By James Riley Strange, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of New Testament, Samford University
Stand Down
Esther 4:1–3, 10–16
Read chapters 3 and 4 to understand the setting of today’s passages. Sometimes the Book of Esther uses hyperbole; drinking festivals and Esther’s beauty treatments last extraordinary lengths of time, and the sum of money in 3:9 is astronomical. Also, King Ahasuerus is a bit of a buffoon; he will do just about anything people suggest to him, no matter how inane or how horrendous. For example, he can be persuaded to make the silly decree in 1:19–20. Also, look how little it takes to convince him to annihilate the Jews (3:8–11).
In 3:8–9, Haman begins with the truth (the Jews are indeed scattered and separated throughout the Persian Empire, and they do have distinctive laws), but quickly moves to lies (everything indicates the Jews do in fact keep the king’s laws).
The author of Esther almost seems prescient for history tells us the Nazis used the same logic to vilify Jews, including concerns about assimilation, their distinct religious laws (relating to marriage, food and usury) and their national origin.
The truth was many European Jews were fully integrated into society and fought in wars to defend their countries. But like Ahasuerus, people were easily convinced otherwise, and those accusations led to genocide. Remember that German Christians initially supported the Nazi party. We must be vigilant not to take up the same rhetoric against non-Christians.
Grieve injustice and call out to God. (1–3)
The passage does not mention prayer but prayer is implied in the practices of fasting and dressing in sackcloth and ashes to show repentance. Here Jews all over Persia are crying out because of their own fate. Jesus will remind us that we need to show the same concern for those outside our group. Even tax collectors and Gentiles love those who love them (Matt. 5:43–48).
Look for God’s hand in where He has placed you. (10–14)
In verses 4–8, Esther finally learns of Haman’s plot. Mordecai tells her so that she can inform the king. Esther hesitates, for the king is so callous that he will execute anyone who comes into the inner court whom he has not called. Even the king’s wife is not exempt. Mordecai reminds her that her self-preservation is worthless. If the king carries out his decree, she will die because she is a Jew.
We should take his words to heart whenever we hesitate to do what is right because the consequences may be severe. I like how the ESV translation of the Bible puts it because the wording helps us apply Esther’s situation to our own faith: “And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” This does not guarantee that Esther will survive but reminds us that, whatever our circumstances, God calls on us to act out His will.
Trust God and surrender yourself to God’s work. (15–16)
In the end Esther agrees to see the king unannounced and thus to risk death. But first she instructs all Jews to fast for three days. Notice that she knows this is no magic trick. She might indeed die at the hands of her husband and if so all Jews will die. Like the three friends about to enter the furnace in Daniel 3:16–18, she says, “If I perish, I perish.” What courage!
We of course know the end of the story but Esther doesn’t. God willing, we will never face such a situation. If we do, may Esther’s resolution and conviction be our model.
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