Ep. 214. Esther 4-6 | The Banquet

EPISODE 214

THE BANQUET: ESTHER 4-6

We left off yesterday in the first month of the king's 12th year. Haman had just made a plan to destroy all the Jews. Mordecai, Esther's elder cousin, lets the Queen know the plan. The most famous verse of Esther is found in this section: "And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" Of course, we use this verse now in all sorts of ways, some good and some certainly a stretch. I doubt any of us have been in a position to save an entire nation of people from destruction, but I don't think lightly about the times I've been at the grocery store at the same time as a friend or church member who needed encouragement or prayer.

Esther, as a book, was on the chopping block when the early church considered whether they would also use the Jewish Scriptures as part of the Christian Scriptures. The reason for their debate was that there was no direct mention of God in the book. While that is true, I do think there is an obvious analogy of Jesus in the book of Esther. When she comes to stand before the King, he has every right to kill her, but he extends to her his scepter as a symbol of his grace and mercy, and Esther is permitted to draw near to him. I have often considered this a picture of our position before God. If we dare come before God our King, he has every right to kill us, but in his mercy and grace, he has extended to us his loving-kindness in Christ Jesus, by which we are brought near to God.

I also wonder how Haman felt parading Mordecai around in honor. That must have stung.

ADDITIONAL READING: NONE