Did you know that there is a book in the Bible that doesn’t mention God? Not even once? That would be the book of Esther. As you read this suspenseful story you will find that, the entire story seems very secular – as there are opportunities to call of God in prayer and for wisdom, but He is not called. Wise friends and council are called, but never God. But we do see God throughout this story, this story that is considered to be a part of the restoration period of the Jews. The most telling moment, where God could be recognized for his sovereignty, you see Mordecai’s say to Esther: “And who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14) We know who knows, our God knows, because even though God is not recognized, He is very present. What is also interesting, is that Satan’s name is also never mentioned. Although the source of Good and Evil, Holiness and Sin, are never named – we as Christians and even those that do not believe in God can certainly see what is right and wrong in this story. I find this detail brings another level of significance to this book as is brings out the God-given knowledge we each have of good and evil (see Romans 1:19). If humans can recognize good and evil, they should come to terms with the fact that these elements each have a source. Another significant part of this story is that Esther, displays the action we most recognize to be Christ-like. She is an advocate of her people, even ready to die for them (see image below). Here we are seeing a foreshadow of what is available through our Sovereign Savior, freedom, forgiveness and life. Not to mention the significance that a woman is being used in this way in the Bible. The book of Esther has great purposes. It shows us to look for God in all the areas of our circumstances, to know He is Sovereign, to recognize the good and evil in this world (as well as their source), and to dig in the Bible to understand it better.
Where do we see God in the book of Esther? See image below.
