Esther: Silent but Sovereignনমুনা

In Persian times the property of condemned criminals reverted back to the crown. So it would be assumed that, after his execution, Haman’s estate would become the property of Xerxes, the king who loved wealth and power. But we read instead that Xerxes gave Haman’s estate to Esther (v. 1). He then gave his signet ring - his power to make decrees and edicts - to Mordecai (v. 2), who he’d only heard of early that morning. God had been working to soften the heart of this proud king. 

Perhaps there is someone in your life who seems to have a hard and impenetrable heart. Perhaps there is someone who hates you or tries to humiliate you. Perhaps there is someone who intimidates or frightens you. There is no heart so hard that the Lord cannot soften it. We see that here in Xerxes’ uncharacteristic kindness towards Esther and Mordecai. We have no reason to doubt God’s power to change even the hardest heart today. 

There is a gap of a couple of months between verses 2 and 3 when Esther once more petitioned Xerxes. Verse 9 tells us that Esther pleaded with the king again during the third month; Haman’s first edict had gone out during the first month. Xerxes’ heart had been softened, but although Haman was dead, his edict was still alive. It couldn’t be revoked, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, so in nine months’ time, the Jews were to be slaughtered. 

It is likely that Esther was fairly safe. She was a queen highly favored by King Xerxes and it is unlikely that she would have been killed along with the Jews. Her words in verse 6 suggest she believed this herself: ‘how can I bear to see disaster fall on my people? How can I bear to see the destruction of my family?’ Esther’s distress as she approached the king again was not for herself but for God’s people, the Jews. 

This time when Esther pleaded to the king on behalf of her people she was very emotional. She fell at his feet weeping, begging him to put an end to Haman’s plan (v. 3). This wasn’t a calculated performance, intended to manipulate her husband into doing what she wanted. She wept genuine, compassionate tears out of a heart that was heavily burdened for God’s people. Esther had a deep love for God’s people, even those she didn’t know. That presents a challenge for us. Do you love all of God’s people, even those you don’t know? God is passionate about His people. He loves us deeply, sacrificially, unconditionally. His Spirit in us means that we will be passionate for His people too. We will love each other deeply, sacrificially, unconditionally.

Reflection

How do you demonstrate love for God’s people? In what practical ways do you demonstrate a commitment to your church family?