The three main
characters in this book of Esther were, of course, Esther; her cousin Mordecai;
and the king’s second-in-command, Haman. Looking at the characteristics of
these three individuals provides us with a review of the story and understanding
of God’s dealings with those in Babylon.
It is likely that
he was born in Susa, not Jerusalem since this occurs 103 years after
Nebuchadnezzar had taken the Jews into captivity. Although he never saw
Jerusalem, Mordecai was a devout Jew as shown by his refusal to bow down to anyone but God. Family connections and
heritage were important to Jews, including Mordecai. He is an older cousin and
guardian of Esther, whose parents died. He was attentive to those around him,
dedicated to the nation he lived in and concerned about the welfare of others,
like when he heard a couple of the king’s guards plotting to kill the king. He
reported that to Queen Esther and saved the king’s life. In addition, later he
was persistent in convincing Esther to speak with the king and his plan allowed
the Jews to defend themselves so that they were not annihilated. He was humble,
yet graciously accepted tribute and honor from the king. God was honored by
Mordecai’s devotion and in turn allowed Mordecai to be honored in all of King Ahasuerus’
127 provinces. Ultimately Mordecai was privileged to be placed as
second-in-command to the king.
Esther was an
obedient young lady. She was a real people pleaser type person—she did what
Mordecai told her to do and then what the eunuch’s at the palace advised. She
was more concerned about the welfare of others, i.e. the Jews in the king’s
provinces, than about her own welfare or security. She was a careful planner,
courageous, courteous and polite, even in the presence of an enemy. In addition
to all her wonderful positive characteristics, she was beautiful. Her beautiful
features attracted the king and her beautiful heart permitted her to be chosen
as Queen. She allowed God to use her and her position for His glory.
Haman was an
arrogant power hungry individual who thought of no one but himself. He wanted
to honor himself and was humiliated when the king asked him to honor the Jew,
Mordecai. He not only hated Mordecai, but all Jews, as his family ancestry was
of the Amalekites who descended from Esau and thus were enemies of decedents of
Isaac (see Exodus 17:8-16). He was superstitious and cast lots (Pur) to
determine when the best time to annihilate the Jews was. He planned to have
Mordecai hanged and the Jews killed by all the non-Jews of the Babylonian
empire. His plans were thwarted and he was humbly hanged on his own gallows.
God allows evil actions to “hang” themselves.
Which
characteristics of these people do you have—or which are you most like? Can you
change your characteristics to be more pleasing to God? With prayer and with
God all things are possible. …for all
things are possible with God, Mark 10:27 (NASB). If you want to change,
talk it over with God.
Dear Lord, help me to be more like Esther
and like you—obedient, loving, and caring.
2012 by Mickey
M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
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