Foundations: The Book of Esther
The book of Esther is a powerful drama
full of conspiracy and courage. It is one book of the Bible where God’s name is
not mentioned; however, His presence is strongly evident. This story is
incredibly important for the church today, as we, like Esther, must step out in
courage to accomplish the things God calls us to do.
Esther 4:14 (ESV)
"For
if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews
from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows
whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?"
DAY 1
READ: Esther 1
The book
of Esther describes the establishment of the Jewish holiday of Purim. This
particular holiday was not instituted by Yahweh in the Law of Moses (such as
Passover, the Feast of Booths, etc.); this holiday was instituted by the Jewish
people to commemorate the deliverance of the Jews through Esther. Purim
continues to be observed today to celebrate the survival of the Jewish people
throughout history, despite intense persecution across the ages. The book of
Esther is about a few people’s calling and courage amid a culture that becomes
increasingly hostile towards their people. This makes theirs an important story
for the church today, as our culture, too, becomes more and more adverse
towards Christianity.
The
story of Esther takes place during the Babylonian exile during the reign of
Xerxes (also called Ahasuerus), King of Persia. Chronologically the story fits
in between chapters 6 & 7 of the book of Ezra, between the first and second
waves of Jewish exiles returning to Jerusalem. While King Cyrus gave permission
for all Jews to return to the land of Judah (see Ezra 1), only a handful
actually went. Esther’s parents and grandparents had evidently chosen to remain
in Susa, one of the Persian capitals.
The
story begins with the description of two banquets. We are introduced
immediately to King Xerxes who appears to be a man of pomp and pride, taking
six months to display his wealth and majesty to his guests. History tells us
that Xerxes was preparing to go to battle against the Greeks at this time, and
was aiming to gain support from the guests through these extensive festivities.
In a somewhat drunken state, Xerxes summons for his wife, Queen Vashti, to parade
herself before his guests, that they might see her beauty. Her refusal puts him
in a difficult position, particularly since his guests are people he hopes to
impress so that they will support him in his quest against the Greeks; what
will they think if he cannot even control his own wife? He is angry and, by the
council of his wise men, makes a rash decision to banish Vashti from his
presence forever, and a countrywide decree that every man is to be master of
his own household.
JOURNALING AND PRAYER
1. We
know from Esther chapter 2 that King Xerxes will regret banishing Vashti. Have
you recently done or said something rash out of hurt or anger? Confess your
actions to the Lord. Is there anything that you need to make right? Make a plan
to do that today.
2. Take
some time to pray for our government leaders and officials. Pray that they
would not make rash decisions. We will learn in the book of Esther that God is
in control, even when sinful plans are put in place. Pray for God’s will to be
done in our nation; pray that He would use our government leaders for His
glory.
3. Spend
some time asking God to prepare your heart to receive the things He wants to
teach you as you read the book of Esther over the next number of days. Ask Him
to make the story come alive for you. Ask Him to speak to you clearly through
the Scripture you will read. Ask Him to open your eyes to things you have not
seen before.
