The Book of Esther is one of the books in the third section of the Hebrew Bible known as the Ketuvim (the writings). It tells the story of a Jewish woman named Esther who becomes queen of Persia and thwarts a genocide of her people. The Book of Esther is read every year during the Jewish holiday of Purim, which commemorates the events described in the book. Esther’s story has become an inspiration to many for her courage, faith, and willingness to risk her life to save her people.
The Book of Esther does not directly mention God, yet His providence is seen throughout the story in the timing of events and Esther’s elevation to the position of queen “for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14). The book shows how God preserved His chosen people from destruction, even while they were in exile. For this reason, it continues to give hope to Jewish people scattered around the world today. The story of Esther illustrates how one person’s faithful obedience can change the course of history.
Esther’s Hebrew Name
Hadassah, which means “myrtle” in Hebrew, is Esther’s Hebrew name. The myrtle tree symbolically represents hiddenness, peace, love, and Shabbat in Jewish tradition. As the future queen of Persia, Esther lived in “hiddenness” as a Jew before being called upon to save her people.
Just as the myrtle remains evergreen through all seasons, Esther demonstrated steadfast faith and courage when confronted with potential danger. Her Hebrew name Hadassah evokes these symbolic meanings.
Esther’s Persian Name
The name Esther is derived from the Persian word stāra (NPer. ستاره setāra) which means “star”. In Persian culture, Esther’s name signifies brightness, beauty, and guidance, like the stars in the night sky. Her Persian name connects Esther to ancient astrology and the belief that the stars influence destiny and fate.
Some scholars believe the name Esther may have been chosen to reflect the young Jewish woman’s destiny to save her people from destruction. Just as the stars stand out against the dark sky, Esther stood out with her courage to approach the king and intercede for the Jews. The meaning of her Persian name foreshadowed the stellar role she would play in Jewish history.
Esther’s Beauty
Esther’s beauty played an important role in God’s plan for her life. She was described as having a lovely figure and beautiful face (Esther 2:7). This physical beauty enabled Esther to win the favor of King Xerxes and be chosen as queen. However, Esther’s beauty was more than just physical. She conducted herself with grace, poise and wisdom – inner qualities that enhanced her external beauty.
Esther used her beauty in service to God, not for selfish gain. She could have relied solely on her appearance to win the king’s heart, but instead allowed her inner character to shine. Esther’s humble spirit allowed her beauty to be a means through which God worked, not an end in itself. Ultimately, her beauty gave her access and influence to save the Jewish people from destruction.
Esther’s Courage
Esther demonstrated remarkable courage and boldness throughout her story. Despite the danger of approaching the king unsummoned, Esther risked her life to plead for the salvation of her people. As the passage describes, “Esther again sent this reply to Mordecai: ‘Go and gather together all the Jews of Susa and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will do the same. And then, though it is against the law, I will go in to see the king. If I must die, I must die'” (Esther 4:15-16). This demonstrates Esther’s willingness to sacrifice herself for the sake of saving her people.
Esther also showed courage in directly confronting Haman regarding his evil plot against the Jews. The passage states, “On the second day of the banquet, Esther revealed to the king her Jewish heritage and Haman’s plot to destroy all her people. Outraged, the king ordered Haman killed—on the very gallows he had built to murder Mordecai”. Esther boldly exposed Haman’s wickedness, even though it could have angered the king. Her brave actions led to Haman’s downfall and the deliverance of her people. Esther’s courage and boldness in the face of danger provide an inspirational model of standing up for what is right despite personal risk.
Esther as Intercessor
Esther played a critical role as an intercessor for the Jewish people. As queen of Persia, Esther used her position of influence to plead with King Xerxes to save the Jews from Haman’s plot to destroy them. When Mordecai told Esther about Haman’s plans, he urged her to go the king and “make supplication to him and plead before him for her people” (Esther 4:8). This was a courageous and dangerous act, as approaching the king unsummoned could result in death.
However, Esther agreed to intercede, saying “I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish” (Esther 4:16). She fasted and prayed for three days before approaching Xerxes, who graciously received her. Esther invited the king and Haman to a banquet, where she pleaded for her life and the lives of her people, revealing Haman’s plot against the Jews. As a result of Esther’s intercession, the king ordered Haman to be hanged and allowed the Jews to defend themselves against any attack. Esther’s courageous intercession saved her people from destruction.
Esther’s Obedience
Esther demonstrated great obedience throughout her story. She obeyed her cousin and guardian Mordecai, even after becoming queen. As the book of Esther states, “Esther had not made known her kindred or her people, as Mordecai had commanded her, for Esther obeyed Mordecai just as when she was brought up by him”.
This obedience to Mordecai was ultimately obedience to God. When Mordecai asked Esther to approach the king about saving the Jews, she was afraid but obeyed anyway, saying “I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish”. Her courageous obedience led to the deliverance of her people.
Esther’s Faith
Esther demonstrated great faith and trust in God throughout her life. Even when facing enormous challenges, like risking her life to approach the king unsummoned, Esther relied on God to guide her steps. She urged Mordecai to gather all the Jews for a three-day fast before she went to the king, showing her dependence on God.
When approaching the king, Esther said “If I perish, I perish”, demonstrating her willingness to risk her life because of her faith in God’s purpose for her. Esther’s actions ended up saving the Jews, affirming God’s providence. Her story shows how faith in God can give believers courage in the face of danger and uncertainty.
Esther as a Type of Christ
Esther served as a type or foreshadowing of Christ in several ways. First, just as Esther risked her life to save her people, Jesus gave his life to save humanity from sin and death. Esther boldly approached the king to intercede for the Jews, similar to how Christ intercedes for believers before God’s throne. Additionally, Esther kept her Jewish identity hidden until the right time, just as Jesus did not reveal his full divine nature until later in his ministry.
Finally, Esther’s obedience led to the salvation of her people, mirroring how Christ’s obedience to death brought salvation to all who believe in Him. Overall, Esther’s courageous actions to save her people point to Christ’s ultimate sacrifice for humanity.
Lessons from Esther’s Life
Esther’s story teaches us many important spiritual lessons that are still relevant today.
Some key lessons include:
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Have courage in the face of adversity: Esther demonstrated tremendous courage when she risked her life to go before the king unsummoned in order to expose Haman’s evil plot against the Jews. Her bravery inspires us to stand up for what is right, even when it’s difficult or dangerous.
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Trust in God’s providence: Though God is not directly mentioned in the book, Esther’s story illustrates how He works behind the scenes to protect His people. We must have faith that God has a plan and purpose, even when we can’t see the full picture.
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Use your gifts and position for good: God placed Esther in a position of influence as queen at just the right time to save the Jews from destruction. Her story reminds us to use our own positions and abilities to serve God and help others.
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God can use anyone: Esther was an ordinary Jewish girl who became an unlikely queen. Her story demonstrates that God can use any willing person for His plans, regardless of their background or status.
Esther’s remarkable faith and courage in the face of great danger provide an inspirational model of standing up for God’s people and relying on His providence, no matter the cost. Her life reminds us to boldly use our gifts to serve God’s purposes.
