Esther~The Courageous

The Book of Esther

We all have rules and regulations we have to follow in this world. We must obey the law, the boss and the principal; these are just a few of the people who enforce the official procedures we abide by in our daily lives. But not everyone adheres to the rules in the same way: some obey all while others obey none.

What if you are a woman, whose husband is the king, and he makes all the rules that the whole country has to follow? What if you failed to come when called, knowing the rule is that all beckoned by the king must present themselves? Would a virtuous wife not comply with her husband, seeing that he was the prominent public figure? After all, if you are a person in the public eye, your actions come under a certain amount of scrutiny.

Queen Vashti knew all these things, yet still refused to come when the king beckoned. Not only did she disrespect him as her husband, but also as king. For that action, she was dethroned, and another woman sought and made queen. (1:11-22)

How many times have we seen people around us that show no respect for authority get ‘taken down a notch’, and taught some humility? Or are we one of those people that disrespects the standing authority?

And then we have those people that are power-hungry, and will stop at nothing-even committing murder-to achieve that power. These people do not have the wisdom to rule, they only want to attain the highest authority and the submission of the people. (3:1-4)

Do we work with, or know, anyone like this? Is this a husband who has to have such control that every move of his family has to be documented in some way? Is this an overprotective mother who won’t let her children do the simplest of things for fear of them getting hurt?

Then there are the ones that recognize this hunger for power for what it is: a purely materialistic desire. But a godly man knows not to bow to, or worship, an earthly man, no matter what position he holds. Even if that person makes life difficult, or threatens to kill those that won’t bow. (3:5-15)

Are we able to see these people for what they truly are, and support them in their beliefs and actions? Are we able to emulate these people and see the faith they have?

The scripture promises that God will always provide a way of escape for His people. God may have someone ‘on the inside’ who has earned honor and respect from the king. In this case, it is Esther, now the queen. (2:17)



Do we fast and pray to find what it is that God wants us to do in difficult situations? Are we willing to carry it out once the answer comes?

Even though she was not called, she was faithful in believing that God would soften the heart of the king. To come when not called could result in death. (4:11) In her decision to do the right thing, favor was shown to her, and her people. To stand in the face of death takes perhaps the greatest amount of bravery and courage a person could muster. Esther accepts whatever will God has in store. (4:16) Her courage prevented a great disaster, and the evildoers received themselves what they had intended for others. (7:9-10)

Do we have the courage to face those trying to kill us? Do we have faith that God will see us through and bring us out victorious on the other side?



If we are in a place spiritually where God’s favor is upon us, we also can prevent evil from coming about. We, as virtuous women, can stand in the face of danger, death, and hostility, and not be afraid. There should be a little Esther in all of us.