In every period in this world’s history, God has had individuals who were exemplary in their faithfulness, despite the general failure of those around them. Men like Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Joseph, Elijah and Timothy, to name a few, showed remarkable devotedness to the Lord, and individual faithfulness, in spite of the condition of those all around them. Likewise, Ruth the Moabitess, Rahab, Huldah the prophetess, Anna, and Mary of Bethany are examples of women of similar outstanding character. But nowhere does a beautiful character shine out more than in the case of Esther.
Consider her situation; her nation had been taken captive more than 100 years before, and the majority of them were living as exiles in a strange land. No doubt she herself had been born in exile. Although some of the Jews had prospered under these circumstances and occupied important positions, they were in general a despised people. (It was probably for this reason that Mordecai told Esther not to reveal her national identity, when she was taken into the king’s court.) But in addition to being in captivity, she was also an orphan, having been brought up by her cousin, Mordecai, who in grace had looked after her as his own daughter. Yet in all this she displays an exemplary character.
Like Daniel and others among the Jews, she was not herself guilty of the sins that had occasioned the captivity, and her ways were honoring to the Lord, even though He is not named in the book that bears her name. The various virtues that she showed in her life are an example for us.
Submissive and Obedient
First of all, she knew how to be submissive and obedient to Mordecai, even though she was a young woman by the time she is introduced to us. She trusted his judgment, and was willing to follow his instructions. This shows a good spirit, for being a beautiful girl, and having been chosen as a possible replacement for queen Vashti, she might well have decided that she was competent to make her own decisions. Even after she became queen, it is recorded that “Esther did the commandment of Mordecai, like as when she was brought up with him” (Esther 2:1919And when the virgins were gathered together the second time, then Mordecai sat in the king's gate. (Esther 2:19)).
Trust
Secondly, she showed a spirit of trust, for when she was to be brought in unto the king, she might take with her whatever she desired. This probably consisted of ornaments, jewels, special clothing, etc., with the view of making her more attractive. But we read that “she required nothing but what Hegai the king’s chamberlain appointed” (Esther 2:1515Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, was come to go in unto the king, she required nothing but what Hegai the king's chamberlain, the keeper of the women, appointed. And Esther obtained favor in the sight of all them that looked upon her. (Esther 2:15)). Again, while God is not specifically mentioned, we can sense a trust and submission to the Lord’s will, whatever might take place.
Wise
But her life was not going to be smooth, and when Haman conceived his plan to destroy all the Jews, she was put into a difficult position. Should she remain silent, or risk her life in order to do something? She shows great wisdom and prudence in her attitude, for on the one hand, she carefully weighs the risk of doing something. On the other hand, when she does decide to act, she does not do so rashly. She asks all the Jews in Shushan to fast for three days, and she does the same. Then only does she go in to meet the king.
Sympathetic
In all this too, she shows her real sympathy and care for her people. Having been raised up to be queen, and thus in a secure position, she might well have decided against risking her life for her people. She had not revealed her national heritage, and it is unlikely that she would have been found out, even had Haman’s plan succeeded. But her care and compassion are evident, and Mordecai impressed upon her the seriousness of the situation, urging her to act.
Courageous
It took courage to go in before the king, for the Persian kings loathed being asked for special favors. Doubtless many would want to come before them with requests, for one word from the king would settle any dispute. To forestall all this, a death sentence was reserved for anyone who came in uninvited, unless the king approved of the visit. Thus even the queen took her life in her hands by coming in without being asked, yet Esther’s attitude was, “If I perish, I perish.” It reminds us of the attitude of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who were prepared to die in the fiery furnace, rather than worship an idol. They knew that the Lord was able to deliver them, but if He chose not to do so, they would accept His will. Again, all this was done in the case of Esther, without the Lord’s name being mentioned.
Patient
Esther shows patience and wisdom too, in the way she makes her request to the king. She does not simply blurt it out, but rather stages a banquet for two days, waiting for the right time to make her request. She exemplified the Lord’s wisdom, when He told His own to be “as wise as serpents, and harmless as doves (Matt. 10:1616Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. (Matthew 10:16)). When the right time comes on the second day, God had already worked, Mordecai had been honored, and the stage was set for Haman’s downfall. In this we see that Esther had a confidence that deliverance would come, and she went about it carefully. Surely she was guided by God’s unseen hand.
Estranged People
We might well ask why God’s presence is consistently behind the scenes here, and why His name is not mentioned. Surely it is because things were out of order, and God’s people were not in their proper place. They had failed, and thus were under His judgment, in captivity. More than this, they were engaging in relationships that were forbidden by the law. What business had a Jewish girl being the queen of a heathen monarch, and being part of his harem? Where is the godliness of Daniel and his friends, who at the beginning of their time in Babylon refused to eat what the law forbad? Where is Daniel’s faith that prayed three times daily, many years later under Darius the Mede? We read none of that in the book of Esther; rather the emphasis is on the Jews nationally, not spiritually.
Yet God in His providence looked after His people, and preserved them. Esther too was quite possibly unable to change her circumstances, for she probably had no choice when she was taken into the custody of the keeper of the king’s women. But all this does not touch the fact that under very difficult circumstances, she exhibits an attractiveness and beauty of character that is an example for us today.
W. J. Prost