Ordinary people ∙∙
If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this? – Esther 4:14
Esther 3:1-6
1 Sometime later, King Ahasuerus promoted Haman over all the other nobles, making him the most powerful official in the empire.
2 All the king’s officials would bow down before Haman to show him respect whenever he passed by, for so the king had commanded. But Mordecai refused to bow down or show him respect.
3 Then, the palace officials at the king’s gate asked Mordecai, “Why are you disobeying the king’s command?”
4 They spoke to him day after day, but still, he refused to comply with the order. So they spoke to Haman about this to see if he would tolerate Mordecai’s conduct since Mordecai had told them he was a Jew.
5 When Haman saw that Mordecai would not bow down or show him respect, he was filled with rage.
6 He had learned of Mordecai’s nationality, so he decided it was not enough to lay hands on Mordecai alone. Instead, he looked for a way to destroy all the Jews throughout the entire empire.
Anti-Semitism describes hostility or discrimination against Jews as a religious or racial group. The term was introduced in 1879 by Wilhelm Marr to label the anti-Jewish activities occurring in central Europe at that time. Despite its common usage today, the term is somewhat inaccurate, as it suggests prejudice against all Semitic peoples. Arabs, who are also Semites, are not typically the focus of anti-Semitism (Encyclopedia Britannica).
Captain Alfred Dreyfus, a Jewish officer in the French artillery, faced wrongful accusations of espionage and treason in 1894. This led to his unjust demotion and imprisonment on Devil’s Island. Known as the Dreyfus Affair, this incident became one of the most polarizing political scandals in modern French history, reverberating throughout Europe. An international campaign eventually cleared Dreyfus’s name, exposing the widespread anti-Semitism of the era and resulting in his release and reinstatement in the French military.
Anti-Semitism is a long-standing issue, with Jews facing prejudice and persecution for over 4,000 years. This was evident even in ancient Persia, now Iran. The Book of Esther, written around 450 BC, recounts events during the reign of King Xerxes, referred to as Ahasuerus in the text. After the southern kingdom of Judah was conquered by Babylon and its people taken into captivity, Babylon itself fell to Persia. Persian rulers allowed many subjugated populations, including Jews, to return to their homelands. While some Jews returned to Judah, many chose to stay in Persia.
Esther and her cousin Mordecai were among those who chose to stay in the Persian kingdom, where they eventually felt secure and comfortable. In a surprising turn of events, Esther took part in a beauty contest, which she won, earning her the title of “Miss Persia.” This victory led her to marry King Ahasuerus and become the queen of Persia. Initially, Esther found her new environment daunting, but she gradually adapted and felt more at ease. Her Jewish background did not significantly impact King Ahasuerus, who was captivated by her beauty, much like how modern actresses such as Natalie Portman, Gal Gadot (Wonder Woman), or Madeleine Stowe captivate audiences today.
The Book of Esther is unique in the Bible, as it is the only book that does not mention the name of God. Nevertheless, God was constantly working behind the scenes, orchestrating events and setting the stage for future developments. He had a special mission for Esther, which she could only fulfill because she had become queen.
For Mordecai and Esther, it was the “good old days.” Life seemed idyllic, but this was not to last. A sinister plot was brewing in Persia. Haman, a wicked man, was secretly planning to exterminate all the Jews in the kingdom. He cunningly devised a scheme that appeared impossible to escape, intending to destroy God’s Chosen People.
God often uses ordinary people and everyday events to achieve His eternal purposes. Esther and Mordecai were ordinary individuals with extraordinary faith and trust in God. They placed their lives entirely in His hands, relying on Him for the outcome. They risked everything to save both the Jewish people and themselves.
As the story unfolds, God remains unseen but not inactive. He is the invisible artist weaving the tapestry of events together. God is at work fulfilling His eternal plan and His promises of redemption for His Chosen People. “Providence is God’s attention concentrated everywhere. His care is microscopic as well as telescopic” (Strong). “Kings may issue their unalterable decrees, but God overrules and accomplishes His purposes” (Wiersbe).
REFLECT & PRAY
God is omnipresent and actively actively working out His eternal plan. Our challenge is to discern where He is at work and respond with faith.
Father, encourage me to rise to the occasion and faithfully carry out the tasks You have entrusted to me with integrity and perseverance.
INSIGHT
The Father allows the evil villain to arise, knowing his end from the beginning. The Father sees what remains hidden from others. There would be no surprises for anyone except, of course, for Haman. God’s invisible and powerful Hand of Providence worked through a faithful woman and man. Despite overwhelming odds and far outside their comfort zones, Mordecai and Esther rose to the occasion. When everything was on the line, they chose to trust God with the outcome. This was their moment to shine, their defining moment in history.
Mordecai discovered the plot and needed to inform Esther. Though he couldn’t approach her directly, he could communicate his distress and mourning subtly.
Esther 4:1 When Mordecai learned about all that had been done, he tore his clothes, put on burlap and ashes, and went out into the city, crying with a loud and bitter wail.
Esther’s servants observed his public display and reported it to her. She then dispatched one of her attendants to investigate what was troubling Mordecai. The attendant returned with the shocking truth and Mordecai’s even more startling request.
Mordecai urges Esther to risk her life by approaching the king without an invitation. If the king did not extend his golden scepter to her, she would be executed (Esther 4:11). He solemnly warns her that remaining silent would not save her; anti-Semitism would infiltrate the palace, endangering her because of her Jewish identity. However, God was faithful and had her back.
Esther 4:13-14
13 Mordecai sent this message to Esther: “Don’t think for a moment that because you’re in the palace, you will escape when all other Jews are killed.”
14 “If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?”
Imagine having someone to spur you on with such encouragement. Fear must have surged through Esther’s heart, given the immense risks involved. Though it was a time of prosperity and normalcy in the palace, she ventured far beyond her comfort zone.
What didn’t she do? Esther didn’t vent on social media or engage in public outbursts. It’s important to remember that if Satan can’t make us do the wrong thing, he’ll try to make us do the right thing in the wrong way. So, what did Esther do? She called for a prayer meeting.
Esther 4:16 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.
Wow! Esther was not only in the right place at the right time, but she also had the right mindset and responded in faith immediately. If only we could all emulate her example.
Haman’s wicked decree was in effect, offering a reward for every Jew killed. His sinister plan to annihilate the Jewish people was set, and the trap was about to be sprung. The Jews faced imminent destruction, and the stakes were incredibly high. Haman had even constructed a special gallows to hang Mordecai, the object of his intense hatred for anything Jewish.
Would the Father prevail? Would His people be spared?
Esther courageously approached King Ahasuerus. The king extended his scepter and welcomed her. Esther trusted that God had her back and had devised His own plan. She invited King Ahasuerus and Haman to a banquet. Oblivious to the impending danger, Haman believed he was to be honored. He had no idea that Esther was Jewish or that Mordecai was her cousin.
Esther revealed Haman’s evil scheme and destructive intentions. The king, outraged, ordered Haman to be hanged immediately on the very gallows he had prepared for Mordecai. What a stunning reversal! The Jewish people were spared. Unfortunately, anti-Semitism did not end with Haman; it persists to this day. Mordecai was promoted and became one of the king’s servants.
The Father’s unseen and eternal plan was executed. Yet, in real-time, He heard the heartfelt prayers of His people and answered them. They had prayed for His will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. Who knew? The Father knew!
The Father is always at work. He continually invites you to be a part of His plan. The choice is yours. Perhaps you have also come into His kingdom for such a time as this.
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© Dr. H 2024
Dr H Reflections 