May 10, 2026 - Esther 1-10

The book of Esther, like the books of Ezra and Nehemiah, chronicles God’s providential oversight of history.  You almost have to read the story in one sitting to get the real sense of what is happening.  But, even more than that, you have to understand the story in the larger historical context.  Back in Ezra 1:  “The Lord put it into the mind of King Cyrus to issue a proclamation . . .” (1:1).  This very matter was prophesied, almost 200 years earlier by the prophet Isaiah:  “It is I who says of Cyrus, ‘He is My shepherd! And he will perform all My desire.’ And he declares of Jerusalem, ‘She will be built,’ And of the temple, ‘Your foundation will be laid’” (Is. 44:28).  The story seems to repeat itself, over and over again in history; the enemies of Israel always seeking to destroy her.  And, now, in the story of Esther, though the evil Haman plots to kill all the Jews, the Lord raises up Esther to deliver his people.  What better resting place than the arms of God!  What peace just to trust in him!

O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness;

bow down before him, his glory proclaim;

with gold of obedience, and incense of lowliness,

kneel and adore him: the Lord is his name.

Low at his feet lay thy burden of carefulness:

high on his heart he will bear it for thee,

comfort thy sorrows, and answer thy prayerfulness,

guiding thy steps as may best for thee be.   -- John S. B. Monsell (1863)