The Book of Esther and the Father's Love

The book of Esther is one of those literary masterpieces that lends itself to endless "peelings."  Or, it may be compared to a diamond with many facets, each glistening with multiple colors.  For example, this little book contains more quotes, direct and indirect, from the rest of the Tanach than almost any other.  Let us consider one aspect of this brilliant book. Digressing in time for a bit, we remember that in Egypt, the Children of Israel were both presented and treated like a faceless mass, so typical when a certain people group is being dehumanized.  Similarly, in Achashverosh's empire, such arrogances were also employed.  When one woman (Queen Vashti) committed an offense, all wives had to come under their husbands' severe control, by a royal decree.  When one Jew didn't behave according to expectations, all Jews were to be penalized. The girls who were brought to the selection contest in the palace were treated more like commodities.  But what stands out against this kind of background is the relationship between two people.  Just as in the story of Israel in Egypt, where a loving and caring family is highlighted against the morbid backdrop, and therefore was equipped to lead the "masses" into freedom, so too in this story.  Mordecai and his cousin, Hadassah, stand out as those who exemplify a relationship that has at its core the love of the Father.

 "In Shushan the citadel there was a certain Jew whose name was Mordecai the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite.  He [most likely Kish] had been carried away from Jerusalem with the captives who had been captured with Jeconiah king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away.  And he had brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle's daughter, for she had neither father nor mother. The young woman was lovely and beautiful. When her father and mother died, Mordecai took her as his own daughter" (Esther 2:5-7 emphasis added).  Mordecai, whose genealogy and background were far from making him an anonymous individual, cared for his orphaned cousin and followed in the footsteps of his forefather Abraham, who faithfully took his fatherless nephew, Lot, under his wing (ref. Genesis 11:28; 12:3-4).  So tender was the concern that Mordecai had for Hadassah that it is described by the verb "o'men," which relates to nursing, foster parenting, and is based on the idea of being faithful or loyal.

When Hadassah, whose Persian name was Esther, was taken to the king's palace for the selection process, "she had not revealed her family and her people, just as Mordecai had charged her, for Esther obeyed the command of Mordecai as when she was brought up by him" (Esther 2:20 emphasis added).  Esther's respect for and obedience to Mordecai is noteworthy.  Once again, the root o.m.n shows up, as it does in the following examples:

"Did I conceive all these people? Did I beget them, that You should say to me, 'Carry them in your bosom, as a guardian carries a nursing child,' to the land which You swore to their fathers?" complains Moshe to Elohim in Numbers 11:12 (emphasis added).

As for Ruth's mother-in-law, once the former gave birth to her son, Oved, we are told that "… Naomi took the child and laid him on her bosom, and became a nurse to him" (Ruth 4:16 emphasis added).

While Esther was 'detained' in the palace, Mordecai continued to keep his eye on "her who [he] had taken… as his daughter … And every day Mordecai paced in front of the court of the women's quarters, to learn of Esther's welfare and what was happening to her" (Esther 2:15, 11).

The fruit of Mordecai's upbringing and his nurturing of this young lady was evident right away.  During the preparation time before the initial meeting with the king: "…she requested nothing but what Hegai the king's eunuch, the custodian of the women, advised. And Esther obtained favor in the sight of all who saw her" (Esther 2:15).  And further, "the king loved Esther more than all the other women, and she obtained grace and favor in his sight more than all the virgins; so he set the royal crown upon her head and made her queen instead of Vashti" (Esther 2:17). Esther's unassuming and humble disposition made a deep impression on all who met her. Her outer beauty matched her "…. hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of Elohim" (1 Peter 3:4).  She was indeed, a "royal daughter [who was] all glorious within" (Psalm 45:13).

Although concealing her true identity, Hadassah was well aware of who she was.  Her cousin was a man of true and courageous faith and conviction, who stood up against the power-wielding Haman; hence, his protégé displayed the same characteristics.  When Mordecai disclosed to the new queen the plot to exterminate all the Jews of the empire, and implored her to intercede before the king, after a short hesitation, she responded with prayer, fasting, and a call for all the Jews of Shushan to do the same.  With courage empowered by faith, Esther approached the king, even though she knew that without being invited, she might forfeit her life.  But being accepted by the king for an audience did not mean that the threat was over.  How will Achashverosh react when he hears that she had not revealed to him her Jewish identity, and especially now, as she was about to plead on behalf of that people group, whose annihilation he was committed to?

With the experience and confidence that she gained from a Father-like love, Esther was able to step into any situation, from a humiliating beauty pageant to being selected as queen, and then to be in a position of heavy responsibility as an agent of rescue for her people against the influential Haman.  The highest form of prudence and tact was being called for.  The courage that accompanied this woman of faith has now yielded the fruit of the required unparalleled wisdom and diplomacy.  Not only was Esther able to persuade the king of her case, but she was also able to bring to justice Haman, whom she incriminated.

Thus, it was a father-like heart of love, exemplifying Elohim's tenderness and self-sacrifice, which ultimately saved the day of the impending holocaust, through a man who lived and expressed this love and by the recipient of it, a heroine who was willing to give up life for the cause that she was called for (ref. Esther 4:16).  "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends" (John 15:13).

What an empowering testimony for those who had been "cast out" and orphaned for millennia, but who can now take to heart the words penned by Hosea the prophet: "for in You [Elohim] the fatherless finds mercy!" (Hosea 14:3).