In these final chapters of the book of Esther, we see how the Lord delivered His people from the murderous threats of Haman and provided for Esther and her cousin Mordecai. We see how God historically worked through the people and events of the day to bring about His will and provide for His people. This testimony gives us reason to rejoice in the present, knowing that God is equally working in our day. Evil is still present and dangerous, yet Christians do not fear, for we know that Jesus will return to once and for all defeat evil and perfectly establish His kingdom. These four chapters are not a perfect 1 to 1 testimony to what it will be like when Jesus returns, but they do bring us great encouragement. We can rejoice in the testimony that, like how God defeated the evil Haman and gave victory to the Jews over their enemies, so will God once and for all defeat evil when Jesus returns and gives His people perfect victory.

In Esther chapter 5, events begin to come quickly. Esther approaches the king, and Haman advances his plans to annihilate the Jews with special attention to the murder of Mordecai. All the while the deliverance of God is being brought about and will come quickly and (I think) unexpectedly to all those involved. Most of these things will happen in chapters 7-10, which we will consider next week.

In this week’s podcast, we consider the contrast between the arrogance of Haman and the humility of Esther and Mordecai. Haman, in pride and arrogance, opposed God to his own destruction. Esther and Mordecai humbly trusted God and experienced amazing grace.

Chapter 4 has one of the best-known verses in the entire book of Esther: “And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14, ESV)

Looking back at this passage, we can see the grace of God and the faith of Mordecai and Esther. In the moment, it may not have felt like they were acting out of great faith but more out of desperate self-preservation. Even so, though their faith may have been weak, and their actions mixed with much self-concern, they give us a beautiful testimony of faithful obedience.

From this passage, we see a testimony that calls us to reckon with the weakness of worldly wealth, rely on God’s provision, and resolve to act.

Esther chapter 3 is a very unsettling moment. In practical terms, things have gone from bad to worst. Yet, in this very bleak moment, there is a beautiful testimony to the providence of God. Even while Mordecai and Esther may be unaware, God is providing for the deliverance of His people. In this passage, we see how God is providentially working through His perfect timing, the opportunities to prosper, and preparing for the future.

The biblical testimony of Esther is not a fairy tale. It is not a happy-ever-after story. This is a story of a subjected people being used without regard by the king according to his whims. Esther is not an autonomous actor. She is trying to survive in a hostile place. In this very broken and dark moment, we see both the ugliness of living in a broken world and the hope of God’s sovereignty to make a way for His redemptive work.