Year 2, Week 26, Day 2 Bible Reading Observations

Year 2, Week 26, Day 2

I have a brief observation for today’s reading of Esther 1-2.

Today’s reading begins the Book of Esther. We are still away from the Book of Ezra in order to look at some other readings that coincide with the historical material covered in Ezra. Ezra 1-6 covered a period of time from about 538 BC to 515 BC as it records the first group of returnees and the work they accomplished in rebuilding the Temple. Ezra 7 will pick up in about 458 BC as Ezra is a part of the second group of returnees. The events recorded in the Book of Esther cover a period of time from about 483 BC to 473 BC, and note some key events in the life of Ahasuerus, the King of Persia. Ahasuerus (also known as Xerxes), who ruled from 486 BC to 465 BC, held a banquet for all the important leaders of his empire. Military leaders, princes, and nobles attended. During the banquet, Ahasuerus made a request of his wife, Queen Vashti, that she parade herself in front of the banquet. When Vashti refused, she was removed as the queen. Esher 1 concludes with the announcement of the need to find a new queen: “let it be written among the laws of the Persians and the Medes so that it may not be repealed, that Vashti is never again to come before King Ahasuerus. And let the king give her royal position to another who is better than she” (Esther 1:19). Esther 2 introduces us to Mordecai, a Jew who was from the family line of King Saul (this will prove important later in the story): “Now there was a Jew in Susa the citadel whose name was Mordecai, the son of Jair, son of Shimei, son of Kish, a Benjaminite, who had been carried away from Jerusalem among the captives carried away with Jeconiah king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had carried away” (Esther 2:5-6). Mordecai, “was bringing up Hadassah, that is Esther, the daughter of his uncle, for she had neither father nor mother” (Esther 2:7). Mordecai had Esther enter the process to be selected as Ahasuerus’ next wife, but he also counseled Esther to hide her Jewish identity. Mordecai also happened to discover a plan to assassinate Ahasuerus. The assassination attempt was foiled and the events were quickly forgotten but duly recorded: “When the affair was investigated and found to be so, the men were both hanged on the gallows. And it was recorded in the book of the chronicles in the presence of the king” (Esther 2:23).

One of the things that struck me from today’s reading was the invisible yet clear indication that the LORD was at work in the interrelated events between Ahasuerus, Mordecai, and Esther: “So when the king’s order and his edict were proclaimed, and when many young women were gathered in Susa the citadel in custody of Hegai, Esther also was taken into the king’s palace and put in custody of Hegai, who had charge of the women. And the young woman pleased him and won his favor. And he quickly provided her with her cosmetics and her portion of food, and with seven chosen young women from the king’s palace, and advanced her and her young women to the best place in the harem” (Esther 2:8-9). While the LORD is not explicitly named anywhere in the Book of Esther, the LORD is at work through the events recorded in the Book. Esther found favor before those who were overseeing the selection process for a new queen. Esther was not only finding favor in the eye of the eunuch in charge of the process, she was noticed by all: “Now Esther was winning favor in the eyes of all who saw her” (Esther 2:15b). But more importantly, Esther was noticed by Ahasuerus: “And when Esther was taken to King Ahasuerus, into his royal palace, in the tenth month, which is the month of Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign, the king loved Esther more than all the women, and she won grace and favor in his sight more than all the virgins, so that he set the royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti” (Esther 2:16-17). The important role that Esther will play in the purposes of the LORD to preserve His people has yet been mentioned, but perhaps a hint is given as to Esther’s helpful place is noted as a feast is throw to celebrate the new queen: “Then the king gave a great feast for all his officials and servants; it was Esther’s feast. He also granted a remission of taxes to the provinces and gave gifts with royal generosity” (Esther 2:19).

A similar point about the invisible yet clear indication that the LORD was at work, can be seen not only in the selection of Esther as the new queen, but also in the circumstances involving Mordecai’s role in foiling the attempted assassination of Ahasuerus: “In those days, as Mordecai was sitting at the king’s gate, Bigthan and Teresh, two of the king’s eunuchs, who guarded the threshold, became angry and sought to lay hands on King Ahasuerus” (Esther 2:21). Mordecai reported what he heard to Esther, the Queen, who notified her husband the King: “And this came to the knowledge of Mordecai, and he told it to Queen Esther, and Esther told the king in the name of Mordecai” (Esther 2:22). Abruptly this event goes away, leaving matters unresolved for now. Mordecai went unrewarded for his discrete loyalty, but his actions were recorded. Only in the LORD’s timing, during a sleepless night by the King, will Mordecai be properly rewarded; and his due recognition will perfectly coincide with the LORD’s plans to preserve His people.

What struck you in today’s reading? What questions were prompted from today’s reading?

Pastor Joe