By Marjorie Castleberry

Esther is the last book in the history section of the Old Testament. Esther's name means star, and she was a star which guided the Jewish people, her people, like a star guides a ship across the deep waters.

In Esther's day the women were completely under the control of men, more of a possession many times than someone who was loved. Women obeyed their husbands and the king, regardless of how they were treated. If they did not, they would be put to death for their disobedience. Esther did not try to change the rules and traditions for herself or others in her day. She worked within the framework of life to do what needed to be done for the Jewish people. If she had done controversial things, then she would have had to give up her opportunity to serve God in His plans to save His people. It was controversial enough for her to approach the king uninvited. Even when stressed to the limit with the knowledge that Haman might have all of them wiped out, she still approached King Ahasuerus in a respectful way realizing that regardless of what she felt and thought, he had the power through his laws that were under girded with traditions of the times. She did not barge in and force herself upon the king, but rather did everything in a lady-like manner befitting a queen and a godly woman whose allegiance was to her God. She went by the rules. King Ahasuerus could see that she knew it was up to him whether he would give her an audience or not.

Esther was an orphan. Her father and mother died. Her uncle Mordecai took her in as his own daughter after her parents died and reared her.

As the story is told, Esther, along with many other maidens was brought into the king's palace to prepare to go before the king as he decided on the replacement of his disobedient wife, Vashti.

Esther pleased the custodian of the maidens, Hegai. He bestowed kindness upon her and provided all she needed. She gained respect from everyone. It took a year to prepare the maidens to go in to the king. Her appearance and demeanor must have already been regal for she obtained favor in the eyes of everyone, including the king. She was a lady whose beauty was enhanced by the fact that she was not brash and bold, but had that controlled strength that one finds in the heart of a godly woman. She did not flaunt herself, but presented herself as a real lady and worthy to be called queen moving slowly, sure of the importance of her mission and that it was the right and necessary thing to do. Mordecai sat at the gate daily to get word of how things were going with Esther.

Several things impress me about Esther. There are three words that, to me, describe her. The first is obedient. The Bible says that she did not reveal that she was a Jew because Mordecai told her not to and she did what he said just as she had when she was brought up with him. She had always been obedient!

The second word is orderly. When Mordecai found out that Haman had planned to have all the Jews put to death, he tore his clothes and put on sackcloth with ashes and went into the middle of the city, even to the king's gate, and cried bitterly and loudly. All the Jews everywhere were in mourning when it was learned that Haman using the kings signet ring sealed the decree to wipe them out. Esther found out about Mordecai's cry through her maids and sent to find out what had happened.

When Esther found out that Haman plotted against the Jews, whom did Esther consult? No, not all the other women, the leaders, nor other Jews. Not anyone except Mordecai whom she trusted and respected to advise her wisely. At this point, Mordecai told her to go before the King to save her people. Esther hesitated because she could be killed for going before the King without asking. Mordecai urges her to go by telling her that she will be killed anyway even though she is the Queen, because she is a Jew.

This she understands. Instead of tearing her clothes and screaming, she sent word to her uncle to gather together the Jews to fast with her and her maidens for three days and three nights. Mordecai did all she told him to do. She approached the terrible news and the solution in a calm and orderly fashion though her heart beats must have felt like they were in her throat. She must have had to fight hard to hide her apprehensions and fear for her people. But calm she stayed and in an orderly fashion she proceeded. The Bible tells us that God is not the author of confusion. Esther first sent word to Mordecai and step-by-step she proceeded as she was advised.

The third word is faithful. She did not do all she did without spiritual preparation and plenty of it. She called for a very long fast. She called the Jewish people together. She did not pretend she could do anything all by herself to bring glory all for her. She did not need the attention, for she was secure in her faith. She knew who she was, and she knew she had wise counsel in Mordecai. Because she knew she had power through doing the right thing, she was confident.

She dressed in her royal attire instead of just any pretty clothing. This showed the king the importance of her visit since she came as the Queen. She must have been a lovely sight and one the king could not resist. She did not approach the king right away with the problem. According to custom, she prepared food which must have been the best. Not once, but twice, Esther prepared a banquet for him and Haman before she divulged to the king all that Haman had done. She, with respect for his position, began the approach in an obedient, orderly manner using the customs of the time as tools to prepare the king for the news to come. With great faith - calmly, with no great alarm apparent - Esther laid a firm foundation upon which to build her case before the king.

I have to say that of the three words one stands out most - obedient. When she no longer was living with Mordecai, still she was as obedient to him as she had been growing up in his house. What great things are accomplished for the Lord through an obedient person! Therein one finds the purpose for which God made the person. How lovely it is to have the ear of an obedient child. What a relief to a parent to know that what they say is honored and acted upon by an obedient child all their life long.

Esther: obedient, orderly and faithful.

Copyright Marjorie May 20, 2003 Used Here With Permission
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