Three noble characters in the book of Esther. (Esther 3:1-15)

Three noble characters in the book of Esther. (Esther 3:1-15)

The book of Esther possesses unique characters among bible books. One, Esther is one of the two books named after a woman in the bible. Two, God’s name is not directly mentioned in the book, at least in many popular translations. Some of our youths read the book several times over in proprearation for a quiz competition. So many great virtues surfaced while studying the book. We will examine nobility for example in three characters in the book.

Philippians 4:8

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

The first noble character we would examine is Esther. At a marriageable age, despite her beauty, vulnerability as an orphan and a slave in exile, capable of being a cheap article, was a virgin.

Esther 2:3

And let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom, that they may gather together all the fair young virgins unto Shushan the palace, to the house of the women, unto the custody of Hege the king's chamberlain, keeper of the women; and let their things for purification be given them: 4 And let the maiden which pleaseth the king be queen instead of Vashti. And the thing pleased the king; and he did so. 5 Now in Shushan the palace there was a certain Jew, whose name was Mordecai, the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite; 6 Who had been carried away from Jerusalem with the captivity which had been carried away with Jeconiah king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away. 7 And he brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle's daughter: for she had neither father nor mother, and the maid was fair and beautiful; whom Mordecai, when her father and mother were dead, took for his own daughter. 8 So it came to pass, when the king's commandment and his decree was heard, and when many maidens were gathered together unto Shushan the palace, to the custody of Hegai, that Esther was brought also unto the king's house, to the custody of Hegai, keeper of the women. 9 And the maiden pleased him, and she obtained kindness of him; and he speedily gave her her things for purification, with such things as belonged to her, and seven maidens, which were meet to be given her, out of the king's house: and he preferred her and her maids unto the best place of the house of the women.

Although being a virgin till marriage is not considered today as important but I think it is distinct. It shows fidelity, faithfulness, patience and godliness. This is one of the qualities that recommended Esther to the palace. Are you destined for the palace somewhere? Esther was also obedient to her cousin Mordecai. Esther had faith as well. She called for fasting and prayer and took the great risk of facing the king against the law of the land.

Esther 4:15 Then Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer, 16 Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish. 17 So Mordecai went his way, and did according to all that Esther had commanded him.

Ester was virtuous.

Mordecai, you can guess who the next noble character in the book of Esther is. He was just himself. Although he refused to bow to Haman as a required eye service, he protected the king and exposed a dangerous coup plot.

Esther 2:21

In those days, while Mordecai sat in the king's gate, two of the king's chamberlains, Bigthan and Teresh, of those which kept the door, were wroth, and sought to lay hand on the king Ahasuerus. 22 And the thing was known to Mordecai, who told it unto Esther the queen; and Esther certified the king thereof in Mordecai's name. 23 And when inquisition was made of the matter, it was found out; therefore they were both hanged on a tree: and it was written in the book of the chronicles before the king.

When Esther was selected in the beauty contest, he followed up. He fasted when necessary, cried when required and feasted at the proper time. Even when he was decorated and his enemy was forced to herald him round the city as king’s honour, he just returned to his post shortly after.

Esther 6:11

Then took Haman the apparel and the horse, and arrayed Mordecai, and brought him on horseback through the street of the city, and proclaimed before him, Thus shall it be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honour. 12 And Mordecai came again to the king's gate. But Haman hasted to his house mourning, and having his head covered.

What humility. By the time his nobility added up, the indigenes started changing their nationality.

Esther 8:17 And in every province, and in every city, whithersoever the king's commandment and his decree came, the Jews had joy and gladness, a feast and a good day. And many of the people of the land became Jews; for the fear of the Jews fell upon them.

This is amazing.

Next week we would look at the third noble character in the book of Esther and summarise but before then why don’t you also pick up the book of Esther and glance through? You would find it exciting. God bless.

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