I recently had the privilege of running a women’s Bible study on the book of Esther and was surprised by some of the interesting things we learned. I would recommend reading the book of Esther before this article/video, if you can, for a deeper understanding of what is discussed.
THE BACKGROUND
The book of Esther was written by an unknown author. However, scholars believe it could have been Mordecai, Ezra or Nehemiah. Susa, the city highlighted in this story, is in modern day Iraq and is believed to be close in close proximity to the Garden of Eden.
It was probably written around 450 BC, covering the time period of 486-464 BC. This was during the time period when some of the exiled Israelites were beginning to return from Babylon back to their homeland.
Persia (modern day Iran) had replaced Babylonian rule. Some Israelites were still in exile, such as Esther and Modecai (two important characters in the story). The Jewish people had been through war and exile and were beginning to rebuild (see Ezra and Nehemiah). Unfortunately, in the story of Esther, the war-torn Israelites faced annihilation again.
This is a story that must’ve been planned perfectly by God, however the Lord is never mentioned in this story, not once. This story also explains the origin of the feast of Purim.
THE CHARACTERS
There are a few main characters in this story. King Ahasuerus is known, by some, as Xerxes I (485-465 BC), who was the son of King Darius I. But some have translated this as Artaxerxes which is complicated because there was an Artaxerses I and II. The Septuagint (early Greek translation of the Old Testament) says it is Artaxerses. I encourage you to study further on that and do your own research. King Ahasuerus is an indulgent king who appears to be easily persuaded by those whom he favors. He also seems to be a bit emotional at times.
Mordecai is like a father figure to Esther. Some scriptures say that Mordecai is Esther’s cousin or uncle. Both ESV and KJV say cousin but other versions say uncle. Regardless, he is a father figure to Esther and has great influence. In fact, his influence becomes most important as we dig into the story.
Esther is the brave woman who becomes queen. Her self-control, humility and discernment are highlighted as you will discover. Hadassah is Esthers Jewish name which means myrtle (tree), from the root word hadass which means to grow. It was most likely changed to Esther to protect her identity. Esther is her Persian name and means ‘star’.
AMALEKITES
Haman is the wicked enemy, who was an agagite. The Agagites were most likely descendants of Agag, king of the Amalekites. The Amalekites were long-time enemies of the Jewish people. Haman represents the ancient battle between the Hebrews and tribe of Amalek. See Exodus 17.
Thus says the Lord of hosts, ‘I have noted what Amalek did to Israel in opposing them on the way when they came up out of Egypt.’ 1 Samuel 15:2
PARTY FOR A KING – BABYLON
This story is full of parties and feasting. There are 7 banquets, or feasts, laid out in this book. The first party went on for 180 days (Esther 1:4). The party description in Esther 1:6-7 is similar to the description of Babylon in Revelation 18:16. As we know, the enemy always tries to mimic God. The descriptions in the scriptures are elements of heaven, the Tabernacle and the temple of Solomon.
There were white cotton curtains and violet hangings fastened with cords of fine linen and purple to silver rods and marble pillars, and also couches of gold and silver on a mosaic pavement of porphyry, marble, mother-of-pearl, and precious stones. Drinks were served in golden vessels, vessels of different kinds, and the royal wine was lavished according to the bounty of the king. Esther 1:6-7
“Alas, alas, for the great city that was clothed in fine linen, in purple and scarlet, adorned with gold, with jewels, and with pearls!” Rev. 18:16 – fall of Babylon
And the twelve gates were twelve pearls, each of the gates made of a single pearl, and the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass. Rev. 21:21 – new Jerusalem
THE QUEEN’S REFUSAL
If we look back to the beginning of the story, we see an important turn of events.
But Queen Vashti refused to come at the king’s command delivered by the eunuchs. At this the king became enraged, and his anger burned within him. Esther 1:12
So why did Queen Vashti refuse to come? The text doesn’t clearly say. However, it is implied that she was not impressed with the request and may have wanted to avoid an awkward, drunken situation. There is an old rabbinic tradition that the request was that she be wearing nothing but a crown. Or as some commentaries implied, she may have declined out of pride or irritation. Either way the response caused her removal because the King and his advisors decided to make an example out of her, when she did not obey.
PREPARATION OF THE BRIDE
Many women were chosen as possible brides for the King, and Esther was one of them. Esther was in custody of Hegai the King’s eunuch (who was a castrated male). Hegai was pleased with Esther as the had won his favor. This was a huge advantage for her. What better way to put in a good word than through one of the King’s closest advisors.
The beauty process was not an easy one. It was a 12 month Persian beauty process of 6 months of oil of myrrh (for purity and cleansing) and 6 months of spices and ointments (to magnify beauty). This reminded me of a scripture found in our new testament.
Do not let your adorning be external – the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear – but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious. 1 Peter 3:3-4
However, when we study Esther’s character, we see she is actually beautiful on the inside as well and has a gentle spirit. If we compare this ceremonial process to that of a Jewish wedding ceremony, there are some similarities. There was often about a year waiting period between the betrothal and the actual wedding. During the betrothal period the bride-to-be was to carry herself as if she were already married, veiling her face and was no longer seen as available to anyone. For more information on the Bride of Christ, check out Mike Bickle’s teaching: https://mikebickle.org/series/the-bride-of-christ-2018/.
As the bride of Christ we are to be ready and in preparation – purifying and cleansing and walking on God’s path. It appears that Esther is an example of a desired bride. She made sure to follow what was advised from Hegai and she won the Kings favor. She was made queen and was given a feast (Esther 2:15). Soon afterward, Mordecai overhears a death plot on the King, which eventually leads to his favor. As we can see, God sets everything up.
BETRAYED FOR SILVER
Haman wants to destroy the Jews but doesn’t say who the Jewish people are when he gets the King to sign the edict of destruction. He only presents it as a threat to the King and appears to bribe him with money. The King doesn’t ask questions.
If it please the king, let it be decreed that they be destroyed, and I will pay 10,000 talents of silver into the hands of those who have charge of the king’s business, that they may put it into the king’s treasuries. Esther 3:9
If we remember Jesus being betrayed for 30 pieces of silver (Matthew 26). This is 10K talents of silver! When I looked up how much 10K talents of silver was worth by today’s standards, it said millions of dollars, a ridiculous amount of money.
CASTING LOTS
In this story, we see that lots are cast to determine a date of destruction.
The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord. Proverbs 16:33
What is casting lots? Lots were cast quite often in the Old Testament, such as in Jonah being found out on the boat, and in 1 Chronicles 24 for temple positions. However, also a handful of times in the New Testament like deciding on the replacement disciple of Judas (Acts 1:26) and dividing the clothes of Jesus (Luke 23:34). However, this practice is not really favored now that we are to rely on the Holy Spirit to guide us. Interestingly, Purim means lots and lots means lottery. Many still celebrate Purim today.
THE DATE OF PURIM
Nisan 13 is when the King’s scribe was summoned and word went out about this decree. Nisan 14 is the Jewish Passover. The month of Nisan falls around the end of March/beginning of April on our calendars. Then if we look at the date that was chosen for destruction, the month of Adar, we can see that this is the end of February/beginning of March, so there would have been a full year of waiting for annihilation.
THE FAMOUS LINE
When Haman handed down this decree, the Jewish people were distraught and rightfully so. In the midst of this, Mordecai sends a message to Esther.
“Do not think to yourself that in the king’s palace you will escape any more than all the other Jews. 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?” Esther 4:13-14
How would we handle this situation today? Are we in such a time when we need to be strong and rise?
Esther took courage, a fast was called and afterward she decided to talk to the King. And the King kindly held out the golden scepter to Esther.
And the king said to her, “What is it, Queen Esther? What is your request? It shall be given you, even to the half of my kingdom.” Esther 5:3
The King says this again in Esther 5:6 and 7:2. He makes this statement three times. Curiously, this same wording is also stated in the book of Mark, when John the Baptist was beheaded.
For when Herodias’s daughter came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests. And the king said to the girl, “Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it to you.”And he vowed to her, “Whatever you ask me, I will give you, up to half of my kingdom.” And she went out and said to her mother, “For what should I ask?” And she said, “The head of John the Baptist.” Mark 6:22-24
However, Esther was a woman wanting to save her people. Esther didn’t ask the King for deliverance right away, she waits patiently for the correct timing. She invited Haman to the banquets for the King, swelling his pride. If we take a step back, we can see that Haman’s pride is ultimately his downfall. He thinks very highly of himself but he still wants more.
PRIDE
In fact, Haman’s wife Zeresh and his friends are the ones suggesting that gallows be built for Mordecai when he offends Haman. However in chapter 6, we see Haman is greatly humbled, now having to march Mordecai around. He returns in shame to his wife.
And Haman told his wife Zeresh and all his friends everything that had happened to him. Then his wise men and his wife Zeresh said to him, “If Mordecai, before whom you have begun to fall, is of the Jewish people, you will not overcome him but will surely fall before him.” Esther 6:13
Mordecai is behind the scenes in most of the story until the end, after the turn of events. Mordecai also sat at the gates of the city to hear the news and began to be an influence. He had a watchman heart because he was at the gates. The voice of wisdom says in Proverbs:
“And now, O sons, listen to me: blessed are those who keep my ways. Hear instruction and be wise, and do not neglect it. Blessed is the one who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting beside my doors.” Proverbs 8:32-34
Esther finally confesses to the King that Mordecai is her relative. Ironically, Haman is hung on the gallows he built for Mordecai.
Behold, the wicked man conceives evil and is pregnant with mischief and gives birth to lies. He makes a pit, digging it out, and falls into the hole that he has made. His mischief returns upon his own head, and on his own skull his violence descends. Psalm 7:14-16
SIGNANT RING
One little detail that is significant but easily is missed is that the King has been signing decrees with a signant ring. A signant ring is a symbol of royal authority. Pharaoh gave Joseph a signet ring in the book of Genesis (41:42). The giving of the signet ring also signifies a changing of the guard.
On that day, declares the LORD of hosts, I will take you, O Zerubbabel my servant, the son of Shealtiel, declares the LORD, and make you like a signet ring, for I have chosen you, declares the LORD of hosts.” Haggai 2:23
The signet ring now goes to Mordecai and he is given a position of authority. Esther is given authority of Haman‘s house. How does this apply to us now? Well, we can think of Jesus literally sealing us with his signet ring when he was given authority by God the Father.
Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on Him God the Father has set his seal. John 6:27
THE REVERSAL
Esther pleads for a reversal from the order that is against her people. Since the decree can’t be changed, the King allows a new decrees that gives the Jews the right to defend themselves. This second decree brought redemption and the ability to fight for justice. This new decree was given on the 23rd day of the third month which is the month of Sivan. Sivan is late spring, around May or June.
Mordecai and Esther were both bold and courageous in a time of great distress. Esther’s initial response was to lay low, and not get involved or take a risk. This is usually our response as well. Sometimes in periods of great stress we develop the strength to be more bold and courageous than we would have been otherwise. It is a refining opportunity. This is a great lesson for us, as Christians, when we face trials to be strong and courageous and stand for what is right.
Let’s talk about the reversal! God is an 11th hour God.
Now in the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar, on the thirteenth day of the same, when the king’s command and edict were about to be carried out, on the very day when the enemies of the Jews hoped to gain the mastery over them, the reverse occurred: the Jews gained mastery over those who hated them. Esther 9:1
Mordecai began in the story as a man of little status and now there was a fear of him. Throughout the story we see the people are forced to ‘take a side’ so to speak. Those who were on the side of Haman and wanted to do the Jews harm are now facing a grave situation. Haman, all his sons, 500 (first day) in Susa, 300 (second day) in Susa and 75,000 killed in other provinces were put to death. However, the Jews did not go after the plunder. This was not about personal gain.
Also, notice how Haman was hung on a tree – wooden gallow. Jesus came to reverse the curse and therefore hung on a tree for us and our sins.
His body shall not remain all night on the tree, but you shall bury him the same day, for a hanged man is cursed by God. Deuteronomy 21:23
This may be some of the bigger/deeper meanings behind Esther. But as always, it’s important to keep studying. And to always ask for guidance from the Holy Spirit.
Let us never forget what the Lord told Thomas:
“Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:5-6
Let’s keep our eyes focused on Jesus for strength and stand for what is right.
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