The Beginning of Esther Esther 1:1 - Equipped for Battle

More often than not, the origin of matters rarely come to mind. In fact, most of the time we may only briefly give a thought to the beginnings of things, and when referring to people, especially in the Bible, we may only occasionally wonder about one of the character's lives before we read their story. The book of Esther leans this way particularly when in reference to God. He is not mentioned, and yet, His providence pervades in this book. His mighty hand is invisibly seen as people and events align for preservation of the Jewish nation, and by preserving them, Our Heavenly Father continues the line toward Jesus the Messiah. We begin with the setting of the time of these events in chapter one and verse one where we read:

Now it came to pass in the days of Ahasuerus, (this [is] Ahasuerus which reigned, from India even unto Ethiopia, [over] an hundred and seven and twenty provinces:)

Let us note first these words, “Now it came to pass...” This statement can be used to identify most life events. They come, and they pass. They come, and they pass. Once again, they come, and they pass. Like a conveyor belt passing before us, people, events, times and things come and go as we live our lives. As this is so, we must keep in mind that there is a Divine conductor who reigns over everything that comes and goes before us.

The scripture continues, “in the days of Ahasuerus, (this is Ahasuerus which reigned, from India even unto Ethiopia, over an hundred and seven and twenty provinces:)” The children of Israel are approximately one hundred years removed from their seventy year captivity in Babylon under Nebuchadnezzar, and many people have been led back to their land some fifty years before this time. Ezra and Nehemiah have come back to their land to rebuild the temple and the wall, and now Ahasuerus rules who is more than likely Xerxes I of Persia who reigned over one hundred and twenty-seven provinces which had grown from one hundred and twenty provinces during Daniel's time. Although this kingdom may seem large, we must keep in mind that it is God who sets up governments, and it is God who can tear them down.

Our story will continue, but for now, let's allow ourselves to consider the setting of our day. What kingdom do we live within that God oversees today? One of the themes throughout this book will be “for such a time as this”, and as we keep that theme in mind, rather than only vicariously living as we consider Esther's place, we must understand that we too have “such a time as this.” The question throughout this book will be, “What are we doing with our “such a time”?”

Next time we will take a further look into the background of Esther, so read ahead, and let us join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

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