Ester 6 ©: The Story of Queen Esther and Her Brave Act of Saving Her People
The story of Queen Esther is one of the most fascinating and inspiring stories in the Bible. It’s a story of bravery, faith, and courage to stand up for what is right. The book of Esther is one of the two books in the Bible that does not mention God’s name, but His presence is felt throughout the story. Esther is a Jewish woman who becomes queen of Persia and risks her life to save her people from the evil plans of Haman, the king’s advisor. In this article, we will dive deep into the story of Ester 6 and explore its historical and biblical context.
The Historical and Biblical Context of Esther 6
The book of Esther takes place during the reign of King Ahasuerus, who ruled over the Persian Empire from 486 to 465 BC. The story starts with the king throwing a lavish six-month-long banquet for his officials, followed by a seven-day feast for all the people in the capital city of Susa. During the feast, the king commands his queen, Vashti, to appear before him and show off her beauty. However, Vashti refuses, and the king banishes her from the palace.
After Vashti’s banishment, the king holds a beauty contest to find a new queen. Esther, a young Jewish woman living in Persia with her cousin Mordecai, enters the contest and wins the king’s favor. However, Esther keeps her Jewish identity a secret from the king and his court.
Meanwhile, Haman, the king’s advisor, becomes enraged when Mordecai refuses to bow down to him. Haman hatches a plan to kill all the Jews in Persia and convinces the king to issue a decree to that effect. When Mordecai learns of the decree, he urges Esther to reveal her Jewish identity to the king and plead for her people’s safety.
The Plot of Esther 6
Esther 6 takes place on the night before Haman plans to execute Mordecai. The king is unable to sleep and orders his attendants to read to him from the book of records. They come across the story of how Mordecai had saved the king’s life by uncovering a plot to kill him. The king realizes that he has never rewarded Mordecai for his bravery and asks Haman how he should honor someone whom the king wishes to honor.
Haman, thinking that the king wants to honor him, suggests that the honoree should be dressed in the king’s robes and paraded through the city on a royal horse. The king agrees and orders Haman to carry out his suggestion for Mordecai. Haman is forced to publicly honor the man he had planned to kill, and his plan to exterminate the Jews is foiled.
The Lessons of Esther 6
The story of Esther 6 teaches us several valuable lessons. First, it shows us the importance of courage and faith in the face of adversity. Esther risks her life to save her people, even though she knows that she might be put to death for approaching the king without his invitation. Second, it illustrates the power of divine providence. The events of the story seem to be coincidental, but in reality, they are orchestrated by God’s hand. Finally, it reminds us of the importance of honoring those who have done good deeds. The king’s reward of Mordecai for saving his life shows us that we should always acknowledge and appreciate the good deeds of others.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is the Book of Esther important?
A: The Book of Esther is important because it tells the story of how a Jewish woman, Esther, saves her people from extermination. It is also a reminder of God’s faithfulness and care for His people, even in difficult times.
Q: What is the significance of Esther’s fasting?
A: Esther’s fasting was a sign of her deep faith and commitment to God. It also helped her to prepare herself spiritually and mentally for the task ahead of her, which was to approach the king and plead for her people’s safety.
Q: What can we learn from Mordecai’s refusal to bow down to Haman?
A: Mordecai’s refusal to bow down to Haman shows us the importance of standing up for what is right, even when it is difficult or dangerous. It also reminds us that we should not bow down to anyone or anything other than God.
Q: What is the meaning of the name Esther?
A: The name Esther means “star” or “myrtle.” It is a fitting name for a woman who shines brightly and brings hope to her people, like a star in the darkness.
Q: How does the story of Esther relate to our lives today?
A: The story of Esther reminds us that we should always have faith in God, even in difficult times. It also shows us the importance of standing up for what is right and honoring those who have done good deeds. Finally, it is a reminder of God’s faithfulness and care for His people, even in the midst of trials and tribulations.
Conclusion
The story of Esther 6 is a powerful testament to the courage, faith, and providence of God’s people. Esther’s bravery in risking her life to save her people, Mordecai’s refusal to bow down to Haman, and the king’s reward of Mordecai for saving his life all teach us valuable lessons that we can apply to our lives today. Let us remember the story of Esther and strive to live our lives with courage, faith, and honor.