The Story of Esther

The name Esther means "Star". She was also called "Hadassa" in Hebrew which means myrtle. Esther is mentioned fifty six times in the Book of Esther in God's Holy Word.

The theme of this Book is the great deliverance of the Jews from extermination during the time of the Babylonian captivity.

The purpose of the Book was to show by whom and how this great deliverance of the Jews in all lands came about; to record the beginning of the Feast of Purim; and to reveal the historical background of the liberator of the Jews from captivity-Cyrus, who was son of Esther and Darius the Mede.

Ezra, the scribe, was author of the Book of Esther which is the17th book of the Bible. It has 10 chapters; 167 verses, 5,637 words. There is no distinct message from God within the this book, also no promises or prophesy.

It has been observed by many that within this book; the name of God is not found. In the ancient Hebrew text which the Bible was written, it is said there were five places where the name of God was hidden, being abbreviated as JHVH for JeHoVah, four times, and EHYEH (I Am that I am) once. These letters were used as acrostics in certain statements, and in three of the MSS. In the original scroll, they were written larger than the rest of the text so they would stand out boldly. The scriptures in which these Hebrew text occur are 1:20, 5:4, 5:13, 7:6, and 7:7.

Esther was a godly woman who was chosen by God to help bring deliverance to the Jews and save them from extermination. She was chosen by the King as the most beautiful and talented virgin in all the empire, to be Queen. It was God's plan and favor in all these events for the preservation of His chosen people during this period in History. This was so the Messiah could come through the line of the Jewish people and restore man's dominion in the fullness of God's appointed time and plan.

We notice several things about Esther and her presentation to the King. Esther had a year's preparation with oil of myrrh and other sweet odours as was the custom for purification of women in those days. Also much prayer and fasting was observed by all the people. When she was presented to the King, she obtained his favor and he set the royal crown upon her head. We might compare her preparation to our being prepared to present our petitions to our Lord by our praises unto Him. Praise and worship is also a sweet fragrance unto the Lord.

The courage of Esther is shown in this Book . She was chosen for the Kingdom "for such a time as this", as stated by Mordecai. The Jews fasted and prayed for her as it was contrary to the law to approach the King without being summoned. She knew she faced her death by approaching him if he had not called for her. The preservation of the Jewish people meant more to her than her own life. She told them if she perished, she would perish. Esther chose to obey God in spite of the danger involved. This showed remarkable courage.

Prayer and fasting changed the course of events and helped cancel the scheme of wicked Haman. He had planned to kill Mordecai and wipe out the entire Jewish race. God had other plans and what the enemy meant for harm, Jehovah God reversed and made something good as the outcome.

When Esther approached the King, at risk of her life, she obtained his favor. He held out his golden sceptre to her, she drew near and touched the top of it. Then she used the wisdom God had given her to make one simple request. She only asked that the King and Haman attend a banquet prepared by her. This invitation was accepted and thus begin the course of events to save her people.

The very gallows which Hamon had planned to hang Mordecai were used to hang Hamon and the other enemies of the Jews in Shushan.

The Jews were saved and Mordecai became great in the King's house so that his fame went throughout all countries. They had gained the victory over all their enemies.

The Feast of Purim or (lots) is still observed today by many and was instituted yearly to commemorate the Jewish deliverance under Queen Esther.

Esther's devotion to God, prayer and fasting gave her the victory over the enemy and saved the Jewish people at this time. We can look into this story and see the hand of God working in behalf of His people. We can also know God still moves today when godly men or women seek Him as Esther. Faith in our Lord results in our prayers being answered and the enemies of our soul also being defeated.