Scripture Reading: Esther 4:1-14, Esther 8:1-8, Genesis 50:20, Nehemiah 9:27, Galatians 4:4-7
This Is the Old Testament is part of a twelve-week thematic overview of the entire Bible. Each day we’ll read a thematic selection from a different book or two of the Bible, along with supplemental passages that show how the theme of that day’s main reading is found throughout Scripture. We’ll also read a brief summary of each book and a reflection on how the book fits into the larger story of Scripture. This week, we’ll finish the Historical Books and move into the genre of Wisdom Literature.
The Book of Esther: The book of Esther tells the story of how Esther, a Jewish girl, became queen of Persia. After her cousin Mordecai uncovered a plot to annihilate the Jewish people, he encouraged Esther to use her position to save her people from destruction.
How Esther Fits into the Story: Without ever mentioning Him by name, the book of Esther speaks of the Lord’s presence and sovereignty in the lives of His people. God’s promise to give the Jewish people an eternal ruler remained, even in the face of threatened annihilation. Before man sought to devise their destruction, God’s invisible hand was always at work in the story of Esther and her people, securing their deliverance.
Reflection Questions:
1. How does God’s unnamed provision in Esther 4:1–14 change your understanding of how He works in your own life?
2. How does today’s reading shape your understanding of the story of redemption?
Take time to reflect on your responses and share what you are learning with others in the community in the comments.
Leave a Reply
9 thoughts on "Esther"
God works in my life through my trust and obedience of Him. He works redemption in me by saving me just like He did for the Jews- He sent a rescuer❤️❤️❤️
Amen
1- This is the invisible handed God. I very rarely know real time what God is setting up, the chess pieces He is moving, the ways He is working in certain suppositions. It is often with hindsight that I am able to look back and see clearly what he is doing. The few times I knew that God was ordering my steps real time were so powerful, and those are the times I hang onto it when fear and doubt about present circumstances arise.
2 – God’s name doesn’t even need to be mentioned to know that His hand was all over this. Like the master chess player, he orchestrated every meeting, every move, every upward movement in order to keep His promise of saving the Jews. Esther is a foreshadow of Christ, she interceded for the Jews, just a Christ interceded for us!
Esther 4:14a “deliverance will come to the Jewish people from another place”
God’s provision for His people would happen because the Messiah was promised to come through them.
.
His provision for my own life is just as sure because the Messiah DID come, just as promised, and will come again as promised to fulfill God’s plan of redemption.
.
WENDY B – praying for your appt today to provide answers.
.
TERESA COOPER DONLEY – praying for your knee surgery to go well today
.
Look for Go’s provision for you today! :-)
God works through providence to accomplish His plans for His people. Esther’s story reminds us of God’s saving power in the face of what appeared to be certain Annihilation. It also highlights the fact that God chooses to use ordinary people to accomplish His will, we need only to be ready and obedient. Praise God for his salvation work!!
I love Queen Esther so much! In my twenties I would re read her story again and again! Now in my forties I hear “for such a time as this” and am reminded of this incredible heroine! ❤️
I love the book of Esther!
.
There is no mention of God, and yet, He is all over this story, this book of hope and deliverance.
.
Through Esther’s story as i read, and my own, as I look back, I can see Gods hand always covering, always present, always there with His provision, even when not seen..
Absolutely.. even when..
.
The verse in Esther 4:14b “Who knows, perhaps you have come to your royal position, (your hardship, your brokenness, your heartache, your status, your…… (fill in the blank), for such a time as this..’ always had my heart and attention.
Whatever the situation, whatever the goings on in our lives, God is present, and if God is present, then, He is going to move in that situation to bring about truth, hope and provision for a better outcome.,
.
For such a time as this.. it is well, it is well, with my soul..
.
He is here!
.
Amen..
.
.
Happy Thursday my dears, covered in much, much love and forever hugs and prayers..❤️
❤️ “Whatever the situation, whatever the goings on in our lives, God is present, and if God is present, then, He is going to move in that situation to bring about truth, hope and provision for a better outcome.”
Yes this is so true Tina. And so well said!