Esther is an unusual book in many ways. It does not mention Israel, but the main plot is the plan to flippantly destroy the Jews. It does not mention God, and yet His presence permeates the pages. It is also one of only two books named after a woman, and predominantly about her story. Unlike Daniel (called Belteshazzar), whose prophecies are written under his Hebrew name, the story of Hadassah (called Esther) is known by her Persian name.
In regards to setting, the events of Esther took place between chapters 6 and 7 of Ezra, between the first return of the captives after 70 years, and the later return led by Ezra. So the Jews mentioned are the ones who have chosen to stay in the foreign lands, they are no longer there by compulsion.
There are four main characters in this book, and a number of minor characters. Reading through, I was given to think about the characters presented and how they responded to situations.
Beginning with a minor character, and yet a strong moral character - Queen Vashti. We know little, but her refusal to allow herself to be exploited as a showpiece to drunken dignitaries speaks highly of her. Admittedly, this is partly conjecture, as her reason is not recorded, but I do admire what seems to be a strong self-respect in this manner.
We also have the kings advisors - selfish, caring more about their own pride and concerns than the king or the nation, there is little f interest in their character seen. Haaman, though a major character, is almost identical to these advisors - a little more devious and vengeful, perhaps, but ultimately his actions are just a prideful and selfish heart sitting in a powerful position in the land. God frustrates his efforts - no one else apart from the Jews (whom he is targeting) seem concerned.
The king himself is seen as more complex, but ultimately self-concern seems to rule his life. He wanted to show off Vashti in a show of pride, then reacts in anger, gets revenge by shutting her out, and then is lonely - he doesn't act before he thinks. Similarly when Haaman presents the plot against the Jews, he seems fine with it - he gets more money in the treasury, and he is not concerned with the lives of a few foreigners living in the land. What's that saying 'a million is only a statistic'? Here it takes the statistic to take the face of someone close to him (his wife) before he regrets the command. He does show some 'good' characteristics. He seeks to repay Mordecai for saving his life, and he does allow Esther and Mordecai to provide a solution to the plot against the Jews - so he cares about those he likes, but ultimately he seems to be summed up as a powerful king that does as he pleases for himself and his friends, and doesn't consider God at all.
Mordecai is a far more interesting character to consider after these prideful and selfish people. He is protective, showing care and concern for Hadasseh/Esther as she grows up as his niece. His care for the his people is present from the first mention of his name, to the last chapter, with his reputation for seeking the welfare and peace of his people.
When Esther is taken as the king's wife, he looks out for her still. It would be interesting to know what would have happened if he hadn't warned her to keep her mouth shut about her ancestry. Was it wise caution, or over caution? We don't know, but again it shows his care - there was clearly some anti-Jewish animosity in the palace and in the land. He looks out not only for Esther, but also the king - showing respect and acknowledgement of the authority in power. Yet he refuses an order to bow before Haaman, because the king's law does not trump God's law.
His caution does not come above doing the right thing - he encourages Esther to go before the king, knowing the king could kill her on sight, rather than hide behind her unknown ancestry and position as queen. It is not so much his faith in Esther as his faith in God that comes through though - he encourages Esther to do it because it is the right thing, and she should do so - but he is confident that even if she does not, then God will still protect His people some other way. It is a reminder that though God places us in positions to be of use, and we should always do the right thing (of benefit to us spiritually, whether it is physically beneficial or not), but He is not limited by us - He can work His purposes with or without our cooperation.
Finally we come to the main character, Esther. In an unfamiliar environment, in a foreign country, married to a pagan king (who may turn against her on a whim), and finding herself in the middle of a plot against her people. Yet her strength of character also is strong. She listens to advice, and considers options carefully. Even when she is fearful of her life, she is willing to risk everything to do the right thing before God. She is wise, not asking the king directly about the plot to kill her people, but seeking to gain his interest and favour through the dinners (particularly important since he hadn't seen her in a month and she might have lost his interest). Most importantly, though, she is dependent upon God. Realising what she needs to do, her reaction is to fast and pray before God, and instructs not only the Jews to join her in seeking God, but her servants also join her in this. She was indeed put in place by God for that very time, and did not shrink from the occasion, but did what was right and came before the king with faith in God to protect her. She used the power and influence that she did have (which was not much - look how easily Vashti was thrust aside) - but what power and influence she had, she used for God. May our first reaction to a difficult situation also be to come in prayer before our King, reliant on Him for everything, including our safety. May we also be responsible with any power we are given stewardship for, and use it to work justice and righteousness for God, for the care and protection of all people, for all are precious in His sight.
Guide us, O Thou great Jehovah,
Pilgrims through this barren land.
We are weak, but Thou art mighty;
Hold us by Thy powerful hand.
Bread of heaven, Bread of heaven,
Feed us now and evermore;
Bread of heaven, Bread of heaven,
Feed us now and evermore.
Lord, I trust Thy mighty power,
Wondrous are Thy works of old;
Thou deliver’st Thine from thraldom,
Who for nought themselves had sold:
Thou didst conquer, Thou didst conquer,
Sin, and Satan and the grave,
Thou didst conquer, Thou didst conquer,
Sin, and Satan and the grave.
While we tread this vale of sorrow
May we in Thy love abide;
Keep us, O our graceous Saviour!
Cleaving closely to Thy side:
Still relying, still relying
On our Father's changeless love.
Still relying, still relying
On our Father's changeless love.
No comments:
Post a Comment