Have you experienced a season when prayers go unanswered, circumstances feel uncertain, and you wonder if God was even paying attention? There are times in life when God seems silent. As believers, these moments test our faith and challenge our resolve. But Scripture is clear: even when God seems silent, He is never absent in the lives of His people. One of the most powerful illustrations of this truth is found in the Old Testament book of Esther—a book that, remarkably, never mentions the name of God, yet is filled with evidence of His providence and His faithfulness to His promises.
During the final two days of the month of May, our Rooted Bible Reading Program at LMBC directs us to read the true, theatrical narrative of Esther. Her story invites us to trust in God despite life’s circumstances. It reminds us that God is always at work—guiding, preserving, and unfolding His plan—even when He seems hidden. In the grand redemptive story of the Bible, the book of Esther powerfully illustrates God’s unwavering commitment to the Jewish people and, by extension, the trustworthiness of His promises.
Esther As History
The book of Esther finds its setting in the 5th century BC, during the reign of Xerxes I
(Ahasuerus in Hebrew), who ruled the vast Persian Empire from 486–465 BC. The Persian Empire at that time stretched from India to Ethiopia—127 provinces in all. It was a multicultural, multiethnic empire and the Jews were among many dispersed peoples living far from their ancestral homeland.
Following the Babylonian captivity, many Jews had returned to Jerusalem under the leadership of Zerubbabel, Ezra, and later Nehemiah. However, many Jewish families remained in the cities of Persia, either by choice or circumstance. The story of Esther centers around this Jewish diaspora—people attempting to maintain their special identity as God’s people while in a foreign culture without the support of Temple worship or the visible leadership of prophets and priests.
This post-exilic period is a significant era in the history of the Jewish people. God’s program for Israel was not paused, but it was operating under a different kind of providential management. During this time, there were no miracles like the parting of the Red Sea, no thunderous voice from heaven, no pillar of fire to follow—just God working behind the scenes through circumstances and people. Yet, even in this “silent” period, the Lord’s promises and purposes never failed.
Esther As Literature
From a literary perspective, the book of Esther is masterfully structured. Esther’s story begins with a crisis in the palace, rises through escalating tension with Haman’s plot, climaxes in Esther’s courageous stand, and resolves with the deliverance of the Jews and the institution of the Feast of Purim. The irony, reversals, and poetic justice throughout the narrative reflect not just skillful storytelling but divine orchestration. It’s also worth noting that the book was somewhat controversial in Jewish and Christian history due to the absence of God’s name and its focus on national deliverance rather than religious revival. However, the inclusion of Esther in the Bible speaks to the deep theological truths embedded within—especially truths concerning God’s covenantal care for Israel.
Esther: A Story in Five Acts
Let’s walk through the story, act by act, and explore how God’s plan and promises shine through—even in His silence.
Act 1: Vashti Deposed (Esther 1)
The book of Esther opens with the grandeur of a Persian banquet. Xerxes, in a display of excessive pride, hosts a six-month celebration followed by a week-long feast in the citadel of Susa. In this moment of intoxicated pomp, he summons Queen Vashti to display her beauty before his guests. When she refuses, the king, embarrassed and enraged, deposes her.
This may appear to be a small detail or political drama—but it’s the first domino that falls in God’s providential plan. Vashti’s removal created a royal vacancy that would eventually be filled by Esther. God’s plan often works this way—not through loud announcements, but through quiet shifts in the circumstances of life.
Act 2: Esther Crowned (Esther 2)
Esther, an orphan raised by her cousin Mordecai, is among the many young women brought to the palace. Through God’s unseen guidance, she gains favor with Hegai, the custodian of the women, and ultimately with the king himself. She is crowned queen—yet she keeps her Jewish identity a secret.
This second act in the drama of Esther speaks to God’s ability to place His people in strategic positions for His purposes. In our own lives, we may find ourselves in unfamiliar or even uncomfortable places. Yet God’s placement is never accidental. Esther may have felt out of place in the palace, but she was precisely within the center of God’s plan for her and her people.
Act 3: Haman’s Plot (Esther 3)
Enter Haman, the villain of the story. A descendant of Agag—the Amalekite king Saul failed to destroy—Haman’s hatred for the Jews runs deep. When Mordecai refuses to bow to him, Haman’s pride boils over. He doesn’t just seek revenge on Mordecai; he schemes to exterminate all Jews in the empire, convincing the king to issue an edict demanding their destruction.
Haman’s genocidal plan is horrifying, but it also reminds us of the persistent nature of antisemitism throughout history. From Pharaoh in Exodus, to Haman in Persia, to Hitler in modern times, Satan has sought repeatedly to destroy the Jewish people. But God’s promise in Genesis 12:3 still stands: “I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse.” Esther shows us that God always protects His people. His plan for Israel cannot be undone.
Act 4: Esther’s Courage (Esther 4–7)
Mordecai, devastated by the king’s edict, appeals to Esther. Initially, she hesitates, as approaching the king uninvited could cost her life. But Mordecai’s challenge is clear: “Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14 NKJV) Esther’s bravery is not impulsive. She calls for a fast, prepares, and, when the moment comes, acts with courage and wisdom. At her second banquet, she exposes Haman’s plot, and Haman is hanged on the gallows he built for Mordecai.
Believers today can find powerful application when considering Esther’s courage. Faith does not always look like loud declarations. Sometimes, it’s quiet resolve, persistent preparation, and a willingness to risk everything in obedience to God. Esther’s example encourages believers today: God can use your voice to make a difference, even when the stakes are high.
Act 5: God’s Promises Stand (Esther 8–10)
Although the king cannot revoke the original edict, he empowers Esther and Mordecai to write a new royal proclamation allowing the Jews to defend themselves. On the appointed day, the Jews gain victory over their enemies. What was intended for destruction becomes a day of deliverance and joy. Mordecai is elevated to a position of power, and the Jewish people celebrate with gladness.
Mordecai instituted the Feast of Purim as a yearly observation for the Jewish people to remember God’s provision of deliverance. To this day, it is celebrated in Jewish communities around the world with feasting, Scripture reading, and rejoicing. The Feast of Purim was established as a living reminder of God’s invisible but invincible hand.
What To Do When God Seems Silent
One of the most remarkable things about Esther is the total absence of any explicit mention of God. The story of Esther features no voice from heaven, prophetic word, or angelic visitor. Yet, God’s plan is woven into every detail of the story. This silence is not unfamiliar to us today. Many believers—especially in difficult seasons—wrestle with God’s apparent silence. We often ask: “Why doesn’t God speak clearly? Why doesn’t He intervene more obviously? Why do I feel alone?”
Esther’s story offers an answer: God is always at work, even when we don’t see Him. His plan is like the back of a tapestry. What may look like a mess of threads and knots from our perspective is, from heaven’s side, a masterpiece of purpose. Through the book of Esther, believers can learn how to trust the silence.
Like Esther, you may be in a season where you’re not sure what God is doing. But He may have placed you exactly where you are “for such a time as this.”
God’s Promises to Israel and to Us
Esther is more than a story of personal courage—it’s a story of national preservation. God’s covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob was not canceled by Israel’s exile, nor was it threatened by Persian kings and genocidal villains. In fact, Esther is a powerful affirmation of the Biblical truth that God’s plan for Israel endures through every age.
Romans 11 reminds us that while Israel may be temporarily set aside during this church age, “The gifts and calling of God are irrevocable” (Rom 11:29). God is not finished with Israel, and Esther stands as one of the clearest Old Testament proofs of His commitment to preserve His people.
For us, as believers in Jesus during the church age, God’s promises are equally sure. As recipients of God’s blessing of salvation in Christ, we too can rest in promises relating to His character and His Word:
Conclusion: Remember
The Jews were instructed to remember Purim—to retell the story of their deliverance, to pass it on to future generations, to feast and celebrate what God had done. As Christians, we also need to remember moments where we saw God come through — times when He answered prayer, opened doors, spared us from danger, or brought peace in the midst of a storm. These are our Purims—evidence of God’s silent yet sovereign hand.
Take time to reflect on these moments. Write down those times when God came through for you or your family. Keep the stories of God’s salvation and deliverance alive for the next generation. We are forgetful people, and we need reminders of how God has proven Himself faithful.
Like Mordecai and Esther, you are part of God’s plan—even in a culture that is foreign, even in a world where God seems absent. You may be in your workplace, your neighborhood, or your family “for such a time as this.”
Trust God’s promises, rest in the surety of His plan, and remember: Even when He seems silent, God is still speaking.
During the final two days of the month of May, our Rooted Bible Reading Program at LMBC directs us to read the true, theatrical narrative of Esther. Her story invites us to trust in God despite life’s circumstances. It reminds us that God is always at work—guiding, preserving, and unfolding His plan—even when He seems hidden. In the grand redemptive story of the Bible, the book of Esther powerfully illustrates God’s unwavering commitment to the Jewish people and, by extension, the trustworthiness of His promises.
Esther As History
The book of Esther finds its setting in the 5th century BC, during the reign of Xerxes I
(Ahasuerus in Hebrew), who ruled the vast Persian Empire from 486–465 BC. The Persian Empire at that time stretched from India to Ethiopia—127 provinces in all. It was a multicultural, multiethnic empire and the Jews were among many dispersed peoples living far from their ancestral homeland.
Following the Babylonian captivity, many Jews had returned to Jerusalem under the leadership of Zerubbabel, Ezra, and later Nehemiah. However, many Jewish families remained in the cities of Persia, either by choice or circumstance. The story of Esther centers around this Jewish diaspora—people attempting to maintain their special identity as God’s people while in a foreign culture without the support of Temple worship or the visible leadership of prophets and priests.
This post-exilic period is a significant era in the history of the Jewish people. God’s program for Israel was not paused, but it was operating under a different kind of providential management. During this time, there were no miracles like the parting of the Red Sea, no thunderous voice from heaven, no pillar of fire to follow—just God working behind the scenes through circumstances and people. Yet, even in this “silent” period, the Lord’s promises and purposes never failed.
Esther As Literature
From a literary perspective, the book of Esther is masterfully structured. Esther’s story begins with a crisis in the palace, rises through escalating tension with Haman’s plot, climaxes in Esther’s courageous stand, and resolves with the deliverance of the Jews and the institution of the Feast of Purim. The irony, reversals, and poetic justice throughout the narrative reflect not just skillful storytelling but divine orchestration. It’s also worth noting that the book was somewhat controversial in Jewish and Christian history due to the absence of God’s name and its focus on national deliverance rather than religious revival. However, the inclusion of Esther in the Bible speaks to the deep theological truths embedded within—especially truths concerning God’s covenantal care for Israel.
Esther: A Story in Five Acts
Let’s walk through the story, act by act, and explore how God’s plan and promises shine through—even in His silence.
Act 1: Vashti Deposed (Esther 1)
The book of Esther opens with the grandeur of a Persian banquet. Xerxes, in a display of excessive pride, hosts a six-month celebration followed by a week-long feast in the citadel of Susa. In this moment of intoxicated pomp, he summons Queen Vashti to display her beauty before his guests. When she refuses, the king, embarrassed and enraged, deposes her.
This may appear to be a small detail or political drama—but it’s the first domino that falls in God’s providential plan. Vashti’s removal created a royal vacancy that would eventually be filled by Esther. God’s plan often works this way—not through loud announcements, but through quiet shifts in the circumstances of life.
Act 2: Esther Crowned (Esther 2)
Esther, an orphan raised by her cousin Mordecai, is among the many young women brought to the palace. Through God’s unseen guidance, she gains favor with Hegai, the custodian of the women, and ultimately with the king himself. She is crowned queen—yet she keeps her Jewish identity a secret.
This second act in the drama of Esther speaks to God’s ability to place His people in strategic positions for His purposes. In our own lives, we may find ourselves in unfamiliar or even uncomfortable places. Yet God’s placement is never accidental. Esther may have felt out of place in the palace, but she was precisely within the center of God’s plan for her and her people.
Act 3: Haman’s Plot (Esther 3)
Enter Haman, the villain of the story. A descendant of Agag—the Amalekite king Saul failed to destroy—Haman’s hatred for the Jews runs deep. When Mordecai refuses to bow to him, Haman’s pride boils over. He doesn’t just seek revenge on Mordecai; he schemes to exterminate all Jews in the empire, convincing the king to issue an edict demanding their destruction.
Haman’s genocidal plan is horrifying, but it also reminds us of the persistent nature of antisemitism throughout history. From Pharaoh in Exodus, to Haman in Persia, to Hitler in modern times, Satan has sought repeatedly to destroy the Jewish people. But God’s promise in Genesis 12:3 still stands: “I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse.” Esther shows us that God always protects His people. His plan for Israel cannot be undone.
Act 4: Esther’s Courage (Esther 4–7)
Mordecai, devastated by the king’s edict, appeals to Esther. Initially, she hesitates, as approaching the king uninvited could cost her life. But Mordecai’s challenge is clear: “Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14 NKJV) Esther’s bravery is not impulsive. She calls for a fast, prepares, and, when the moment comes, acts with courage and wisdom. At her second banquet, she exposes Haman’s plot, and Haman is hanged on the gallows he built for Mordecai.
Believers today can find powerful application when considering Esther’s courage. Faith does not always look like loud declarations. Sometimes, it’s quiet resolve, persistent preparation, and a willingness to risk everything in obedience to God. Esther’s example encourages believers today: God can use your voice to make a difference, even when the stakes are high.
Act 5: God’s Promises Stand (Esther 8–10)
Although the king cannot revoke the original edict, he empowers Esther and Mordecai to write a new royal proclamation allowing the Jews to defend themselves. On the appointed day, the Jews gain victory over their enemies. What was intended for destruction becomes a day of deliverance and joy. Mordecai is elevated to a position of power, and the Jewish people celebrate with gladness.
Mordecai instituted the Feast of Purim as a yearly observation for the Jewish people to remember God’s provision of deliverance. To this day, it is celebrated in Jewish communities around the world with feasting, Scripture reading, and rejoicing. The Feast of Purim was established as a living reminder of God’s invisible but invincible hand.
What To Do When God Seems Silent
One of the most remarkable things about Esther is the total absence of any explicit mention of God. The story of Esther features no voice from heaven, prophetic word, or angelic visitor. Yet, God’s plan is woven into every detail of the story. This silence is not unfamiliar to us today. Many believers—especially in difficult seasons—wrestle with God’s apparent silence. We often ask: “Why doesn’t God speak clearly? Why doesn’t He intervene more obviously? Why do I feel alone?”
Esther’s story offers an answer: God is always at work, even when we don’t see Him. His plan is like the back of a tapestry. What may look like a mess of threads and knots from our perspective is, from heaven’s side, a masterpiece of purpose. Through the book of Esther, believers can learn how to trust the silence.
- When your prayers seem unanswered, God is still listening.
- When your plans are disrupted, God may be redirecting.
- When your world is shaking, God remains unshaken.
Like Esther, you may be in a season where you’re not sure what God is doing. But He may have placed you exactly where you are “for such a time as this.”
God’s Promises to Israel and to Us
Esther is more than a story of personal courage—it’s a story of national preservation. God’s covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob was not canceled by Israel’s exile, nor was it threatened by Persian kings and genocidal villains. In fact, Esther is a powerful affirmation of the Biblical truth that God’s plan for Israel endures through every age.
Romans 11 reminds us that while Israel may be temporarily set aside during this church age, “The gifts and calling of God are irrevocable” (Rom 11:29). God is not finished with Israel, and Esther stands as one of the clearest Old Testament proofs of His commitment to preserve His people.
For us, as believers in Jesus during the church age, God’s promises are equally sure. As recipients of God’s blessing of salvation in Christ, we too can rest in promises relating to His character and His Word:
- He is coming again, just as He promised (John 14:3).
- He will complete the work He started in us (Philippians 1:6).
- He will never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).
Conclusion: Remember
The Jews were instructed to remember Purim—to retell the story of their deliverance, to pass it on to future generations, to feast and celebrate what God had done. As Christians, we also need to remember moments where we saw God come through — times when He answered prayer, opened doors, spared us from danger, or brought peace in the midst of a storm. These are our Purims—evidence of God’s silent yet sovereign hand.
Take time to reflect on these moments. Write down those times when God came through for you or your family. Keep the stories of God’s salvation and deliverance alive for the next generation. We are forgetful people, and we need reminders of how God has proven Himself faithful.
Like Mordecai and Esther, you are part of God’s plan—even in a culture that is foreign, even in a world where God seems absent. You may be in your workplace, your neighborhood, or your family “for such a time as this.”
Trust God’s promises, rest in the surety of His plan, and remember: Even when He seems silent, God is still speaking.
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