Glory be to the triune God

10/8/2026

Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen. (1 Timothy 1:17)

The absence of God's name in the book of Esther makes it unique among the Biblical books. But still, a question comes to one's mind : why is this book included in the Bible. The answer to the question is ; God's actions and plans can be found on multiple occasions in the book of Esther. "The providential Guidance of the Lord is marvelously attested everywhere in the book of Esther." This book is the most true - to - life Biblical example of God's providence precisely because God seems absent.

As this discussion concludes, let's have a look at the following meditations that one can see when the book of Esther is read.

1. How did Esther become the queen?

Esther ascended to the seat of queenship because of the generosity of a few people like Mordecai who brought her up and encouraged her to join the beauty contest to become the king's queen, Hegai the eunuch of the king who was pleased with Esther's appearance, and  king Ahasuerus who was kind to her when he first saw Esther. While reading the book of Esther we should remember those who facilitated as stepping stones to victory. Esther paid forward the good blessings she got from many by saving her own people from the verge of perishment. Remember, that we are what we are because of someone's hardship, someone's kindness and someone's magnanimity. We seldom remember this.

2. How the tug-of-war for power and recognition between Haman and Mordecai turned out to be the downfall of Haman and the victory of a God-fearing people?

Haman could have ignored Mordecai 's approach and attitude towards him. If he did so he wouldn't have had this unhappy ending. The root cause of  all problems was the tug of war between two individuals. Haman's pride, jealousy, led him to his own downfall. He had everything, family, wealth, high position in the royal court, what not he had? But still he was envious of Mordecai who stood at the king's gate. Haman's hatred was not only on Mordecai but on the entire Jewish community. It can be understood why he became hostile to Mordecai but how can his enmity towards a big group of people be justifiable?  Even though Haman plotted against the Jews which was a God- fearing community, his plots went in vain.

3. How the misuse of one's intellect, skills and power will be a trap to oneself?

The God given talents can be used for good and bad which is an optional matter. But if one makes use of his or her intellect for evil goals then the outcome due to these will affect the same person as well. Haman used his skills, intellect and his influence and power for his own evil vested interests which in turn destroyed his own life. At the same time Mordecai utilized his intellect, and his freedom towards Esther for the salvation of his own people and hence he was appreciated and admired. He had got a bright future.

4. Above all the brutal plans of humans, God will have an upper hand.

The decree that Haman attained through his influence on the king to kill all the Jews was replaced and nullified by another decree of the same king saying that Jews were spared from the death. See how God nullified Haman's plans. Remember, there is God above all of us.

5. The Jews had got full freedom to do whatever they wished to do against their enemies in the country through  the king's second decree. But the Jews had an ethical approach while they were defeating their enemies. The Jews didn't touch the plunder even if they killed their enemies. They could have taken them but they didn't do it.

6. The day of  deliverance was celebrated as commemoration of God's grace and care. The feast of Purim of the Jewish tradition commemorates their deliverance from Haman and his plots. This feast reminds all the Jews that God delivered their ancestors from sword. They fed the hungry, they helped the poor on account of their deliverance from death.

7. And finally the power of prayer and fasting is again reiterated through this book.  Our prayers and our fasting will not go in vain. God hears our petitions. Amen

Also, I extend my prayers and wishes to all our parents, brothers, sisters and children who have birthdays and wedding anniversaries this week. May God bless all of them.

In the love of our Lord Jesus Christ