The book of Esther is a small gem embedded within the vast Old Testament Scriptures. It's easy to overlook because it doesn't present lofty doctrine or mysterious prophecies; in fact, it doesn't even mention God. It simply follows the experiences of two Jewish cousins, Esther and Mordecai, who lived during the time of Israel's exile following the Babylonian conquest of Judah and Jerusalem. In one sense, Esther's story was the story of all the Jewish exiles living under Persian rule. But, in another sense, her story was unique and remarkable. Unforeseen events and circumstances saw her emerge from obscurity as a young Hebrew woman to become the queen of the mightiest empire the world had ever known. But, behind Esther's good fortune stood the eternal purpose of Esther's God. In a way that is both mysterious and thrilling, the story reveals an ever-faithful God who accomplishes his unchanging will for the world, not in the whirlwind but the still, small voice; not with spectacular displays of power but with an unremarkable, and often undetected, hand. Adding its own unique voice to the scriptural chorus, the book of Esther reveals and exalts the unseen, silent, and seemingly absent God whose loving designs are enduring and undaunted; the God who, in every circumstance, is worthy of complete trust and devotion.
