Esther 2 -- Hurry Up And Wait

It seems the theme of this chapter should be, “Hurry up and wait.”  My commentary said, “God is preparing His heroes, and when the opportunity comes, He can fit them into their places in a moment, and the world will wonder where they came from … God is never surprised by circumstances or at a loss for prepared servants.”  Regarding the plan to build a new harem and hopefully find a new queen, it said, “Without being the author of their sin, God so directed the people in this situation that decisions were made that accomplished God’s purposes … It’s good to know that God is on His throne and that no decision is made that can thwart His purposes … There is no attribute of God more comforting to His children than the doctrine of divine sovereignty … Even in the affairs of a pagan empire, God is in control.”

My commentary questioned why no one knew that Mordecai and Esther were Jewish.  Had they openly practiced their religion, everyone should have known.  Matthew Henry said, “All truths are not to be spoken at all times, though an untruth is not to be spoken at any time.”

Regarding Esther’s special treatment in the harem, it said, “God is so great that He can work even in the heart and mind of the keeper of a harem! … Even today, God is working in places where you and I might think He is absent!”

My commentary suggested that Mordecai and Esther could be classified with Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea – “Secret disciples used by God to protect and bury the body of Jesus.  Like these two men, Mordecai and Esther were hidden in the Persian capital because God had a very special work for them to do.”  And that included Mordecai’s hearing about an assassination plot against Xerxes, for which report he received no reward.  But God made sure it was permanently recorded and He would make good use of this later.

Father, I love how You prepare us “for such a time as this.”  It thrills me when situations occur and I can look back and see the way You easily engineered events to put everything perfectly in place.  Thank You for Your sovereignty over not just my life, but over everything in this universe and beyond!

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford