Practical Insights from the Book of Esther

#1 God is always working

The name of God is not mentioned at all in the Esther’s story. Not once.

It seems strange, given Esther is a book in the Bible and it’s the living, breathing Word of God. Everything we read to point us back to Him some way, somehow.

And yet, there’s no record of God’s name being uttered – not even by those who worshipped Him.

Yet, God’s handprint is so evident throughout Esther’s story. From her entrance into the king’s palace, to becoming the new queen and saving her people, we see God’s divine providence at work. That’s God ordering the people and events in the story to fulfill His sovereign will.

For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

Colossians 1:16-17 NIV

No one needs to mention God by name for Him to show up. He doesn’t need an invitation to intervene (although He longs to partner with us to bring His will from heaven to earth). God can show up wherever He likes – He’s God! His sovereignty is always at play, even when we don’t see it.

That can be confronting for some people yet comforting for others. What is it for you?

Maybe you feel like God isn’t showing up much in the story of your life. There are no supernatural signs and wonders announcing His arrival, no thunderclaps in heaven as He speaks, or jaw-dropping, eye-popping light from above as His glory shines.

Even so, He is still working. It may be hard to see in the natural but if you belong to God, He is moving on your behalf. Having faith and believing that truth, even when you can’t see it, is what pleases God.

The Lord directs the steps of the godly.
    He delights in every detail of their lives.

Psalm 37:23 NLT

It’s in the little things. In the food that appears on the table at every meal, despite money being tight. In the job you go to every day when many others have lost theirs. In the sense of peace and security you feel as God’s hedge of protection surrounds you and your loved ones.

You have searched me, Lord,
    and you know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise;
    you perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying down;
    you are familiar with all my ways.
Before a word is on my tongue
    you, Lord, know it completely.
You hem me in behind and before,
    and you lay your hand upon me.

Psalm 139:1-6 NIV

The Lord shows up in your story, every day. How beautiful is that? It’s a comforting reminder to let go and let God be God.

#2 You’re never “not enough”

We all have a past. Circumstances we’ve found ourselves in or have brought upon ourselves. And that can influence how we see ourselves. Or even what other people speak over us.

We read about how beautiful Esther was and her interesting journey to becoming a queen. But who was she before that?

“Mordecai had a cousin named Hadassah, whom he had brought up because she had neither father nor mother.”

Esther 2:7a

Esther was an orphan. A Jewish orphan living in exile within the Persian Empire. Given her lot in life, Esther’s future was looking bleak. Women were only seen to have any value if they were married. Their purpose was baby-making – to get married and give birth to children (preferably men). But who would want to marry an orphan girl with nothing to her name?

And yet…God used Esther to save the Jews from their deathly fate, ordered by the king’s evil and prideful right-hand man, Haman.

Though we’re told of Esther’s breathtaking beauty, I bet she didn’t consider herself worthy enough to step foot in the king’s palace. Let alone become queen and have a hand in delivering God’s people!

But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.

1 Corinthians 1:27 NIV

God uses the least and most unexpected, ordinary people to do extraordinary things and fulfil His good purpose. He isn’t looking at your family history, your educational qualifications or how much money you have in your bank account. He’s looking for a willing heart that will say “yes” to Him.

So the question isn’t “are you enough?”

It’s “are you willing?”

#3 Be faithful with the little

We know that because Esther was and orphan, she was brought up by her uncle Mordecai. She was entrusted in his care. But from the moment Esther entered the palace, she was under the care of Hegai, the keeper of women in the king’s palace.

“When the king’s order and edict had been proclaimed, many young women were brought to the citadel of Susa and put under the care of Hegai. Esther also was taken to the king’s palace and entrusted to Hegai, who had charge of the harem…Every day he walked back and forth near the courtyard of the harem to find out how Esther was and what was happening to her.”

Esther 2:8,11

Though Esther was officially under someone else’s supervision, Mordecai didn’t neglect his responsibilities as Esther’s guardian. He showed up every day to keep a close eye on her. I find this interesting, because a typical man of that time in that situation would be glad to release their unmarried niece to the king’s palace. One less burden to carry. But Mordecai was different.

“During the time Mordecai was sitting at the king’s gate, Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king’s officers who guarded the doorway, became angry and conspired to assassinate King Xerxes. But Mordecai found out about the plot and told Queen Esther, who in turn reported it to the king, giving credit to Mordecai.”

Esther 2:21-22

Mordecai’s faithfulness in his role as Esther’s guardian positioned him at the right place, at the right time. And he won favour with the king. That favour ultimately came from the Lord – a reward for Mordecai as a faithful steward.

“The king took off his signet ring, which he had reclaimed from Haman, and presented it to Mordecai. And Esther appointed him over Haman’s estate.”

Esther 8:2

I believe that like Mordecai, God is watching each of His children and waiting to see if we’ll be faithful with what He has already given us, rather than pining for what could be. He’s waiting to see whether He can trust us with the little, before giving us more.

“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’”

Matthew 25:21

#4 Obedience requires courage

When Haman’s evil deeds are brought to life, Mordecai fills Queen Esther in on the details. Not for a gossip session – to call her to act and influence the king to make things right.

For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”

Esther 4:14 NIV

Esther knew the right thing to do would be to approach the king and appeal on behalf of her people. But she would have to risk her own life to do so. So, she hesitated. And I don’t blame her!

“All the king’s officials and the people of the royal provinces know that for any man or woman who approaches the king in the inner court without being summoned the king has but one law: that they be put to death unless the king extends the gold scepter to them and spares their lives. But thirty days have passed since I was called to go to the king.”

Esther 4:11 NIV

Doing the right thing isn’t always easy.

It often goes against our instinct or cause of reason. It’s usually inconvenient or costly. In Esther’s case, her obedience carried a likely death sentence. And still, she obeyed. For the sake of her people – God’s people. That bold act led to the deliverance of many. Praise God!

We worry over what people will say or think about us if we take that radical step of obedience. That’s nothing compared to the life or death situation Esther faced. But she didn’t shrink back.

Though our obedience to God today doesn’t look as daring for most of us, it still requires courage. Courage to go against the grain of the world. Courage to not seek approval from others. Courage to do things other people may not understand.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Joshua 1:9 NIV

The good news is, we don’t need to summon up that courage in our own strength, it comes from God.

The wicked flee though no one pursues,
    but the righteous are as bold as a lion.

Proverbs 28:1 NIV

#5 Mourning is momentary

When you’re mourning or grieving, time seems to stand still. It’s as if you’re stuck in that place forever. But that’s not the case – especially if you’re a surrendered child of God. Because God turns what the enemy intends for harm and uses it for good. He did it for many people throughout the Bible, including Joseph.

You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.

Genesis 50:20 NIV

And we see God’s hand turn things around in Esther’s story, too. In the space of 4 chapters in the book of Esther, we see Mordecai go from mourning to rejoicing. From sackcloth to royal linen. The Jews are redeemed from their ill fate, giving them every reason to celebrate!

“When Mordecai learned of all that had been done, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the city, wailing loudly and bitterly.”

Esther 4:1 NIV

“When Mordecai left the king’s presence, he was wearing royal garments of blue and white, a large crown of gold and a purple robe of fine linen. And the city of Susa held a joyous celebration. For the Jews it was a time of happiness and joy, gladness and honor.”

Esther 8:15-16 NIV

It’s a beautiful reminder that our seasons of mourning, pain, and suffering are temporary. A reminder that our sorrow will one day be replaced by joy.

I don’t know about you, but that’s the kind of hope I need to get through each day in the darkest seasons. Knowing that my tears will be replaced by dancing gives me the strength to look forward to tomorrow. How do I know? Because I’ve lived it. That season doesn’t last forever.

“For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.”

Psalm 30:5