This is a remarkable book, and is set in one of the darkest days of the Nation of Israel’s history up to that particular time. It is unique in that Jehovah’s name is not mentioned in it even once. However His mighty hand is to be seen in all that took place in that book. It shows us that though Israel had forgotten about their God, and had settled down comfortably in the different places to which they had been scattered; yet Jehovah had not forgotten His people. Thus we see the fulfillment of Jehovah’s promise made through the Prophet Isaiah in chapter. 49:15

It is probable that many of God’s people had just settled down, and were carrying on business, (and probably prospering), in the different places to which they had been scattered. They were no longer troubled by that which was meant to break their hearts, (being exiled from their own land), so God allowed this great threatened tragedy to arise, so that they might be awakened out of their lethargy and materialism.

The Books of Ezra and Nehemiah, and the prophecies of Daniel, Zechariah, Haggai, & Malachi show very clearly that this was not true of all Israel. But when the exiles returned, there was only 40,000 of them, though there were millions scattered throughout the 127 Provinces of the dominion of Ahasuerus. This was in spite of Cyrus’ plea that every one whose heart moved them should return to their land.)

Over the Millenniums of their dispersion, the Jews have proved to be very adaptable. There are more Jews in the U.K today than there are in Israel. There are millions of them in the U.S.A. and much of the wealth of that country is in their hands. In fact at the last Presidential Election in that country, they almost had a Jew as their Vice President. In a recent government in the U.S.A, Henry Kissinger, their foreign secretary was a Jew.

Though the majority were prosperous and content in their material affluence, yet things were not good at the very heart of power. Satan had a definite plan to attempt to destroy that nation. He knew that the Savior of lost men was to be a Jew, and he determined to destroy that nation if he could. If his dastardly plan was to succeed then you and I would be left to go to Hell. There were several times that he tried to do this.

SATAN’S PLAN.

Satan knew that it would be the "Seed of the woman", that would crush his head, so he tried to bring about the total annihilation of the human race, at the time of the flood. But God found Noah a righteous man, and thus Satan’s plan was foiled.

Then he knew that Abraham had a special place in the plan of God, also Sarah his wife. So he tried to have Sarah defiled by the Pharaoh so that she could not be the mother of the chosen seed, but again his plan was foiled. Later he tried to do the same thing with Rebecca, but once more God intervened, and Rebecca was given back to Isaac. Once again through another Pharaoh, he tried to exterminate the males amongst the people of Israel. To assimilate the nation of Israel into the Egyptian nation, and thus extinguish the hope of a Redeemer, and salvation for every member of the human family that would receive it. Then he made one last attempt to destroy the Lord Jesus when He was an infant. He used the wicked Herod-the-Great in this last bid, but God protected His Son by sending Him with His parents down to Egypt.

THE FAITHFULNESS OF GOD.

We also see the faithfulness of God in His intervention in the affairs of nations, so as to protect His chosen people. The way that He took to do this was amazing, and a demonstration of the working out of the doxology of Rom. 11:33-36. Truly God’s ways are past finding out. Whoever would have thought that so much would be involved in the obstinate refusal of a Medo-Persian Queen to obey the command of her drunken husband? This would show us what huge issues can lie behind seemingly trivial incidents. Men and their actions are just like pawns in a chess game. There are mighty hands behind many of the public moves.

At the present time that favoured nation of Israel is under great pressure. It seems that their closest ally is the U.S.A., perhaps in part because of what is stated above? Satan cannot now deny to mankind the salvation that the Son of God has purchased for us. But he still seeks to plunge lost men into death and destruction. Because he knows that once men die in their sins, they are forever beyond the reach of God’s grace. He that destroyed the beauty of God’s creation, and through his temptation and the fall, plunged the human family into eternal loss and ruin; would seek to rob God of the pleasure that He will find in the Millennial Age. Then this creation will be restored to its former glory. There will indeed be "Peace upon earth", and God will yet find "Good pleasure in men". In that day Israel will be the head of the nations. The Son of David, will sit on Israel’s throne. The knowledge of His glory will cover the earth, as the waters cover the sea.

GOD WILL PREVAIL.

Let us rejoice in the fact that all this will happen, regardless of what Satan may plan or do. The events detailed in this lovely book of Esther, show how that, God is quietly working out His own plans. Job admitted at last, "I know that Thou canst do everything, and Thou canst be hindered in no thought of Thine". Job. 42:1 (J.N.D trans.) Let us rest in the fact that God will have His way, though He may allow matters to reach a seemingly impossible pitch, as He did in this book.

How this magnifies the Majesty and power of our Almighty God! It would give to you and I His children a great sense of security in the present difficult times. All glory be to His great and holy name!

Chapter one shows us the Medo-Persian Empire at its peak of prosperity and power. Its ruler gathers all those that served him at different levels in the administration of that Empire. He wanted to show off his fabulous wealth, to boast in his achievements. However God had humbled a greater Emperor than Ahasuerus. He had removed Nebuchadnezzar’s reason, and gave him the mind of an ass. He was driven from men, and for seven years lived like an animal. Until he knew that "The Most High, ruleth in the kingdoms of men"

The opulence that was shown off by this Emperor was indeed amazing. The opulence of the Rulers in the Middle Eastern countries today is tremendous. I have seen some of their palaces, and they are truly daunting. But after all, what is man? God could remove it all with a stroke, if He chose.

VASTI’S REFUSAL.

All went well until towards the end of the six months of feasting. The Emperor decided to have a fashion parade, to show off his beautiful Queen before the lustful eyes of his drunken politicians. But Vashti refused, she was not going to be a showpiece to gratify the pride of her sensual husband. Here we are compelled to acknowledge the rightness of her clinging to her dignity, but on the other hand to resent the in-subjection that she displayed.

She would be very popular with many today, in this day of so-called ‘women’s liberation’ It is said that ‘two wrongs do not make a right’, and this was so in this case. It was wrong of the Emperor to wish to use his wife as a spectacle, to parade her beauty before the sensual gaze of drunken men. It is still wrong today, for men to organize beauty pageants etc. God did make women beautiful, but that beauty was intended only for the pleasure of their husband, and it was never His intention that the most beautiful of His creatures should be used as a show-piece, just to gratify the sensual desires of fallen men.

On the other hand it was God’s intention that the wife should be subject to the husband. The universal multiplication of the spirit of in-subjection, has brought with it great social, moral and spiritual problems. The Emperor’s advisers were quick to see the problems that would arise throughout the Empire, if Queen Vashti’s refusal went unpunished, and was noticed by every other wife. Thus it was that the first recorded divorce in the Bible took place. This practice God says He hates, Mal. 2:16. Yet it is corrupting our society, and even destroying some Assemblies.

GOD’S INTERVENTION.

A search was then to be made of the whole of the Medo-Persian Empire, and the most beautiful girls were to be assembled at Shushan the palace. The Emperor was to gratify his animal desires with each one. What a horrible thing? Yet this was the custom of those times. How we should thank God, for the Bible, and for the effect that the practice of true Christian values and ethics has had on our society. For it is only in true Christianity that the woman has been restored to her right and proper place of dignity.

In the midst of such an opulent, but morally corrupt society, there was at least one man that was not driven by the power of lust. There was one man that showed the character of true love and compassion. That man was Mordecai. He had brought up his orphaned niece, and had compassion on this orphaned girl.

He had been carried away captive with those captured with Jeconiah the King of Judah. This captivity took place under Nebuchadnezzar, but it seems that Mordecai had accepted the disciplinary judgment of God that his nation deserved. He had passed through much political turmoil. He had seen the great Empire of that King, overthrown by the powerful Medes and Persians. Yet through all that change, he had not lost his compassion or his dignity. It is possible that Hadassah’s parents had been killed in the same war in which he was taken captive. However in spite of the sorrow and hardship that he had passed through, yet he took this little orphaned girl under his care, and had brought her up as his own child. God will reward such compassion wherever it is shown. It is in a sense the display of His own nature, because He calls Himself the "Father of the Fatherless, and the judge of the widow". Psalm 68:5. Let me encourage all that are called to exercise such a ministry of compassion. God will surely reward you in your own soul, as you pour out His love into the saddened lives of others.

So it was that when virgins were sought to become the Queen of the realm, Mordecai thought of his adopted daughter, now a beautiful young woman. He could never have known that the hand of God was in all this. He could never have dreamed that things would turn out the way that they did. He could never have known that the eye of Jehovah was upon him, and that He was watching all that Mordecai had done. But as mentioned earlier, God’s ways are past finding out.

MORDECAI’S LOYALTY.

He was not a rebel, and he was concerned that the authority that God had set up should be protected. Within the King’s household there were two men that had the spirit of murder in their hearts. They made plans to assassinate the King. The knowledge of their plans came into the possession of Mordecai, and he revealed it to Esther. The matter was investigated and justice was meted out to the would-be murderers, but Mordecai received no reward for his faithfulness, except that his actions were recorded in a book. This seemed to be a great injustice, but God had seen and heard what Mordecai had done, and at the right time this action of his was to change the course of things as they were now going according to Satan’s plans.

HAMAN THE AGAGITE.

The name of this man, the fact that he is identified as an Agagite, seems to reveal the fact that he was a descendant of the royal family of the Amalekites. Away back in Moses’ time, when Israel was in the wilderness, they had been attacked and harassed by the Amalekites. Once Joshua had got the victory over this foe, and broken their power with the edge of the sword, God proclaimed that he would have war with Amalek from generation to generation. The reason for this was the fact that Amalek’s hand was on Jehovah’s throne. For us, the throne of God is the believer’s heart. He desires to rule us through our affections. That is why the Lord Jesus said, "If ye love me, keep my commandments". John. 14:15.

Satan seeks to rule the believer’s life through the flesh, the fallen sinful nature of Adam that indwells us all. (The old SELF). But God has decreed that "Sin shall not have dominion over you, (us). Rom. 6:14.

However Ahasuerus was pleased to promote this person. When left alone men will always make the wrong choice. They did this at the Pavement when they chose Barrabas. The flesh loves to be praised, acknowledged, applauded, so Haman relished his great popularity with the King. It suited his pride and vanity very much as wherever he went the servants of the King arose and bowed to him But it made him very angry when Mordecai the Jew refused to do as the others did. He would never bow down to an Amalekite, he knew too much about their historical deeds and their character.

THE WORKING OUT OFSATAN’S PLAN.

Thus Haman determined to destroy him, but not only Mordecai, but all the Jews with him. He would annihilate the whole nation of Israel. Perhaps he did not know what would be the consequences for the whole of mankind, if his dastardly plan was to succeed. But Satan did know, and it was he that put the thought into Haman’s heart and mind. Neither did he know what the dreadful result would be for himself and his family, when his plot failed. Let all that would put out their hand to destroy that nation pay heed!

Jehovah has a special care for that special nation. He said of them, that "He that touches them touches the apple of His eye", Zech. 2:8, & Deut. 32:10. However it seemed that Haman’s plan was diabolically inspired. He used his place of power and favor with the King to put his plan into operation. When the King thought that it would add to his already great wealth to grant that evil man’s’ request he willingly agreed to put the plan into operation. Thus the date was set, for the destruction of the nation of Israel. Every where, throughout the whole `127 provinces of the Medo-Persian Empire on that fateful day, this little nation was to come under the executioner’s sword and thus be liquidated.

Mordecai was distraught when he heard the news, and he tore his clothes, put on the garments of mourning, and cried with a loud and bitter cry. But while all this was taking place, the different beauties had been brought to the King, but in the ordering of God, only Esther was chosen for that privileged and powerful place. Her wisdom and humility was revealed during the long selection period. She willingly submitted to the guidance of the King’s chamberlain, and requested only what he thought suitable.

When the information of Mordecai’s mourning reached her, and knowing that his actions were contravening the command of the King, thus exposing himself to his wrath. She sent him more clothes so that he might dress himself suitably, but Mordecai refused them. This grieved the Queen exceedingly, so she sent her senior official to inquire the reason for his great distress..

Hatach returned to the Queen with the tragic news, and holding in his hand a copy of the execution order. He also conveyed Mordecai’s’ request that she should go in to the King, and make intercession for herself and her people. However things were not quite so simple, as protocol required that only those that had been summoned by the King should dare to enter his presence on the pain of death. She informed her step father of this; only to be told that she, as well as the rest of the nation was at risk of forfeiting their lives, even though she was Queen. He added those immortal words, "Who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom, for such a time as this".

The new Queen was now faced with a momentous decision, but she was prepared to lay her life on the line, for the salvation of her people. Her words shine out like gold, "If I perish, I perish". How proud Mordecai must have felt of his noble daughter? He could never have dreamed that such a situation as this would develop, and that his orphaned niece would play such a noble and prominent part in the drama that unfolded. She asked Mordecai to gather all the Jews in Shushan the palace-city, and to fast night and day for three days. Not a thing is said about prayer, or crying out to God, so far had the people of Israel got from Him. Yet though His help was not sought, He intervened in a mighty way Esther was not asking others to do what she was not willing to do herself, so she gathered her maidens, and they also fasted for those three days.

THE QUEEN ENTERS.

Then armed with a wisdom from God, a wisdom that she had not sought, she made the momentous decision, put her life in her hands, and went into the King uninvited. As she stood in the outer court, perhaps trembling in every nerve, God acted in her favour, and moved the King to extend the royal golden scepter to his Queen. Then in the presence of his nobles, the King made a promise that he could not go back on. He would grant her request even to the half of his kingdom. But Esther was not interested in riches or in fame. Her life and the life of her people were far more important than those things.

She requested the King and Haman to come to a banquet that she would prepare for them. She would defer her request until the next day. Haman was present, and heard all that was said. He heard the King accept the invitation, and he went out rejoicing to his home. What an honour the Queen had paid him, that he should be the only other guest at the banquet! But as he went out, he saw his enemy sitting in sackcloth in the King’s gate. He refused to rise or to bow to the Amalekite tyrant.

Haman shared the news of his good fortune with his wife and family. But he also told them of his hatred of the man that refused to bow to him. They advised him to erect a huge gallows. seventy five feet high on which to hang Mordecai.

Haman had said nothing of the details of the banquet that he had attended with the King. His mind was set on getting rid of this troublesome Jew. Thus after attending to the erection of the gallows, Haman went early next morning to the palace to request the life of his enemy. But God had been at work during the night, and He had removed sleep from the great Monarch. To pass the time away, he requested his attendants to read the book of the chronicles of his kingdom before him. When what Mordecai had done, in revealing the plot to assassinate the king was read, he asked what honour and dignity had been conferred on Mordecai for his noble deed. He was shocked when told that nothing had been done for the one that had spared his life. It was just at that time that Haman entered the court.

THE TIDE TURNS.

We cannot but wonder at the timing of God. Though He was ignored and forgotten by the great majority of His people, yet He meticulously arranged everything in His divine skill. Who would have thought that the King having a sleepless night would have such far-reaching results?

Haman went to the court thinking that all he had to do was to ask for the life of Mordecai. Little did he know that before the day ended his own body would be swinging from the very same gallows that he intended to hang Mordecai on. So when he reached the court, the King inquired who was standing there, and when told that it was Haman the King called him in. The King then put the question to him, "What shall be done unto the man whom the King delighteth to honour?" Poor proud Haman thought within himself, "Who would the King delight to honour more than me?" In his pride and vanity he made a very great suggestion. Seeking all the pomp and glory for himself, But how crushed he was when the King told him to do all that he had said for Mordecai the Jew! There could not have been a greater reversal of events, nor could his pride have been more cruelly humbled.

After he had done what the King commanded, (he had no option but to obey), he went home mourning, having his head covered. He told his wife and all in his home of the great misfortune that had befallen him expecting to have sympathy lavished upon him. But instead his wife warned him that if Mordecai was a Jew, and he had begun to fall before him; then he would not be able to prevail over him. She predicted that Haman would surely fall before this righteous man. It was while he was lamenting his fate; that messenger came to call him to Esther’s banquet.

THE BANQUET.

I expect that eating and drinking was the very last thing that he would wish to do in the circumstances, yet he had to keep up that which was expected of him. After the festivities the King then asked Esther what was her request, promising to grant what she asked, even to half his kingdom. Esther then asked that her life be given to her and her people at her request. Telling him that she and her people were sold to be destroyed, to be slain, and to perish. If they were to be sold as slaves, then she could have borne it, and would have held her tongue. She told the King that the enemy could never repay the loss that this would cause him

The King was shocked, "Who is he, and where is he that dared to presume in his heart to do such a thing". Then Esther said, "The adversary and enemy is this wicked Haman". The King was furious and rose from the banquet and went into the palace garden. Doubtless he was afraid that he may explode and do something that was not becoming of one in his position. Haman could see that the die was cast, the King intended evil against him. He stood up to plead for his life, and then fell on the couch where the Queen was seated to beg for mercy. The King then returned to find Haman in this unbecoming position, and accused him of evil sexual intentions. He then ordered that his face be covered, (that he be smothered). Then his servants told the King of the great gallows that Haman had built to hang Mordecai on. The order was then given to hang him on his own gallows. Truly "whatever a man sows, that shall he also reap"

MORDECAI EXALTED..

The King had taken his ring from the lifeless hand of the Jews’ enemy He removed from him all the insignias of office, and gave them to Mordecai. The house of Haman and his sons were also given over to Mordecai to execute justice and judgment upon them.

However the Law of the Medes and the Persians could not be altered, and the letters authorizing the destruction of the nation had gone out to all 127 provinces. These letters were sealed with the King’s ring, and could not be withdrawn. They refused the Jews the right to defend themselves, and handed their possessions to their murderers

So Esther requested that other letters be sent, authorizing the Jews to stand up and fight for their survival. These were granted by the King, and this gave the Jews almost nine months to prepare for the great day of conflict. This was to their advantage, because up to this point of time, they had been engaged in business, and were not a war-like people at all

A LESSON FOR US.

There is a lesson here for all believers. We too are not to be aggressive, or to be continually verbally attacking people. However we are told in the New Testament that the "Sword" of the Spirit is the word of God. It is rather sad that in these days when materialism is so prominent, so many of God’s people have made materialism their priority. They have neglected the reading of the word of God. They do not know how to wield the sword of the Spirit. We need to wake up, and to arm ourselves with that sword. Thus the Jews now had time to arm themselves, and to learn how to use those swords. It also had the effect of causing the Jews to come together. We too need to judge and to forsake those petty things that have brought in such division amongst us. As we return to the word of God, as we get a grip on it, and learn to apply it; the result will be unity, based on holiness of life.

THE GOOD NEWS SPREADS.

The spreading of the good news made the people of God to rejoice. They had light, gladness, joy and honour. They gathered together for feasting, and enjoyment. It would be wonderful to see this happen again amongst the Assemblies in Western countries. Once it was the custom for believers to come together for fellowship, and for conferences, when the word of God would be ministered with power, and for profit. Such conferences are now largely extinct, because the believers are more taken up with material things. They are more interested in relaxation, sport and entertainment.

Mordecai, the one that had humbled himself was now exalted. He wore royal apparel and a crown of gold upon his head. For the moment he rises to be a type of Christ. Because, when Christ is exalted and given His rightful place then the saints rejoice. See Phil. 2:5-11.

When the fateful day came, the Jews stood together as one to face and to destroy those that hated them. They were not interested in material gain, because though they were permitted to do so, by the King’s command, yet it says three times that "On the prey they laid not their hand". The Lord Jesus told us that we are not to marvel if the world hates us. It hated Him before it hated us. We should not expect any different treatment than what He received.

This singular victory is still celebrated by the Jews today. The feast of Purim is held each year to commemorate it. It must give them great hope in their present situation, when it seems that most of the world is against them.

OUR FEAST OF REMEMBRANCE.

Each Lord’s Day, (the first day of the week) it is the practice of believers all over the world to gather together, to remember the Lord Jesus, and the great victory that He has won for us at the place called ‘Golgotha’. The victory of Christ is the real ground for the rejoicing of believers all over the world.

Those Jews not only had a day of feasting, fellowship and a good day, but they also sent gifts or portions to the poor. (Those for whom nothing was prepared. J.N.D trans.) May the Lord help us also, to share with others the riches with which He has endowed us! The truths that He has revealed to us are not just for us, but are the property of the whole Church.

Thus the scene closes with the King supreme seated on his throne, and Mordecai the one that had brought him great gain, given his rightful place of prominence. He was truly great amongst the Jews, accepted by the multitude of his brethren, and speaking peace to all his seed.

Here we see a dim picture of the wonder of the Millennial reign of Christ. God will be glorified, and will again find His good pleasure in men. Christ will be exalted and crowned as the King of the universe. His seed (the Church), will experience the wonder of His peace. Israel, (His brethren), will then accept Him as their Messiah, and the Gentile nations will also be wonderfully blessed. What a glorious prospect we have in view? But before that wonderful day, Israel must pass through the Great Tribulation, (the day of Jacob’s trouble).

These are but a few of the important lessons that we believers in Christ can learn from this remarkable book of Esther. May God’s holy name be glorified!

Charles E. Wigg. 1.1.2003.