Who was Esther in the Bible?
Esther was a Jewish woman who became queen of Persia and saved her people from being destroyed. Her story is told in the Old Testament book named after her. Here is an overview of Esther’s life and role in the Bible:
Esther’s Jewish Name and Family Background
Esther’s Jewish name was Hadassah (Esther 2:7). She was an orphan being raised by her older cousin Mordecai, who worked in the service of the Persian King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I) (Esther 2:5-7). They were descendants of Jewish people who had been exiled from Jerusalem to Persia under King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon.
Esther Becomes Queen of Persia
King Ahasuerus had banished his queen Vashti and ordered a search for a new queen. Beautiful young virgins from across the kingdom were taken to the royal palace for the king to select a new queen. Esther was one of these women (Esther 2:1-4). She found favor with the king and was crowned queen in place of Vashti (Esther 2:17).
Mordecai Uncovers a Plot to Kill the King
Mordecai overheard two royal officials plotting to kill King Ahasuerus. He told Esther, who reported it to the king, giving credit to Mordecai (Esther 2:21-23). This event would later play an important role in the Jewish people’s deliverance.
Haman’s Plot to Destroy the Jews
Haman was promoted to a position of power and authority second only to the Persian king (Esther 3:1). However, Mordecai refused to bow down to Haman (Esther 3:2). Filled with rage, Haman plotted to kill not just Mordecai but all the Jews in the kingdom (Esther 3:5-6). He deceitfully convinced King Ahasuerus this was necessary, and the king granted permission to Haman to carry out the massacre on a designated day (Esther 3:7-15).
Mordecai Appeals to Esther to Intervene
When Mordecai learned of the edict permitting the destruction of the Jews, he urged Esther to appeal to the king to stop it (Esther 4:1-9). Esther was afraid to approach the king unsummoned, since this could warrant the death penalty. After fasting and prayer, she resolved to intercede with the king, saying, “And if I perish, I perish” (Esther 4:10-17).
Esther’s Banquets and Petition to the King
Esther arranged two banquets for the king and Haman (Esther 5-7). After the second banquet, she revealed Haman’s plot against her people and the fact that she herself was a Jew. The king was enraged that Haman would threaten the life of the queen. He ordered Haman to be hanged on the very gallows Haman had prepared for Mordecai (Esther 7).
A New Edict Allowing Jewish Self-Defense
Since Persian law could not be revoked, the king could not simply cancel the edict allowing the attack on the Jews. However, he permitted Mordecai and Esther to issue a new law allowing the Jewish people to defend themselves when the day of their slaughter came (Esther 8). When that day arrived, the Jewish people defended themselves and defeated their enemies throughout the kingdom (Esther 9:1-19).
The Feast of Purim Instituted
To commemorate their deliverance, Mordecai and Esther established the feast of Purim, to be celebrated yearly by the Jewish people (Esther 9:20-32). The story of Esther gives the historical origin for the joyous holiday of Purim that is still celebrated today.
Key Things to Know About Esther
– She was a Jewish woman raised by her cousin Mordecai in Persia after the Jewish exile.
– Her beauty led to her being selected by the Persian king as his new queen.
– She used her position to save her people from being killed due to a plot by Haman.
– Her brave intervention led to the institution of the holiday of Purim.
Esther played a pivotal role in protecting the Jewish people and establishing an important holiday. Though she lived in a foreign land, she maintained her Jewish identity and faith. God used her in a powerful way to deliver His people from death. The book of Esther underscores God’s providence in preserving His chosen people.
Themes in the Book of Esther
Here are some key themes that emerge in this book:
God’s Providence – Though God is never directly mentioned, the events clearly show His providential working behind the scenes. His timing and orchestrating of circumstances saved His people.
Courage – Both Mordecai and Esther demonstrated courage in speaking up against the impending threat, despite the danger to themselves.
Reversal of Destiny – In the book, the fate of both the Jews and Haman surprisingly reversed from despair to joy, and from power to destruction, respectively.
Celebration of Deliverance – The establishment of Purim gave the Jews an ongoing way to celebrate God’s mighty deliverance.
Living in a Foreign Culture – Esther provides an example of how to maintain faith in God even while integrated into a pagan culture.
Esther’s Character and Strengths
What made Esther an influential woman of the Bible? Here are some key character traits:
Beauty and Charm – Esther was described as lovely and having a good figure (Esther 2:7). Her beauty is what first drew the king’s attention.
Faith in God’s Sovereignty – While in a difficult situation, Esther fasted and asked God for help, entrusting her life to His will.
Wisdom and Tact – Esther carefully considered the timing and approach in making her appeal to the king. She invited him to banquets rather than blurting out her request.
Courage and Sacrifice – Approaching the king uninvited could have meant her death. Esther showed bravery in being willing to die for her people.
Compassion – She felt great empathy for her people, wanting to avert the coming calamity. This motivated her to action.
Influence and Leadership – As queen, Esther used her position of power to affect change on a national scale.
Esther’s story illustrates how God can use those who walk closely with Him, have strong character, and are willing to sacrifice for others. She stands out as an inspiring woman of wisdom, faith, and courage.
Key Events in Esther’s Life
Here is an overview of significant events in the life of Esther:
– Chosen as a potential queen: Esther was among the beautiful young women taken to King Ahasuerus’ palace as candidates for queen (Esther 2:8).
– Selected as the new Queen of Persia: After undergoing beauty treatments for 12 months, Esther was chosen by Ahasuerus to replace Queen Vashti as queen (Esther 2:16-17).
– Mordecai uncovers assassination plot: Mordecai heard of a plot to kill the king and told Esther, who reported it to King Ahasuerus while giving credit to Mordecai (Esther 2:21-23).
– Haman plots to destroy the Jews: When Mordecai refused to bow down to him, Haman convinced the king to allow the slaughter of all Jews on a chosen day (Esther 3).
– Esther agrees to appeal to the king: Urged by Mordecai, she resolved to appeal to the king for help, despite the danger (Esther 4).
– Esther hosts banquets for the king and Haman: Wise Esther carefully chose the right time and method to expose Haman’s evil plot (Esther 5-7).
– Haman is hanged: The king ordered Haman to be hanged on the gallows prepared for Mordecai, and appointed Mordecai to Haman’s position (Esther 7).
– Jews permitted to defend themselves: A new edict from Esther and Mordecai allowed the Jews to fight back when attacked (Esther 8).
– Jewish people delivered: The Jews defended themselves and defeated their enemies when the day of attack came (Esther 9:1-19).
– Feast of Purim established: To celebrate God’s deliverance, the annual feast of Purim was established (Esther 9:20-32).
Each event displays Esther’s wisdom, courage, and resolve to save her people from destruction. God worked through her at every step.
Historical Context for Esther’s Life
Esther lived during the reign of King Ahasuerus of Persia, typically identified as Xerxes I who ruled 486-465 BC. Some key historical notes:
– Setting was Susa, a chief Persian city. This was after the destruction of Jerusalem and exile of Jews to Babylon and Persia.
– Jews were minorities under Persian rule after the Babylonian captivity from 605-535 BC.
– King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I) ruled all 127 provinces of Persia and Media, having conquered Egypt and Asia Minor.
– Enemies of the Jews like Haman held high positions in the royal court during this time.
– Politics, extravagance and corruption characterized the court of Ahasuerus as seen in Esther.
– The king’s vast empire stretched across the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia.
– Persia had replaced Babylon as the major world power that the Jewish people were subject to after 539 BC.
Esther lived during a tenuous time for the Jewish people under Persian domination. This historical context makes her courage and faith shine even brighter.
Major Characters Surrounding Esther
Several important figures surround Esther’s story in addition to Esther herself:
King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I) – The king of Persia who chose Esther as his queen after banishing Queen Vashti. He granted Haman permission to annihilate the Jews, but later authorized Esther’s edict allowing Jewish self-defense.
Mordecai – Esther’s older cousin who raised her. His refusal to bow to Haman sparked Haman’s rage. He urged Esther to appeal to the king and came up with the idea for the edict allowing self-defense.
Haman – An Amalekite official who sought to kill all the Jews due to Mordecai’s refusal to bow to him. But his evil plans backfired and resulted in his own death.
Queen Vashti – Ahasuerus’ prior queen who he deposed for refusing his command to display her beauty at a royal feast. Her removal opened the door for Esther to become queen.
Zeresh – Haman’s wife who advised him to build gallows to hang Mordecai once Haman began to lose the king’s favor.
Hegai – An official in charge of the king’s harem who helped prepare the candidates to meet the king and favored Esther.
Without these other significant figures surrounding her, Esther’s story would have played out very differently. God strategically placed each person to bring about His purposes.
Bible Verses Describing Esther’s Story
Here are some key Bible passages that tell Esther’s story:
– Esther 2:5-18 – Esther is chosen as part of the king’s harem and selected to be the new queen.
– Esther 2:19-23 – Mordecai uncovers the plot to assassinate King Ahasuerus.
– Esther 3 – Haman plots to destroy the Jews because Mordecai would not bow down to him.
– Esther 4 – Mordecai convinces Esther to appeal to the king on behalf of the Jews.
– Esther 5-7 – Esther’s two banquets for the king and Haman and the exposure of Haman’s plot.
– Esther 8 – The king permits a new edict allowing the Jews self-defense.
– Esther 9 – The Jews defend themselves against their enemies.
– Esther 9:20-32 – Purim is established to celebrate God’s deliverance of His people.
These passages reveal Esther’s courageous leadership in acting to save her people from destruction.
Lessons Christians Can Learn from Esther
What timeless truths can Christians learn from Esther’s story? Here are a few key lessons:
– God is at work behind the scenes guiding events, even when He seems absent or silent. We must trust in His providence.
– When living in an ungodly culture, we must maintain our faith and identity as God’s people.
– God can use anyone for His redemptive purposes, regardless of background, status or position.
– We must be willing to risk personal loss to take a courageous stand against evil and injustice.
– Wisdom, tact and patience are needed in fighting adversity. Esther carefully considered her timing and approach.
– God sometimes puts us in positions of influence for a purpose bigger than ourselves. Esther’s role as queen gave her the ability to save the Jews.
– God often works through the course of events to bring about surprising reversals and work good out of evil plans.
The life of Esther offers many valuable lessons for how Christians can live and act courageously for God’s purposes even under threat and in difficult cultural circumstances.
How Esther Points to Christ
While God is not directly mentioned in Esther, many indirect allusions and types point to Christ:
– Esther interceded before the king like Christ intercedes before God the Father for His people.
– Mordecai sitting at the king’s gate (Esther 2:19) foreshadows Christ seated at the right hand of God the Father, interceding for believers.
– The inauguration of Purim represents deliverance through the work of a mediator, like salvation through Christ.
– Haman was hanged on the gallows he made for Mordecai, like Christ took on the curse we deserved.
– Just as Haman tried to destroy the Jews but was defeated, Satan continually tries to destroy believers but will ultimately be defeated.
– Mordecai refused to bow to Haman just as Christians refuse to worship any God but the one true God.
Though not explicitly stated, many details in Esther mirror and foreshadow Christ’s later work as mediator, intercessor and savior.
Summary of Esther’s Importance in the Bible
In summary, here are some key reasons Esther and her story are significant in Scripture:
– She courageously risked her life to save her people from destruction.
– She wisely and tactfully exposed Haman’s evil plot against the Jews.
– She advocated for her people as a woman in a patriarchal society.
– God used her mightily to deliver the Jews and see justice done.
– Her story gives the origin of the important Jewish holiday of Purim.
– She lived faithfully to God even in a pagan culture.
– Her life illustrates God’s providential protection and care for His people.
– Though God is not named, the book reveals His sovereign activity behind the scenes.
– Her character exemplifies wisdom, courage, tact, faith, and sacrifice for others.
For these reasons and more, Esther stands out as one of the great women of faith and courage portrayed in the Old Testament.