The book of Esther is unique in Scripture—God's name is never mentioned. Yet His presence and providence permeate every chapter. This story of a Jewish orphan who becomes queen of Persia reveals how God works behind the scenes to accomplish His purposes.
The Setting
The events take place in the Persian Empire during the reign of King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I), approximately 486-465 BC. The Jewish people are still scattered throughout the empire following their exile from Israel.
Key Characters
Esther (Hadassah)
A young Jewish woman raised by her cousin Mordecai. Her beauty catches the king's attention, and she becomes queen of Persia.
Mordecai
Esther's cousin and guardian. A faithful Jew who refuses to bow to Haman and works to save his people.
Haman
The villain of the story. An Agagite (possibly descended from Israel's ancient enemy, the Amalekites) who plots to destroy all Jews in the empire.
King Ahasuerus
The Persian king whose decisions are influenced by those around him. His insomnia at a critical moment changes the course of history.
The Plot Unfolds
Haman, enraged by Mordecai's refusal to bow to him, devises a plan to exterminate all Jews throughout the Persian Empire. He casts lots (purim) to determine the date and obtains the king's approval for the genocide.
"And the letters were sent by posts into all the king's provinces, to destroy, to kill, and to cause to perish, all Jews." — Esther 3:13
"For Such a Time as This"
When Mordecai learns of the plot, he challenges Esther to intervene:
"Who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" — Esther 4:14
Esther responds with courage:
"Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me... and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish." — Esther 4:16
Divine Providence
Though God's name is absent, His fingerprints are everywhere:
The "Coincidences"
- Esther is chosen as queen before the crisis arises
- Mordecai overhears an assassination plot and saves the king
- The king cannot sleep on the very night he needs to remember Mordecai's loyalty
- The king reads the exact passage about Mordecai's unrewarded service
- Haman arrives at the moment the king wants to honor Mordecai
Each "coincidence" is precisely timed to accomplish God's purposes.
The Reversals
- Haman's plot to kill Mordecai results in Mordecai's exaltation
- The gallows Haman built for Mordecai become his own execution site
- The day planned for Jewish destruction becomes a day of Jewish victory
- Mordecai receives Haman's position and estate
Lessons for Today
God Works Behind the Scenes
Even when we cannot see God's hand, He is actively working. His apparent silence does not mean His absence.
Position Brings Responsibility
Esther's position as queen came with responsibility. God places us in positions of influence for His purposes.
Courage Is Required
Esther risked her life to save her people. Following God often requires courage in the face of fear.
God's People Will Be Preserved
Despite powerful enemies, God's purposes for His people will not be thwarted.
Faith and Action Work Together
The Jews fasted and prayed, but they also prepared to defend themselves. Faith doesn't mean passivity.
The Feast of Purim
The book concludes with the establishment of Purim, a celebration of God's deliverance:
"The Jews ordained, and took upon them, and upon their seed, and upon all such as joined themselves unto them... to keep these two days according to their writing, and according to their appointed time every year." — Esther 9:27
This feast is still celebrated today, reminding God's people of His faithful protection.
Applying Esther
- Trust God's providence even when you cannot see His hand
- Be faithful in whatever position God has placed you
- Have courage to speak and act when the moment requires it
- Remember that God's purposes cannot be stopped
- Celebrate God's deliverance in your own life
The book of Esther assures us that the God who orchestrated events in ancient Persia is still sovereignly working in our world and in our lives.