This Week with the Word

The Uniform Lesson for February 15
Background & Commentary by Sam E. Stone

Today we focus on another important Old Testament person who demonstrated commitment
—Esther. She is one of only two women who has a book in the Bible named for her. No other woman’s name appears as often in Scripture (55 times). She risked her life to deliver the Jews from annihilation.

Interestingly, however, this is the only book in the Bible that does not contain the word “God.” Neither does it speak directly about prayer and worship. This was evidently done with intent. Perhaps the book was originally included in a Persian history or record. Whatever the reason, no one can read the book of Esther without recognizing that God’s sovereign care for his people is an underlying theme.

Today’s lesson finds Esther—a humble, young Jewish woman—married to King Xerxes. One of the king’s nobles, the wicked Haman, had been plotting to destroy the Jewish people. He was especially bitter toward Esther’s cousin Mordecai, who had taken her as his daughter when her parents died. When Haman learned that Mordecai was a Jew, he persuaded the king to issue a decree that would take not just his life, but the lives of all Jews.

A Deadly Plot/Esther 4:1-3

Verse 1. When Mordecai learned of all that had been done, he tore his clothes. Tearing one’s clothes was a sign of sorrow among the Jews.

Verse 2. But he went only as far as the king’s gate, because no one clothed in sackcloth was allowed to enter it. Esther was isolated from Mordecai.

Verse 3. In every province to which the edict and order of the king came, there was great mourning among the Jews, with fasting, weeping and wailing. Many lay in sackcloth and ashes. All hope seemed gone. No one could change the edict of a Persian king (Esther 8:8).

A Dangerous Choice/Esther 4:9-11

Verse 9. Hathach went back and reported to Esther what Mordecai had said. When Esther learned that Mordecai was in great distress, she sent her trusted attendant, Hathach, to learn what was wrong. He found Esther’s cousin in the open square of the city in front of the king’s gate (6:6). Mordecai told him everything that had happened, including the exact amount of money Haman had promised to pay into the royal treasury for the destruction of the Jews. He sent a copy of the annihilation orders to show Esther and asked that Hathach urge her to go before the king and beg that mercy be shown to her people.

Verses 10, 11. “All the king’s officials and the people of the royal provinces know that for any man or woman who approaches the king in the inner court without being summoned the king has but one law: that he be put to death.” Perhaps Esther thought Mordecai did not understand the seriousness of what he was asking her to do. Going uninvited to the king was like signing your own death warrant! Only if the king looked with favor on the person could he be spared. Otherwise, death was automatic. Esther had not been invited into his presence for a month. She did not know how he would react to her coming in this way, no matter how valid the reason.

A Daring Plan/Esther 4:12-17

Verse 12, 13. When Esther’s words were reported to Mordecai, he sent back this answer: “Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape.” Just because Esther lived in the palace, it did not mean she would not be exterminated along with all the other Jews.

Verses 14. “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish.” Someone observed, “Silence isn’t always golden—sometimes it’s just plain yellow!” Often fear keeps people from speaking up when they should. “And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?” Mordecai trusted in God’s sovereignty. The Lord could deliver his people however he chose to do it (as he delivered the Jews from Egyptian bondage). The Jewish nation will continue to be God’s chosen people. That is for sure. The only question is, “Through whom will he accomplish their deliverance?” Could God have placed Esther here at this very time for this purpose? (See Genesis 45:5-7.)

Verses 15, 16. Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: “Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids will fast as you do.” Undoubtedly their fasting included prayer, even though that is not specified in the record. “When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.” With the courage of Daniel and the trust of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, Queen Esther placed her life on the line. A wise person declared, “Rashness acts without fear; bravery, in spite of it.” Esther was committed to die, if necessary, for her faith and her people. |L

Sam E. Stone is the former editor of Christian Standard. He continues his writing and speaking ministry from his home in Cincinnati, Ohio.