Airbrushing God: A Devotion on the Book of EstherSýnishorn

Are there parts of the bible that are uncomfortable reading for you? The author of Esther offers no justification for the total listed dead of 75,810, and we are left with moral ambiguity as the king signs off a second day of defending and killing. It’s when we step back from the front lines that the bigger picture becomes visible. Esther is a book of compare and contrast.

The book itself is structured by a sequence of events that builds to the royal procession in Chapter 6, then reverses the sequence so that it starts with Xerxes’ greatness and a Persian banquet and ends with a Jewish banquet and Mordecai’s greatness.

The 75 thousand deaths pale in comparison with the hundreds of thousands that Haman would have killed. The innocents destroyed the forces who had gathered to wipe them from the face of the earth. The ten sons of Haman did not die innocently for their sins – the Hebrew Bible lists them in two columns. The only other time it formats a list like that is for The defeated Canaanite kings who sought to destroy the Jews.

Notice that in verses 10, 15, and 16, the text notes that the Jews did not take any of the plunder. They were entitled to it. It is an incredible contrast with King Saul’s encounter with Haman’s ancestor, King Agag. Back then, Saul ignored God’s prohibition to touch the plunder. Now, they have royal permission but refused to go beyond what was needed. This was about freedom, not greed.

Verse 19 introduces the final section, which is essentially detailed instructions for orderly celebration. Granted, there was still wine flowing freely! But it contrasts with the drunken chaos of the first chapter.

Mordecai saves the people from premature death, but Jesus rescues us from eternal damnation (John 3:16). Christ – the better Mordecai.

Esther stood in the gap between her people and the king. Jesus is the one mediator between God and humanity (1 Timothy 2:1-6). Christ – the better Esther.

The Jews didn’t celebrate the destruction of their enemies – they celebrated relief (or rest) from them (Esther 9:22). As you read through today's passage (Esther 9:11-19), take time today to enjoy the rest that God has won for you.

God’s people celebrate, but they are still in Persia, not Israel. Xerxes is still on the throne. Their taxes have gone up. But God is present and has delivered them. Our external circumstances should never dictate our outlook. We are not home yet!