The woman who saved her people

For the record, I do not claim to be an expert in the book of Esther. This morning I re-read the book and a few things stuck out to me. First of all, the catch phrases for this book, read something like: courageous, queen, subtle approach, hiding true identity, triumph for her people, a woman’s influence.. and so on. Wouldn’t this catch your attention?

As my mind wondered about this woman named Esther, I wondered the origin or the meaning of her name. So I did what most people now do, I googled it.

As you read the book of Esther, you will learn that she is a Jew, living in the palace, and became the Wife of the King, Xerxes. Lets call him Xerox for short, and much easier to say (you know, like the copy machine).

Google states that Esther’s original name was Hadassah (Hebrew) meaning myrtle, or myrtle tree. hmmmmm… ok that was not the courageous wordy description that I expected, or something like that. – side note- Myrtle Beach was named after the same type of trees 🙂 ok.. kinda. It could mean that myrtle groves often hide or shade things.. you use your creative energy.
Google also states that her Persian name ( King Xerox ) could be derived from other names, but maybe the word star.

There are many versions and research you can read about Queen Esther on the internet. The story in the Bible reads just like a secular story- no mention of God. My NIV study Bible points out that God cares for His people, even when they are more “secular;” having less faith. Was God’s plan to line up events so that she could be the one to help save her people (Jews) from being killed off? ( reminds you of Hitler, huh)

Her uncle, Mordy (lets call him this) [Mordecai] sent messages to her letting her know what was planned on the outside of the “gates.” You see, the King’s (best friend) [Haman] did not like that a Jew- lets say that Morty called him out on his (true) character- so Haman asked the King to make a law to kill all Jews on a certain day. You see, King Zerox did not know that Esther- his new chosen wife- was a Jew, herself.

You should read the short story, so that all this makes more sense, but this is a couple of things that jumped out at me:

The King’s first wife did not do what he asked her to do- come to him. [ on the internet it states that she was covered in boils and blisters and lost her beauty, so the King got rid of her.]
It is interesting history, that he called many virgins to stay at the castle for a year, to get [?] beautified, before he picked one.
It was because of Esther’s planning and beauty that she was able to convince the King.. and it was not that she “laid” with him. She actually had not been – called to him in over 30 days. (If I read right)
I am not sure if this book is more about Esther or Morty- standing tall for his people. I do know that it took both of them: One on the outside and one on the inside of the King’s gates.
Speaking of Haman’s (high horse) read 6:6-11. The King asks Haman, “What should be done for the man the king delights to honor?” Haman started describing what honor -he- wanted. Well after he described it, the King told Haman to go get Morty and give him this honor! Ha! I bet Haman was shocked, embarrassed, and MAD!
Read 5:9-14 Being boastful and vindictive, Haman persuaded by his family, built gallows to kill Morty. Those were the same gallows that were used to kill Haman.

Brings a whole new perspective of what goes around comes around.
It also, made me think of the commercial- when the big brother had to share something with the younger brother, so he splits it thinking that he can keep the larger portion and give the smaller portion to his little brother- well it back fires on him- he actually had to give the little brother the piece that he intended for himself.

Read the book of Esther and see what you think. It is found in the old testament between Nehemiah and Job. Don’t worry, it is just a couple of pages long.

If we pray that God can use us {no matter how spiritual we feel} at the right time- to do the right thing, in the right circumstance, no matter who we are, it may cause us to be on the look out to make sure we can assist in that moment- to His glory.