How does Esther 2:10 demonstrate obedience and trust in godly authority figures? Text of Esther 2:10 “Esther had not revealed her people or her lineage, because Mordecai had instructed her not to do so.” Context: Mordecai’s Role and Responsibility - Mordecai is Esther’s older cousin and legal guardian (Esther 2:7). - As guardian, he bears the God-given duty to protect and guide her (cf. Proverbs 22:6). - Esther is thrust into a pagan palace where identity disclosure could bring danger to God’s covenant people. Obedience Demonstrated - Immediate compliance: The verse records no hesitation or argument from Esther—she simply “had not revealed” her heritage. - Voluntary submission: Esther is a young adult, yet she chooses to yield to Mordecai’s counsel (Ephesians 6:1-3). - Consistent pattern: Later, after becoming queen, she still “followed Mordecai’s instructions as she had when under his care” (Esther 2:20), underscoring an enduring attitude, not a one-time act. Trust in God through Delegated Authority - God often leads through human authorities (Romans 13:1; Hebrews 13:17). By trusting Mordecai, Esther shows confidence that God is working through him. - Protecting the covenant line: Concealing her Jewish identity positions Esther to preserve her people later (Esther 4:14). Her obedience becomes a channel for God’s providence. - Faith over fear: Obeying such counsel in a foreign court required faith that God would honor righteous guidance (Psalm 37:5). Biblical Parallels - Joseph obeying Jacob’s directive, leading to preservation in Egypt (Genesis 37:13-14; 45:7). - Ruth following Naomi’s instructions at the threshing floor (Ruth 3:5-6). - Jesus Himself submitting to earthly parents, “and He continued in subjection to them” (Luke 2:51). Takeaways for Today • God places trustworthy leaders—parents, pastors, mentors—as protective coverings. • Obedience to godly counsel displays faith that the Lord governs through ordered relationships. • Submission, far from weakness, positions believers to participate in God’s larger redemptive plans. • Discernment matters: Esther obeyed because Mordecai’s guidance aligned with covenant faithfulness (Acts 5:29 reminds us authority is obeyed unless it contradicts God’s commands). • Like Esther, believers honor Christ when they heed biblically sound instruction, trusting that He weaves obedience into His providential care. |
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