A Woman of Faith

O. T. #1080 "A Woman of Faith"
Oct. 16, 2017
Introduction to Esther

LET IT GLOW

Where do I begin to tell the story of Esther? This is one of the two books in the Bible which are written about the life of a woman, with Ruth being the other. Surrounded by books and commentaries, I realize each has a little different perspective as they write about this female hero of the Jews.
So who was this Esther?

• Her name in the Hebrew language was Hadassah, which means myrtle, but in the Persian language, Esther  means star.
• She was an attractive orphan girl, since both of her parents were dead. We don't know the details of this.
• Esther's uncle, Mordecai, a Persian governmental official, raised her as his daughter. (2:7, 15)
• She is raised from the low status of an orphan to the highest position in the nation-Persian Queen. 
• Growing up a Jew, Esther must have had a strong love for her family. Her faith was challenged as she was faced with the decision of a possibility of death in order to rescue her family from death.
• Her strong faith took the chance, trusting God with her life.

Will we be known as a hero in our family?
How strong is our faith in God?
Are we a nobody who becomes a somebody?

LET IT GROW

Historical Background

While the author of Esther is unknown, it is suggested to have been either Mordecai, Ezra, or Nehemiah. This one must have been acquainted with Persian customs, etiquette, and history, as well as the palace at Sushan. Also, he had knowledge of the Hebrew calendar and customs, which are  evident.

The date of these events occurred  before Persian King Ahasuerus died by assassination in 465B.C. and somewhere during the time of the events of Ezra 4-10 happen. Prophets Haggai and Zechariah spoke during this time of the events to come concerning Israel and Judah.

MacAruthur dates this book as covering the years of83-473 B.C. during the portion of the king's ruling from 486 to 45 BC. H says the event occurred during the time of the first return of the Jews after the 70 year Babylonian captivity and the second return led by Ezra. Nehemiah's journey, the third return from Susa to Jerusalem occurred later in 445 B.C.

Although God is nowhere mentioned in Esther, His hand on the events is evident.

Swindoll, in his book Esther, A Woman of Strength and Dignity, said:

God's unsearchable mind was working in concert with His unfathomable will, carrying things out under His sovereign control. God's presence is His invisible providence. Providence means "seeing ahead of time" which is what Almighty God does. But our invisible God, in His providence, is continually, constantly, and confidently at work. His mind His will, His power, and His presence are working in concert on every page in the story of Esther.

Are we convinced that God is working in our circumstances?
Although we can't change some events, God can.
If we need rescuing, He can do it. But are we convinced?
Does our faith take a chance, as Esther did, trusting God?


LET IT GO

Ask God to make me a woman of faith.
Trust Him in my life situations.