The Book of Esther is a story of divine providence in human relations and political affairs. Though the name or title of God does not appear, He is referenced twice. First, by the appeal to God through fasting.  Secondly, by the providential disturbance of the King’s sleep. 

 Esther’s role in saving her people from ruin and death at the hand of a bloodline enemy are a central story for the Jewish people. Her biblical and historical legacy also extend beyond her immediate lifetime. Later on, her son’s decree (Darius II) would pave the way for God’s people to be able to build the second temple in peace according to God’s will https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezra%206%3A1-12&version=KJV.

Facts About Queen Esther

Esther was a woman of God. Despite the fact that she is chosen to marry someone of non-Jewish heritage, and lives a life of royal privilege, she retains strong faith.  Much is made of the fact that she is beautiful.  More than that, however, she has God’s favor. 

It is unusual, but the call goes out for all of the young, beautiful, virgins in the capital of Shushan, where the Persian Palace is located. A new Queen is being sought to replace the former Queen who has been divorced by Persian King Ahasuerus, known historically as King Xerxes https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ahasuerus.

Esther is among many women chosen, but she is noticed early on by the King’s attendant and keeper of the women, Hegai. She is quickly set apart from the other women, given the best living arrangements, and speedily given needed beauty and purification supplies. We never get the sense that Esther relies on her beauty https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2031%3A30&version=NIV.  Though we know she gains favor with “all who saw her”.  Instead, she stays close to and follows the instructions given by her cousin and father figure Mordecai, which include initially withholding information about her Jewish heritage. 

We can infer that Esther developed resilience through the early loss of her parents.  Mordecai is her paternal cousin who takes her in after their death and raises her as his own daughter.  https://www.bible.com/bible/1/EST.2.7.KJV.   When we meet her as a young woman chosen for the court (their are different accounts as to her actual age at the time), she is not proud. She is not vain. She appears to be a woman of sound character with personal integrity. 

The Plot to Kill the Jews

A year after going into the contest, Esther wins the heart of the King and is given the royal crown.  Five years into her marriage, Esther is told by Mordecai of the decree calling for the killing of the Jews, and the seizure of their belongings, on a specified date. It is a decree inspired and incited by Haman, a chief Prince in the royal court, due to what he perceived as a slight from Mordecai which he extended to all Jews upon learning of Mordecai’s heritage.

Mordecai is torn at the heart, and with insight, emphasizes to Queen Esther that the purpose of her  position may be ‘for such a time as this’.  They both recognize that God will have the last say. 

Esther’s words highlight her strength, faith and courage: “Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast for me; and neither eat nor drink for three days night or day. I also and my maids will fast as you do. Then I will go to the King, though it is against the law; and if I perish, I perish” (Esther 5:16). 

God’s Hand In the Story of Esther

Esther is in a strategic position to influence the King and save not only Mordecai’s life but also the life of her people. How much God foretold in Esther’s life, isn’t indicated. We only know that as she fasted and executed her plan, God also intervened.

While Haman’s response to what he perceives as Mordecai’s slight and disrespect towards him seems overblown and unfairly generalized towards all the Jews, it must be seen in its spiritual context.  Haman is an Agagite (Amalekite) and an enemy of the Jews. He comes from a long line of those who have been. God had a long standing promise to ensure protection to His people from the Amalekites https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Samuel+15%3A2&version=NIV. 

While Esther did her part, God also did his. After the first night of the banquet with Queen Esther and Haman, God disturbs the King’s sleep. King Ahasuerus, unable to sleep, requests for the book of memorable deeds to be brought and read to him.  He finds out about an earlier act of Mordecai’s that saved his life and had not yet been honored.

The next day, he speaks to Haman about his plans to honor the man (Mordecai) who Haman had come that day to request to have hanged. From here, Haman’s plot to have Mordecai and all Jews extinguished unravels quickly https://www.bible.com/bible/114/EST.6.13.NKJV. 

5 Things To Know About Queen Esther

Some still question the historical accuracy of the story and central figure of the Book of Esther.  For them, it remains a work of historical fiction. However, here are five facts about Queen Esther.  With such historical references, its hard to agree with those who place her life in the category of fiction.

(1) She is one of only two women in the Bible with a book named after them.

(2)Her lineage is noted to be of the tribe of Benjamin https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Esther%202%3A5&version=NIV.

(3) Her Jewish name is Hadassah

(4)She is mother to King Darius II (also known as Cyrus) https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/5427040/jewish/15-Facts-About-Queen-Esther.htm

(5): The Feast of Purim is first commemorated in The Book of Esther 9:26-32 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Esther%209%3A26-32&version=KJV