Unmentioned But Unmistakable
For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place…who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”
Esther 4:14
I don’t know how familiar you are with the book of Esther, but it’s one of the most exciting accounts in the entire Old Testament. It’s filled with heroes and villains…with intrigue and suspense…and it concludes with an exciting climax.
One of the things I especially appreciate is that a woman is the star! It makes the story all that much more fascinating and unique.
However, there’s something else that makes it even more unique.
Maybe you’ve noticed it, maybe you haven’t…but God isn’t mentioned in the book of Esther. Not once! Really!
Shocking, right?
So why is Esther in the Bible? Is it really the inspired Word of God if it makes no direct reference to Him? This question has been a source of controversy for centuries.
His Hand in Her Story
Though God’s name is not used, God’s hand can be seen. At several points in the narrative, the author indirectly alludes to His presence.
For example, Mordecai’s contention that deliverance would come “from another place” (Esther 4:14) was probably the author’s way of saying that the Lord would intervene for his people.
Esther’s request that all the Jews fast (Esther 4:16) was no doubt a reference to prayer to the Lord on her behalf.
In addition, the author showed God’s involvement through an incredible string of “coincidences”:
Esther was selected from among many to become queen.
Mordecai “accidentally” discovered a plot against the Jews.
Esther defied the law to gain uninvited entrance to see the king and, against all odds, she was welcomed.
Haman (the villain) has his extermination plot exposed and he ends up executed.
Mordecai was given Haman’s position of power, by which he turned an unalterable law upside down and delivered the Jews.
The reader is left saying, “Nobody could be so lucky. Something else must have been going on.” The story points to God as the one behind the scenes, orchestrating the events.
He is there, unseen, unmentioned, yet unmistakable – working all things together for good and turning around every event for His people and His purposes.
His Hand in Your Story
So, what does this say to us? To be sure, it’s a wonderful account of how God delivered His people. Indeed, to this day, the Jewish Feast of Purim celebrates that deliverance.
However, I think there’s more than that to be seen.
Esther is the book that speaks to us of all the difficult times in life when you don’t feel the presence of God; when you don’t hear His voice; when you don’t see His hand. Those times when you don’t understand and God seems far away or not there at all.
It tells us that, even though you don’t feel His presence, He is still there. Even though you don’t see His hand, He is still moving. Even though you don’t hear His voice, He is still speaking – even in the darkness. Even when you feel abandoned, all alone, His love is still with you.
He is right there beside you, working out His purposes and fulfilling His plans.
Even though you don’t feel His presence, God is still there. Even though you don’t see His hand, He is still moving. Even though you don’t hear His voice, He is still speaking.
And it reminds us that, in the end, just as with Esther, you will see the light break through the darkness. The good will prevail. And you will know that you were never alone. He was with you all along.
PRAYER
Lord, I so thank you for this example of how I can be confident that you are with me even when circumstances would seem to indicate your absence. And that you are working together all things for my good even when I can’t understand the intricacies of that plan right now.
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