This book was rejected by the Jews because it doesn’t refer to God at all. But kept it because it explained the feast of Purim. Scholars call it a myth, because there are too many coincidences. God had a problem – how to protect His people from a large population of enemies.

 

Problem - racism against the Jews:

• Large number of enemies of Jews Est.9:16

• Reason to hide her heritage Est.2:10,20

• Haman’s extreme hatred of Jews Est.3:6

 

Solution - put protection in the palace:                                                                                                       

• Make Esther queen to win royal support.

• Make Mordecai 2nd to the King, Daniel, Joseph

• Eliminate the enemies of God’s people.

 

How does God accomplish all this:                                                                                                     

• By relying on people’s character to do his will.

• By a series of coincidences – God-incidences!

• By relying on His people’s mercy.

 

GOD’S LOVE

• Ahasuerus has a major pride problem - 180 days displaying his riches

• 7-day banquet - tries to display his wife but Vashti has morals

• Solution – queen banned from king

​

GOD’S JOY          

• Esther pleased & found favor with Hegai

• He quickly provided her with cosmetics, 7 maids, best location

• Listened to Mordecai, didn’t reveal heritage

• Listened to Hegai’s advice when she saw the king

• King was pleased - made her his queen

 

GOD’S PEACE

• Mordecai shares murder plot with Esther

• Haman promoted – enemy of Jews

• Mordecai shares truth with Haman

• Doesn’t bow nor show homage - Haman’s arrogance explodes

• Tricks king to kill Jews - plot in place

 

GOD’S PATIENCE

• Plot exposed – all Jews weep & mourn

• Mordecai requests Esther to see king

• She fears for her life

 

GOD’S KINDNESS                                                                                                                                

• She acted like the queen

• Invited the King and Haman to a banquet

• Haman’s arrogance is blinding

• Brags of his riches – builds gallows

 

GOD’S GOODNESS

• King couldn’t sleep – reads chronicles

• King shares Mordecai’s faithfulness

• Haman honors Mordecai for the King

• Haman warned of imminent fall

 

GOD’S FAITHFULNESS

• Queen pleads for her life & people

• Lays blame on Haman

• King hangs him on his own gallows

 

GOD’S GENTLENESS

• Mordecai promoted given King’s ring

• Can’t revoke law of King

• New law allowing Jews to defend

• Send it out to warn all the people’s

 

GOD’S SELF CONTROL

• Defended themselves killing 75,500

• Did not plunder nor kill women & kids

• Hung Haman’s 10 sons’ day after

• Killing an extra 300 more that day

• Yearly celebrate the feast of Purim

 

GOD RELIED ON

• Ahasuerus’ pride

• Vashti’s morals

• Esthers obedience

• Mordecai’s faithfulness

• Haman’s arrogance

• Jews mercy

 

GOD CAUSED

• Esther to become Queen

• Mordecai to overhear murder plot

• Haman appointed high position

• Ahasuerus lose sleep & listen to chronicles

 

Many people claim they don’t see God working in their lives, but He does!

 

We just need to look a little harder, He is active in our lives, are we active with Him?