Fear No Fear

(All scripture from Lexham English Bible, Copyright 2012 Logos Bible Software)

Esther is the second book where there is no explicit interaction between the characters and God (Ruth being the other) – even though His influence is felt throughout. Israel was taken captive by Babylon in stages between 605 and 587 B.C. In 539 B.C., Persia conquered Babylon. Cyrus gave permission for the Jews to return and build the Temple, but not all of them went back. Darius put a halt to the work until 520 B.C. These periods where the books of Daniel, Ezra, and Nehemiah were written. Somewhere around 474 B.C. is when the book of Esther takes place. The Jews in the incident had not returned to Jerusalem to build the Temple. They were vested in the Persian lifestyle and landscape, choosing to remain spread throughout the Persian Empire rather than return to Israel (which was also a part of the Empire). The events of the incident are from a Persian Jewish perspective, residents rather than captives – although as we will see still victims of prejudice and persecution. God is not a direct player, but He is clearly involved in the background at every stage as it unfolds. It is an excellent example of the unwavering faithfulness of His love, regardless of whether the objects of it are as faithful as they should be. It is a stellar example of His grace and mercy toward, and the protection of His people.

Chapter one is about how Queen Vashti refused her drunk husband’s request, got deposed as king, and King Ahasuerus went looking for a replacement.

Chapter two is about the quest for girls, their treatment, and the year-long process by which they would go to the king. Esther, secretly a Jew, was one of those girls. Esther had favour with the eunichs overseeing the process, won favour with the king, and ended up being picked to be the new queen. At the end of the chapter, we see her uncle Mordecai uncovering a plot to kill the king, and through his contact with Esther, brought it to the king’s attention and saved his life.

Chapter three is about Haman, an advisor to the king, who had ego issues. Mordecai, as a Jew, bowed to no man to pay them homage (he bowed to God alone). Haman took it personally and not content to only punish Mordecai, plotted to kill ALL Jews in Persia. He got permission from the king through donations of money – the king didn’t look into details – and set his plan in motion. On a fixed day anyone who wanted could kill a Jew and take his stuff.

Chapter four is about Mordecai applying pressure on Esther to use her status as queen to influence the king – although she perceived some very real personal danger in this. In the end she agrees and calls for three days of prayer and fasting, after which she will approach the king.

Chapter five is about Esther’s plan. She goes before the king and invites him and Haman to a private banquet she will put on for them. They both come and have a great time. The king gets drunk and offers Esther up to half his kingdom as her personal property. She asks only that they come to a second banquet the next day. They agree. Haman goes home feeling great, until Mordecai again refuses to bow. Haman whines to his wife who suggests building a tall gallows and asking the king for permission to hang Haman. He thinks that’s great and orders the gallows built.

Summary

Key Players: God, Ahasuerus, Esther, Mordecai, Haman, Hathak.

Key Verse(s): Esther 1:10-12, 19-20; 2:8-17; 3:8-11; 4:9-17; 5:7-7-14