The Book of Esther: A Spiritual Journey

In preparation of an upcoming bible study, 'Sip & Study', I studied The Book of Esther.

I found each chapter to be filled with ancient wisdom, modern parallels, and profound spiritual insights.

First let's explore how God’s name is never mentioned...

the removed chapters mention God

In the traditional Hebrew and Protestant versions, God’s name is never mentioned, which makes His behind the scenes presence feel even more powerful and possibly even mysterious.

The Book of Esther is an example of how, just because something isn’t explicitly stated, doesn’t mean it isn’t present. In King James Version with Apocrypha (KJVAAE), additional chapters reveal the powerful prayers of both Mordecai and Esther, clearly showing their reliance on God in every step. These passages make it clear that they were deeply connected to God, seeking His guidance and intervention.

Could omission of these chapters in many modern translations make it seem as though God’s involvement was absent?

Yes, depending on the reader’s interpretation.

Some could easily argue God’s name was not mentioned as it is in other books so therefore there is no involvement???

Yes, depending on the reader’s interpretation.

While others could argue not mentioning God does not mean they were not people of faith.

Is Mordecai’s sackcloth and ashes a reverence to God?

Is Esther’s fasting?

Esther and Mordecai’s quiet reliance on God, especially in times of crisis, is a reminder that just because God’s hand isn’t visibly stated doesn’t mean it isn’t powerfully working. This story shows us that divine presence is real and active, even if unspoken.

unspoken words and visible actions

Although God’s involvement isn’t visibly stated, it’s reflected in the acts of fasting, sackcloth, and ashes that Mordecai and the Jewish people embraced. These acts were outward symbols of repentance, humility, and a plea for divine intervention, showing a collective faith in God’s mercy and power.

God’s guidance often moves silently, yet purposefully, shaping our lives in ways we may only see in hindsight.

it shows us to be quiet

to stand on faith

The quietness of divine orchestration can make His presence feel all the more profound, showing that faith doesn’t rely on direct acknowledgment but on trust in God’s unseen, always present hand.

The hand of God.

The Book of Esther, especially with the fuller narrative in the KJVAAE, is a testament to trusting the existence of God’s unseen hand in our lives, even when we may not see or hear Him directly.

my chapter by chapter revelation…

Let’s talk numbers first.

I took a deeper look to understand the why dates were mentioned and how long did this take place... a modern day approach to the progression of time.

The time frames and specific dates are mentioned throughout the story.

Let’s not ignore the King partied for 180 days

6 months

This festival was intended to display his wealth, power, and the grandeur of his kingdom to nobles, officials, and others in positions of influence. Following this 6 month celebration, the king hosted an additional 7 day feast for everyone in the palace, which ultimately led to Queen Vashti’s refusal to appear before the king and his guests.

Esther 1:1-9

The events begin in the third year of King Ahasuerus’ reign, equivalent to March through August of 2024. Later, Esther is brought before the king in the tenth month of the seventh year, which would be around December 2028 to January 2029.

As we move into the twelfth year, events unfold in the first month (March to April 2035) and the thirteenth day of that month (mid-April 2035), which is when Haman’s decree against the Jews is issued.

A few months later, on the twenty-third day of the third month, Sivan (May to June 2035), Mordecai’s counter decree is issued.

The ultimate day of deliverance occurs on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, Adar (February to March 2036), and the story culminates in the celebration of Purim on the fourteenth and fifteenth days of Adar, which aligns with mid-March 2036.

I started thinking of the ashes…

Ash Wednesday February/March

so anyway

The presence of these dates in a book where God’s name isn’t directly mentioned speaks to the importance of divine timing.

Each date, each time frame, seems to emphasize the unfolding of events with intentional purpose.

It’s as if these dates mark the rhythm of God’s unseen hand guiding each step, even though He isn’t directly referenced.

The attention to time reminds us that even in moments when God feels silent or hidden, His timing is perfectly aligned to bring about deliverance, justice, and transformation.

The dates encourage us to pay attention to the subtle ways in which God is inviting us to trust the divine order behind life’s events.

Chapter 1: A Grand Feast and a Bold Refusal

The story opens with King Ahasuerus hosting an extravagant feast. The king wanted to show off the beauty of his queen, so he called her to appear before the attendees. Queen Vashti refused. The queen's refusal to appear at his command is an act of disobedience, as queen she sets the tone for the entire kingdom - other wives may display the same disrespect to their husbands. King Ahasuerus's motives were revealed but Queen Vashti's were not. What if she felt like her worth was reduced to her appearance? An object of admiration.

She risks her position as queen and is ultimately removed from her position.

Biblically when a queen is removed from her throne, she no longer holds influence or honor in the kingdom. While we don't know what ultimately happens to Vashti, her choice shows that one's worth is not defined by title or status but by integrity and confidence in one's decisions.

Spiritually, this chapter speaks to themes of personal dignity and the risks involved in standing firm in one’s values especially when faced with pressure from authority or societal expectations but there is strength in valuing dignity over fear.

Proverbs 11:6

A gracious woman retaineth honour: and strong men retain riches.

The value of honor and self-respect. Vashti's refusal demonstrates commitment to personal honor rather than submitting to a degrading command.

Ephesians 5:22

Wives submit to your husband

Submission in marriage is a reflection of mutual commitment, respect and care.

Came to the party for the photos.

Chapter 2: Esther’s Rise and Divine Favor

Esther is introduced, an orphan raised by her cousin Mordecai. Her humble beginnings resonate deeply—she rises to the role of queen not by force but through grace and favor.

The grief she must have endured is unimaginable, losing parents creates a deep void. Especially, in a world where family is a source of security and identity. Esther's early life marked by loss could have left her feeling vulnerable and alone. Mordecai's willingness to step in as a parent gave Esther a stable foundation which allowed her to grow up with guidance, protection and a strong sense of heritage. His influence shaped her character - values of faith, resilience, and loyalty.

Spiritually, Esther’s journey reminds us that even in the face of great loss, God can place people in our lives to fill those gaps. The love Mordecai showed is a direct reflection of diving provision, a reminder that family can come in many forms and support often arises in unexpected places. In modern terms, Esther’s journey shows how life can take unexpected turns when we are patient and faithful and with divine timing and favor, God can elevate those who remain humble and true to their values.

Proverbs 22:6

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

By setting a strong foundation, parents and mentors (like Mordecai) instill principles that can guide them throughout life, even when they face challenges.

Chapter 3: Haman’s Plot Against the Jews

This chapter highlights pride, prejudice, and the dangers of unchecked power. Haman, a high-ranking official, harbors resentment toward Mordecai for not bowing to him, leading to a plot against the Jewish people. Haman's desire was rooted in his price and desire for recognition. In Persian culture, it was customary for officials to affirm their authority or social standing and bowing was a reverence of respect. Mordecai, a Jew, reserved submission and bowing for God alone. In Jewish tradition, loyalty to God comes before any earthly power.

Mordecai's decision reflects a dedication to uphold his beliefs even if it placed him in danger. This clash sets the stage for the larger conflict, symbolizing the battle between earthly power driven by ego and spiritual courage rotted in conviction.

Spiritually, it speaks to the forces that sometimes rise against us, yet also foreshadows the victory of justice over malice.

Proverbs 29:23

A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.

Haman's pride leads to his downfall and Mordecai's humility leads to his honor and elevation.

Chapter 4: Mourning and a Call to Action

This chapter emphasizes the need to trust divine guidance, reminding us that God is present in the most challenging times, urging us to step forward. When Mordecai learns of Haman’s decree, he mourns in sackcloth and ashes. His grief, filled with torn hair, symbolizes a breaking point. It reminds me of how people today cut their hair as a reset—letting go and beginning anew. Mordecai’s faith, discernment reveals that Esther's position may be part of a greater plan. His call to Esther to intercede reflects our call to courage, even when we feel unprepared. Esther's decision to risk her life for her people is an inspiring act of self-sacrifice, demonstrating the strength that can come from aligning our actions with a higher purpose.

Her words: If I perish, I perish - vs 16.

Spiritually, her fasting and request for others to join in signify a powerful act of intercession, reminding us of the strength found in community and in seeking divine guidance together.

Proverbs 24:10

If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small.

Esther embodied strength - if I perish, I perish - not only is she accepting the risk but she is refusing to faint in the face of adversity.

Esther's courage is remarkable, yet ultimately approaches the king she does, in fact, faint. However, this moment of physical weakness does not define her.

Biblically and historically, sackcloth was a course, rough fabric typically made from goat's hair worn as a symbol of mourning, humility, and repentance.

Joel 1:13 "lie all night in sackcloth"

Priests are calling to put on sackcloth and mourn, symbolizing repentance and humility in seeking God's mercy for the land.

Jonah 3:5 "proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth"

Jonah 3:6 "covered him with sackcloth and sat in ashes"

The king and the people of Nineveh put on sackcloth as a sign of repentance, seeking God's forgiveness to avert the destruction foretold by Jonah.

Chapter 5: Esther’s Strategy and the Power of Patience

After three days of fasting and prayer, Esther was prepared to risk her life to plead for her people. She dressed in her royal attire and approaches the king uninvited, risking her life. As entering into the court uninvited could result in death. Persian law prohibits approaching the king without summons. If I perish, I perish.

Vashti chose dignity over obedience, stating firm in her self-respect.

Esther chose courage over safety, risking her life to protect her people.

She's kept her identity hidden and now it must be revealed to her king. When Esther sees the king she faints - the weight, she is risking everything for her people. The king is compassionate and extends his golden scepter to her - she regains her composure. She does not immediately ask for her people's protection but instead invites the king and Haman to a banquet. Esther's patience and wisdom in not immediately making her request reflect the importance of timing. In today’s world, this can resonate as the need to trust the process and wait for the right moment to speak or act.

Spiritually, Esther’s approach symbolizes faith in God’s timing and the strength that comes from moving forward with discernment and courage. Haman's actions serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and anger.

Proverbs 16:32

He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.

By ruling her spirit and acting with patience, Esther positioned herself to achieve her goal.

Chapter 6: Divine Timing and Mordecai’s Honor

This chapter reminds me of the quiet ways God works behind the scenes, aligning events just when we need them. The king’s sleepless night and the “coincidence” of reading about Mordecai’s past loyalty demonstrates divine intervention. At the same time, Haman enters the court, planning to request the execution of Mordecai - but the king instead asks Haman how to honor a man he wishes to reward. Unbeknownst to Haman it was Mordecai the king was looking to honor - not Haman. Mordecai was never rewarded for previously saving the king's life. His overdue honor shows how God’s justice may be delayed but is always perfect. Haman finds himself instructed to carry out honor for Mordecai. Mordecai's overlooked loyalty was recognized at the perfect moment, which protected Mordecai's life.

Spiritually, it speaks to the assurance that acts of loyalty and faith, even if unnoticed at first, are not forgotten by God. God is aware of our faithfulness, even when it seems unseen, and that His justice will ultimately prevail in His timing.

Proverbs 16:9

A man's heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps.

Haman plotted Mordecai's demise, God orchestrated Mordecai's rise.

Chapters 7-8: The Fall of Haman and a New Decree

In these chapters, Haman’s plot is exposed, and he faces justice. Esther holds a 2nd banquet for the King and Haman where she reveals Haman's plot against her people, the Jews. The king was enraged by Haman's betrayal. He ordered Haman to be executed on in the same spot Haman had built for Mordecai. While the original decree against the Jews could not be undone Esther’s courage and the king’s trust in her allowed her to secure a new decree that gives the Jews the right to defend themselves. This turn of events shows how truth prevails over evil, even when the odds seem impossible. The Jewish people were empowered to protect their lives.

Spiritually, these chapters reflect how harmful intentions often backfire. The victory of faith and integrity over pride and hatred, encouraging us to trust that God’s justice will prevail. He can use unexpected means to protect and elevate those who trust in Him.

Proverbs 21:1

The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.

God's influence over the king's decision guided him to act in the favor of Esther and the Jewish people, ensuring justice and protection.

In the Greek additions to Esther Mordecai's prayers Mordecai reference to Esther as a "river" foreshadows her role as an instrument of God's guidance - as God directs the flows of the river, he directed Esther's life and actions aligning her path with His purpose. Her presence in the palace becomes like a river directed by God, influencing and softening the king's heart to ensure justice and protection for her people. This shows Esther's life flows according to divine guidance.

Chapter 9: Victory and the Institution of Purim

On the 13th of Adar, the Jews defend themselves and secure their survival. The intended day of their demise becomes a day of triumph and survival. The following day, they rest and celebrate, establishing the festival of Purim. This victory, once a day of potential destruction, transforms into a celebration of life.

In spiritual terms, Purim represents gratitude, remembrance, and the transformation of trials into triumphs. It’s a reminder that God can turn even the darkest moments into times of joy and blessing. The establishment of Purim teaches us to honor moments of divine intervention, knowing that God's protection is often at work in unseen ways, even in the midst of life's darkest challenges.

Proverbs 11:8

The righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked cometh in his stead.

The Jewish people are delivered.

In numerology, the number 13 represents transformation, rebirth, and change. While often associated with negativity and difficulty, it ultimately represents the cycle of endings and new beginnings. The 13th day of Adar was initially set for destruction became a day of deliverance, showcasing the number's association with transformation from adversity into triumph.

Chapters 10: Mordecai’s Rising Influence

This chapter is a reminder of how God’s providence works through unseen means, often leading us where we’re meant to be. Mordecai’s rise to influence shows how those who stay faithful to God’s guidance are elevated in ways they couldn’t have imagined.

Spiritually, we are reminded true greatness comes from serving others and standing by one's values. God's plan unfolds through dedicated, righteous individuals.

I have to believe Queen Vashti's disobedience was also part of God's plan.

Proverbs 29:2

When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.

Mordecai's rise to authority brought peace and joy to the Jewish people.

Chapters 11: Mordecai’s Dream

Mordecai’s dream—where he envisions two dragons and the cry of the righteous.

Two dragons - good and evil, King & Haman, or Haman and Mordecai (Psalms 91:13, Isaiah 27:1)

Cry of the righteous - deliverance (Psalms 34:15-17, Proverbs 15:29)

The dream serves as both a warning and a symbol of deliverance. The dragons symbolize impending conflict. The cry of the righteous symbolizes deliverance.

This dream, a vision, foreshadows the struggle between Haman and the Jewish people. The ultimate reversal, where divine influence guides the king to protect and uplift the Jewish people, turning what was meant for harm into a victory for justice and faith. It speaks to how God sometimes prepares us with insight into the battles we face.

Chapter 12: Loyalty, Honor, and the Cost of Integrity

The king’s rediscovery of Mordecai’s loyalty—recorded but unrewarded—symbolizes how faithfulness often isn’t immediately acknowledged. In today’s terms, it’s a reminder that integrity may come with sacrifices but is always valuable. Spiritually, it solidifies that God’s justice, though sometimes delayed, is inevitable and aligned with His perfect timing.

Chapter 13: A Call for Mercy in Desperation

As the decree against the Jews looms, Mordecai’s prayer reflects deep humility and a plea for divine mercy. His act of repentance is a reminder of the power of sincere prayer in times of crisis. Spiritually, it demonstrates how turning to God in humility and repentance can open doors for divine intervention, even in situations that seem hopeless.

Chapter 14: Esther’s Heartfelt Prayer and Surrender

Esther’s prayer is a powerful moment of surrender and faith. She expresses fear, humility, and hope, seeking God’s strength to accomplish her mission. In modern terms, this can resonate as a reminder that faith often involves stepping out of our comfort zones. Spiritually, Esther’s prayer teaches us the importance of approaching God with sincerity and openness, trusting Him to equip us for the path ahead.

Chapter 15: Courage, Compassion, and Divine Grace

Esther’s approach to the king, where she faints from fear yet is met with compassion, shows the vulnerability within courage. The king’s extension of the scepter is a symbol of divine grace, a reminder that God’s mercy meets us in our weakness. Spiritually, it speaks to how humility and faith draw God’s favor, providing strength even when we feel fragile.

Chapter 16: Final Victory and Celebration

In the concluding chapter, the king’s decree not only saves the Jewish people but turns their intended destruction into a time of victory. Mordecai’s rise to prominence and the celebration of Purim represent how God can transform struggles into blessings. Spiritually, this chapter reinforces the themes of divine justice and remembrance, reminding us to celebrate God’s deliverance and to honor the ways He brings us through trials.

The Book of Esther reveals, through every twist and turn, that God’s presence isn’t limited to loud miracles or explicit mentions; it’s present in the timing, in courage, and in every moment of faith.

Esther and Mordecai’s journey encourages us to trust God’s unseen hand, act with courage, and celebrate the victories that come when we walk in faith.

Journal Prompts

How important is “fancy”?

Do I flaunt my wealth?

What is wealth to me?

Am I swayed by others opinions?

In addition to the Lord - whom do you seek wise counsel?

What characteristics traits are important in those considered as wise counsel?

God often responds to those who humble themselves, aligning their desires with His will... seeking not only answers but a deeper relationship and trust in Him.

I can't say for sure, but it seems that humility and trust open the door to God's responses.

...becoming a vessel for God's purpose

Queen Vashti Queen Esther

two paths

called but not chosen to fulfill a lasting purpose

other makes history

but never a competition you see

no care of before

no care of after

only care of me

self love you see

Vashti’s emotions were unexplained and brief

almost as if to say that was so insignificant

“don’t sweat the small stuff”

Esther’s was enduring, deliverance of her people

what does it mean to be called and chosen?

maybe being “called” invites us to recognize our potential

maybe being “chosen” calls us to walk in faith, humility, and readiness for God’s purpose at all times

staying humble under Him only

strength and alignment with His divine plan

all we know is what made his story

basic instructions before leaving earth

because so much is missing

like chapters 11-16

Esther seeked God’s guidance

called and chosen

in my mind, Tikisha

www.tikishabanks.com