she ultimately resolved to obey Mordecai’s charge, declaring “I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish” (Esther 4:16). Approaching the king unsummoned could have meant death unless he extended his golden scepter, yet Esther courageously risked her life for the sake of her people.
Some key verses showing Esther’s resolve include:
– Esther 4:15-16 – “Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai, ‘Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my young women will also fast as you do. Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish.'”
– Esther 5:2 – “And when the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, she won favor in his sight, and he held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand. Then Esther approached and touched the tip of the scepter.”
– Esther 7:3-4 – “Then Queen Esther answered, ‘If I have found favor in your sight, O king, and if it please the king, let my life be granted me for my wish, and my people for my request. For we have been sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be killed, and to be annihilated.'”
Esther’s courageous intercession, motivated by Mordecai’s appeal and her sense of divine calling, resulted in the deliverance of the Jews from destruction.
3. God’s providential timing is evident throughout the story
While the book of Esther never directly mentions God, it clearly demonstrates His providential guidance and timing behind the scenes. Esther ascends as queen “for such a time as this” at just the right moment to foil Haman’s murderous plot against the Jews. Mordecai’s loyalty in exposing the assassination attempt on King Ahasuerus created the opportunity for him later to appeal to Esther. Furthermore, the king’s insomnia led him to read the annals documenting Mordecai’s good deed, reminding him to honor Mordecai at the same time Haman was plotting against him (Esther 6:1-3). This precise timing further set the stage for Esther to successfully petition the king. God’s unseen but unmistakable providential timing directed every significant event.
Some key verses highlighting God’s providence through timing include:
– Esther 4:14 – “For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”
– Esther 6:1 – “On that night the king could not sleep. And he gave orders to bring the book of memorable deeds, the chronicles, and they were read before the king.”
– Esther 7:5 – “Then King Ahasuerus said to Queen Esther, “Who is he, and where is he, who has dared to do this?”
The convergence of so many crucial events at precisely the right time demonstrates God’s providential guidance to save His people when they faced destruction.
4. Esther points forward to Christ as the ultimate intercessor
On a deeper redemptive historical level, Esther’s intercessory role foreshadows Christ’s work as the ultimate intercessor between God and His people. Just as Esther risked her life to save the Jews from physical destruction, Jesus gave His life as a ransom to save God’s people from eternal destruction (Mark 10:45). And just as Ahasuerus accepted Esther’s petition to save the Jews, God hears the intercessory prayers of His Son, who intercedes for all believers (Romans 8:34). So Esther serves as a portrait of Christ – the true deliverer, intercessor, and savior of God’s people.
Some key verses highlighting this connection include:
– Isaiah 53:12 – “Yet he bore the sin of many, and makes intercession for the transgressors.”
– Hebrews 7:25 – “Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.”
– 1 John 2:1 – “My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.”
So Esther points forward to the greater intercessor, Jesus Christ, who bore God’s wrath in order to eternally save His people.
5. All believers have been placed “for such a time as this”
While Esther’s particular circumstances were unique, the principle of being providentially positioned “for such a time as this” applies to believers in any age. Just as God sovereignly placed Esther in the Persian court for His redemptive purposes, so He has purposefully placed each of His people where we are “for such a time” as the present. As 1 Peter 2:9 declares, believers are “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” Therefore, all Christians have a divinely ordained purpose to make Christ known in their families, neighborhoods, workplaces, and communities.
Key verses highlighting this call include:
– Ephesians 2:10 – “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
– 2 Corinthians 5:20 – “Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.”
– Matthew 5:16 – “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
Like Esther, we have all been placed in our individual spheres of influence for God’s intended purposes – to make Christ known by word and deed.
Conclusion
In summary, Esther’s divine appointment as queen “for such a time as this” demonstrates God’s providential care for His people. Through Esther’s courageous intercession, obedience to Mordecai’s charge, and willingness to risk her life, God saved the Jews from annihilation. Furthermore, the intersection of so many crucial events at the precise moment of need shows God choreographing the circumstances according to His perfect timing. While God is never directly mentioned in Esther’s story, it resounds with evidence of His unseen providential hand at work behind the scenes. Therefore, Esther stands as an inspirational example of one whose faith and obedience to God’s calling results in deliverance. Her life encourages all believers to view their circumstances through the lens of providence – realizing they too have been placed “for such a time as this” to serve God’s purposes according to His perfect plan.