The book of Esther is one of Scripture’s most remarkable demonstrations that God is always at work, even when His name is not mentioned. It is a story set in the vast Persian Empire, where the Jewish people—far from home, seemingly insignificant—face extinction. Yet behind every twist of the narrative stands the unseen hand of the sovereign God, quietly but decisively working out His purposes.
1. God’s Hidden Hand in Ordinary Events
Esther begins with what looks like a string of coincidences:
• A queen is removed.
• A young Jewish woman, Esther, is chosen as queen.
• Her cousin Mordecai “just happens” to overhear a plot against the king.
None of these events appears miraculous. They are the everyday movements of palace life. But they are God’s preparations, laying the groundwork for a moment of deliverance that will preserve the line through which the Messiah Himself would come.
This is the rhythm of the book: God is silent, but never absent; hidden, but never inactive.
2. The Threat Against God’s People
Haman’s hatred of the Jews is not merely political—it is spiritual. His plot to destroy the Jewish people is another attempt by the enemy to cut off the line of promise, the line that leads to Christ. Throughout Scripture, Satan seeks to prevent the arrival of the Redeemer (Genesis 3:15). Esther shows us that God’s covenant promises cannot be thwarted.
When Haman casts lots (purim) to choose the day of destruction, he believes chance is on his side. But Scripture reminds us: “The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.” (Proverbs 16:33).
Even the date of the Jews’ destruction was under God’s control.
3. Esther’s Courage and God’s Timing
Mordecai’s famous words to Esther capture the heartbeat of the book: “Who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”
Esther steps forward in faith, risking her life to intercede for her people. Her bravery is real, but the outcome depends not on her courage but on God’s sovereign plans. The sleepless night of the king, the reading of the chronicles, the honouring of Mordecai—these are divine appointments.
God turns the entire situation upside down. Haman is hanged on the gallows he built for Mordecai. The Jews are granted protection. Mourning becomes joy. What looked like certain destruction becomes a celebration of God’s preserving grace.
4. Esther and the Larger Story of Redemption
Esther is not an isolated tale. It is a chapter in the grand narrative of salvation. If Haman’s plan had succeeded, there would be no Bethlehem, no manger, no cross, no empty tomb. God’s faithfulness to His people in Persia is part of His faithfulness to the world in Christ.
The New Testament affirms this sweeping sovereignty:
• God works all things according to the counsel of His will (Ephesians 1:11).
• Nothing can separate God’s people from His saving purpose (Romans 8:28–39).
• When the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son (Galatians 4:4).
Just as God arranged events in Persia to preserve His people, He arranged all of history to bring Christ into the world at exactly the right moment.
5. The Gospel Echo in Esther
Esther risked her life to save her people. Christ gave His life to save the world.
Esther stood before a king who might reject her. Christ stands before the Father as our perfect Advocate, never to be turned away.
The deliverance in Esther is a shadow; the cross is the substance.
6. God’s Sovereignty Today
Esther encourages believers that God remains sovereign over the unseen details of life. Even when He appears silent, He is shaping events for His glory and our good. The book invites us to trust Him when we cannot trace Him, knowing that the same God who preserved His people then is the God who preserves His people now.
All photos courtesy of Unsplash
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