When I wrote my dissertation on the biblical anthropology of Cormac McCarthy, I based it upon how McCarthy’s fiction models the paradigm found in the Old Testament book of Esther. Esther remains near tops for me in terms of books I have read, and read, and read, and read again. I love the aphoristic style of Ecclesiastes, but in terms of narrative and just wonderful storytelling, one cannot improve upon the book of Esther. 

Esther is a master study in the doctrine of providence. The name of God does not even appear in Esther, but the book is overtly about God’s rule. As one person has written, “The Almighty has no need to write his name in order to let us know that his wisdom and power have been controlling the march of human events. The name of God may be absent, but his power is everywhere visible.” In other words, you cannot see the wind, but you cannot deny its effects. You feel it; you see the boughs bend; you feel the perspiration dry upon your brow; you see the waves, and you see the sail fill due to the forces of the wind. God is a lot like that in the book of Esther; he does not go, “Hey, I am right here.” Rather, he works all things together for good, for those who love him and are the called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28). 

In chapters 1-2 of Esther, we see a couple of main themes: 1) political leadership is dissolute and 2) the emergence of courage amidst cowardice and corruption. When Ahasuerus was “merry with wine” (Esther 1:10) he gave self-serving orders. But there was a refusal of the unwise orders by Queen Vashti (1:12). This sets the stage for the whole book of Esther. Will there be a faithful one (or perhaps several) who will refuse wicked orders? Will there be courage amidst the cowardice and corruption? Who will count the costs and be faithful? 

Encouragement: I do not want to rush time in Esther this time either. If I coul just have folks do it, just read the book of Esther. Then read it again. Then read it again. It is marvelous. Over the next few installments, I want to explore this masterful narrative. For now, be encouraged by this: All it takes is for one to be faithful. Others will follow. But being faithful demands courage. To stand. And when having done all, to stand firm (Gal 6:13).