Welcome Ladies,
Because we’re a Ladies ministry, God placed on my heart to do a study on the women in the bible and what we can learn from their life and character. Today, we will begin with a study on the life of Queen Esther. We only have two Old Testament books named by women. Ruth and Esther. One thing that stands out in this book is that God’s name is not mentioned in the entire book, but you can see He is working behind the scenes.
The book of Esther portrays a beautiful picture of Christs’ providence and protection of the Jewish nation. In fact, ever since the fall of man, Satan’s attempted to spiritually sever God’s relationship with human creation and disrupt God’s covenant promises with Israel. One of the main themes in Esther is God’s providence. Providential means God working behind the scenes. A definition by Strong states “Providence is that continued agency of God by which he makes all events of the physical and moral world fulfill the original design with which He created it.”
Esther’s Hebrew name is Hadassah which came from the Persian name “star”. Esther grew up in Persia. She was a captive and an orphan. She was raised by her cousin Mordecai. Let take a look at Queen Esther.
Ordinary
Esther was lovely and beautiful. She was an ordinary Jewish young lady, not of high esteem, nor high-minded. Her beauty did not make her prideful. God uses ordinary people. Her wisdom and virtue were her greatest beauty. She honored and respected Mordecai as her father. She was faithful to him in keeping the secret of being a Jew. She is an ordinary girl who God will use to do something extraordinary. He exalts her over a high and mighty Queen Vashti. She is the type of person God will use, not the proud, not the rich, or the self-sufficient person who believes they don’t need anyone. He chooses the humble.
Esther finds favor as part of God’s providence.
God chose to use Esther probably before she was even born. The characteristics Esther portrayed were noticed. Esther finds favor with God when she is brought before the king. The first person to observe her is Hegai, the man appointed by the king to attend and look after Esther. He immediately saw her beauty and qualities. The main thing with Hegai is, he knew she was a Jew and he kept the secret. Also, Hegai moved her to the best place in the house of the women and provided her with seven handmaidens. She then finds favor with King. The bible states, “the king loved Esther more than all the other women and she obtained grace and favor in his sight more than all the virgins.” He made her the Queen. The king did not have to wait to make a decision. He immediately knew Esther was the one. She possessed a natural, authentic beauty as well as her physical beauty.
Reluctance to Obedience
When Mordecai presented the facts to Esther about Haman’s plan to annihilate all of the Jews and requested, she speaks to the king, her initial response was met with reluctance. How often are we reluctant when we are challenged by God or our mentors? She probably felt reluctant because the King had not called for her in 30 days and feeling she had lost favor with King Ahasuerus. However, she wisely chose to take the advice of Mordecai. She had a humble disposition. She does not become bitter because of her circumstances. She trusts God and turns to Him for direction.
Sacrifices Self to Save Her People.
Esther made up her mind to go before the King at whatever the cost; but not until she and her people fast and pray that she may find favor with the King. She had her eyes and heart on God who is sovereign and who can change the hearts of Kings. This should be the practice of all Christians during trials and especially joining with other Christians in prayer.
After three days of prayer and fast, Esther intercedes for her people. One could say she felt serving God and her people was far better than selfishly looking out for own life.
The Wisdom Esther Portrays
Esther is very wise in how she handles the situation. She boldly goes before King Ahasuerus. This shows us that those who sincerely walk with God will enjoy His security. They can go on to do their work and not fear what man can do to them.
She wears beautiful clothing of his likeness and obtained favor once again by the King. King Ahasuerus assures her safety. It is amazing how God can turn the hearts of great men which way He please towards us.
In wisdom and prudence, Esther prepares for the banquet of wine in such a way to have the King feeling good as she calls out Haman for his evil deeds.
She then falls down to the King’s feet crying and begging to make a petition for the deliverance of her people. Will we humble ourselves before God in this way when presented with difficult circumstances?
Rewards
We have many great rewards from the Father when we live godly, holy, and obedient lives. Here are a few of the rewards Esther and her people experienced.
- Advancement of Esther to become the Queen.
- Favor from Hegai and King Ahasuerus.
- Haman put to death for seeking to kill Esther and her people.
- Esther received all of Haman’s estate, goods, money, and personal possessions.
- The Jewish cleared themselves of their enemies who had received orders from Haman to kill them.
- Deliverance for the nation and they were able to freely worship the one and only true God.
- An annual feast commemorating their deliverance, called “the feast of Purim”.
In conclusion, Esther is an example of a Christian woman whom God had placed in special circumstances to perform a special ministry. She is a testimony of a believer willing to give all for her God. What about you? Will you walk the walk of faith? Will you give all to God? He is asking you to trust Him with your whole heart.
