Topical Encyclopedia The Book of Esther, found in the Old Testament, presents a compelling narrative centered around the theme of decision-making, particularly through the character of Esther herself. Esther, a Jewish woman who becomes queen of Persia, is faced with a critical decision that impacts the survival of her people. Her account is a profound example of courage, faith, and divine providence.Background Esther, originally named Hadassah, is introduced as an orphan raised by her cousin Mordecai in the Persian Empire during the reign of King Xerxes (Ahasuerus). The king, after dismissing his former queen, Vashti, seeks a new queen and ultimately chooses Esther for her beauty and grace, unaware of her Jewish heritage. The Crisis The central crisis in the Book of Esther arises when Haman, an advisor to King Xerxes, plots to annihilate the Jewish people throughout the empire. Haman's hatred for the Jews is particularly directed at Mordecai, who refuses to bow to him. Haman manipulates the king into issuing a decree for the destruction of all Jews, setting a date for their extermination. Esther's Decision Mordecai informs Esther of the impending disaster and urges her to intercede with the king. This request places Esther in a precarious position, as approaching the king unsummoned could result in her death. Mordecai's words to Esther underscore the gravity of her decision: "For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows if perhaps you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" (Esther 4:14). Esther's response is a testament to her faith and resolve. She instructs Mordecai to gather all the Jews in Susa to fast for three days, stating, "I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish!" (Esther 4:16). Her decision to risk her life reflects her commitment to her people and her trust in God's providence. The Outcome Esther's courageous decision leads to a series of events that ultimately save the Jewish people. She approaches the king and invites him and Haman to a banquet, where she reveals her Jewish identity and Haman's plot. The king, enraged by Haman's treachery, orders Haman's execution and issues a new decree allowing the Jews to defend themselves. The Jewish people are delivered, and the festival of Purim is established to commemorate their salvation. Esther's decision not only preserves her people but also demonstrates the power of faith and the importance of standing up for righteousness, even in the face of great personal risk. Theological Implications Esther's account is often seen as an illustration of divine providence, where God's hand is at work behind the scenes, even though His name is not explicitly mentioned in the text. Her decision to act courageously and selflessly serves as an example of how individuals can be instruments of God's will, fulfilling their roles in His divine plan. Esther's narrative encourages believers to trust in God's timing and purpose, recognizing that they may be placed in specific situations "for such a time as this" to fulfill His purposes. Her account is a reminder of the importance of making decisions rooted in faith, courage, and a commitment to God's people. Nave's Topical Index Esther 4:16Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast you for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in to the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish. Nave's Topical Index Library Hebrew Captives; Or, Mordecai and Esther. Canonicity. Vehicles of Revelation; Scripture, the Church, Tradition. The Canon from Semler to the Present Time, with Reflections on Its ... Summary of the Subject. The Formation of the Old Testament Canon The Canon. Ezra, the Priest and Scribe Confessio Augustana. Chapter xliii Resources What does the Bible say about indecision / being indecisive? | GotQuestions.orgWho is really “playing God”'the doctor who euthanizes a dying patient, or the doctor who extends the life of a terminally ill patient? | GotQuestions.org What is revivalism? | GotQuestions.org Decision: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Decision: Exhibited in Being on the Lord's Side Decision: Exhibited in Blessedness of Decision: Exhibited in Following God Fully Decision: Exhibited in Keeping the Commandments of God Decision: Exhibited in Loving God Perfectly Decision: Exhibited in Seeking God With the Heart Decision: Exhibited in Serving God Decision: General Scriptures Concerning Decision: Necessary to the Service of God Decision: Opposed to a Divided Service Decision: Opposed to Double-Mindedness Decision: Opposed to Halting Between Two Opinions Decision: Opposed to not Setting the Heart Aright Decision: Opposed to Turning to the Right or Left Valley of Decision: General Scriptures Concerning Related Terms |
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