The Story of Esther in the Bible

Posted on June 28, 2012 Updated on June 28, 2012

Esther 4:14.

It is apparent that God placed Esther in the palace “for such a time as this“Not having the luxury of the Bible to read, she had a tough choice to make. It was no simple matter to see the King. Anyone approaching him without invitation risked being killed before uttering a word. To make matters worse, the King hadn’t requested Esther’s presence in a month. Possibly he had cooled toward her. She must risk her life to approach the King, reveal her identity, and make the request to save her people, or she could remain silent and rest in the apparent security of her lavish surroundings.

Placing her fate in God’s hands “if I perish, I perish” Esther 4:16, she planned her actions. First, she asked that all the Jews in Susa fast for her three days while she and her maids did the same. On the third day, Esther put on her royal robes and entered the inner court of the palace, standing in view of the King. I’m sure she breathed a sigh of relief when Xerxes extended his golden scepter, summoning her. I think she showed supernatural control for, instead of rushing to him with her plea, she waited for God’s direction, only inviting him and Hamaan to a banquet. At that banquet, still waiting for God’s perfect timing, she invited them to a second banquet!

I’ll pause here to consider what can be learned from Esther’s story so far. Esther was out of the safe environment of her Jewish home and friends. No one in the palace knew of her heritage and she had influence and security there. Still, she risked her own life to save her people. Refusing to take matters into her own hands, Esther waited three days.

In stressful and dangerous situations, can you wait for God’s direction and timing?
Do you request prayer from fellow believers? Do you join in prayer for others?

2 Chronicles 16:9 ..”the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.”

1 John 3:16 “This is how we know what love is; Jesus Christ laid down His life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.”

After the first banquet with King Xerxes and Queen Esther, Hamaan was feeling pretty full of himself but as he passed the Kings’ gate, Mordacai still refused to bow down to him. As vile as he was, Hamaan was so enraged by the offense that he gave orders to build a gallows on which to hang Mordacai.

That night King Xerxes couldn’t sleep, so he decided to read from the book of the record of his reign. He came across a notation that Mordacai had provided information that had foiled an assassination attempt. – Mordacai must be honored at once! Imagine Hamaan’s horror when he, the King’s right-hand-man, was chosen to honor Mordacai in front of all the people of the city. Hamaan had just arrived home to mournfully tell his wife of this experience when the King’s servants arrived to hurry him to Esther’s second banquet.

At the banquet, the time was right for Esther to reveal her identity and beg the king for her life and the lives of her people, pointing to Hamaan as the cause of her grief. As Hamaan began to beg Esther for forgiveness he accidentally fell on her causing the King to accuse him of attacking the Queen. Hamaan was immediately taken to be hung. ———– on the gallows that he had built for Mordacai. Mordacai received Hamaan’s official position and all his property.

A proclamation was issued allowing all the Jews to defend themselves and because of Mordacai’s new position, they even received help from non-Jews. So on the day that Hamaan had planned for the annihilation of the Jewish nation, all the enemies of the Jews were destroyed. The people rejoiced.
This victorious day is still celebrated as Purim (referring to Pur) every year on the 14th and 15th days of Adar on the Jewish calendar. (In 2004 – March 7 & 8) An annual feast and celebration is held to honor God for delivering the Jews from their enemies.

Clearly, God had perfect timing in arranging the events of Esther’s life, showing His faithful care of His chosen people.

Mordacai stood by his belief in God even when it looked like it would cause calamity for him and his people. Can you confess your Christian belief in the midst of adversity?
Matthew 10:32 “Whoever acknowledges Me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven.”

Do you look for God’s hand in all situations? Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him.”

Is there pride in your life that needs to be dealt with? Proverbs 8:13 “I hate pride and arrogance”

Do you remember and celebrate the blessings you have received by praise and worship with friends and family? Psalm 100:4 Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; Give thanks to Him and praise His name.”

Source: http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art20886.asp

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