The fascinating account that we call "Esther" has intrigue, love and mysterious purpose that highlights God's sovereign control over every aspect. In ten chapters, we meet the ruling King of Persia, his evil courtier Haman, Mordecai, a dignified and stubborn Jew and his niece Hadassa. Each player has an integral part in the tale. That story goes like this.
The King has a magnificent party that goes on for six months! Finally, in his desire to show off his lovely wife, he calls for her to come dressed in her crown. She refuses, usually a crime punishable by death, and is banished from the castle. The flustered King asks his men what he should do, and they decide he should seek a new bride. The process takes months, but finally, Ester is chosen. Her new position will be a critical part of the happy ending of this story.
Enter the villain Haman, who hates Mordecai so much that he eventually plans to kill him. Before that evil deed, however, he hatches an even more cruel act in the destruction of the Jewish population. This proclamation is sealed by the King's signet and is irreversible. When Mordecai discovers the terrible situation, he morns, fasts and sends word to Ester. From her position as queen, she needs to take action. Ester stutters a bit because to enter the King's presence unannounced is certain death. Nevertheless, Mordecai's immortal words, "Who knows that you have been put in this place for just a time as this?" still send chills of courage and fear down our collective spines.
Esther goes after asking for group fasting for her success and is accepted into the royal presence. She calls the King and Haman to a feast where she calls on the King and Haman to come to a second feast. During the night, between the two meals, the King can't sleep and discovers that Mordecai has not been rewarded for saving the his life from two assassins. So he orders his right-hand man Haman to parade Mordecai around town, shouting, "This is what is done to the man the King desires to honour." Haman rushes home in disgrace, but his wife gives him an idea. "Build a huge structure from which to hang the hardheaded Jew!" Haman is delighted and does just that.
The second banquet happens, and just after the meal, Esther reveals Haman's plan to kill her people. The King is so enraged that he impales Haman on the post supposed to be Mordecai's destination. However, the King doesn't reverse his decision but permits the Jews to defend themselves. They do so and after the victorious day, the Feast of Purim is instituted to celebrate and remember the nation's salvation.
God is never mentioned, and we don't even know that Esther and Mordecai were believers in God, but God's purpose is clear. That purpose was to preserve His people and fulfill his promises. What life twists have you experienced, and how did you see God save the day?
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