When God’s Promises Seem to be Failing (Esther 2:19-3:15)
Introduction
The Book of Esther presents characters driven by passion rather than clear devotion to God, much like Samson. The narrative tension goes deeper than simply replacing Queen Vashti.
The real challenge is whether God can fulfill his redemptive promise. God promised in Genesis 15, "I am your shield and defender." Abram is to have his confidence in God alone.
Now the book of Esther recalls for us that God's people face potential annihilation in a foreign land where He seems silent. The central question emerges: Has God forsaken His redemptive promise? Can the Lord truly defend His people when everything appears lost and in turmoil?
Potential Promotion (Esther 2:19-23)
The Persian king parades young maidens through the city as a brutal reminder of his absolute power. He owns everything, and no one owns anything, not even their own children. Esther maintains her secret Jewish identity, remaining silent and compliant by Mordecai’s request.
When Mordecai discovers and reports a plot to assassinate the king he reports it through Esther. He expects a handsome reward, as was customary in Persian culture. Instead, he receives nothing. The conspirators face brutal execution, demonstrating the king's harsh rule. This happens while Mordecai is left unrewarded despite saving the king's life.
Act One concludes with a sobering reality: the empire is in the king’s control. The question still lingers, “Who is the King of kings and Lord of lords?” Is it God who claims to be a shield and defender, or is it Xerxes?
An Old Grudge Manifests (Esther 3:1-6)
A new character enters the scene: Haman the Agagite, descendant of Agag, the Amalekite king whom Saul failed to destroy in 1 Samuel 15. This represents an ancient enmity stretching back to Exodus 17, where God decreed that the Amalekites would be put down as the serpent seed. Haman's very existence challenges God's credibility and promises because it testifies that this line is thriving.
When Haman is promoted, it is the king’s order that all must bow to him. Mordecai refuses, and he eventually reveals his Jewish identity. He does not identify as Saul’s descendant, but a Jew. Now we are seeing that this man is not Marduk’s follower, but he is bearing the fruit of following our Lord.
Hamaan is upset by Mordecai failing to bow to him. Rather than simply killing Mordecai, which would appear petty, Haman devises a more sinister plan: genocide against all the Jews. This sets up the book's central tension. This is the real tension. Can God really trample the serpent seed? It appears to the human eye that God has failed.
History's Tragic Reversal (Esther 3:7-15)
Haman casts lots (pur) to determine the timing of his genocide. This sets up a tension in the narrative. Now, there is a deadline. Hamaan will destroy the Jews in 11 months. This means that God has less than a year to act on His promises.
The tension increases. Hamaan is a master manipulator. He starts with the truth that there are people who are scattered. He then waters down the truth to a half-truth that they have their own laws. Then he drops the ultimate lie by telling the king they will not comply. Xerxes does not like self-willed people.
Mordacai knows that this king likes wealth. We have seen the king parade. He even offers to compensate the kingdom for lost tax revenue. He offers about 60% of the kingdom’s revenue with 10,000 talents of silver.
The king gives Haman his signet ring, granting him complete authority to issue royal decrees. The decree goes out: all Jews will be destroyed, with plunder offered as motivation for neighbors to betray neighbors. While the city itself is confused by this decision, the decree stands as imperial law. The central question crystallizes: Can God protect His people? Will man's decree override God's decree? The serpent appears to have triumphed.
CONCLUSION
Despite the dire circumstances, the conclusion offers profound hope. God remains a "shield and defender" even when silent. Mordecai's identification as a Jew. He is not merely as a descendant of Saul. This suggests that God is still at work in the midst of his people. The Lord has 11 months to act, and His promises do not fall flat.
The book of Esther encourages us with a powerful truth: if God can work through His "B team,’ We think of imperfect people like Esther and Mordecai, and still be triumphant, how much more will God work in the midst of us as we cling to Him? We don't need SEAL Team Six; God accomplishes His purposes through unlikely means. The great irony: Haman will not carry out his genocide, but the Lord will carry out what He said He would do, triumphing over the serpent's seed despite all opposition. Just as Christ's greatest victory came through the apparent defeat of the cross, ending in resurrection and ascension, God's eternal decrees will never be annulled. Let us find our identity in Christ and trust that the Lord is at work even when He seems silent.