I have not written in quite a long time. So what have I been up to and doing? Well, I am finishing up my first semester of study for my Masters in Christian Ministry. I have been learning a lot and am enjoying the studying. I have been blessed to have the opportunity of putting together, leading, and speaking at a ladies day event for Moline Baptist Church. This was such a privilege and a encouragement for me. God is continuing to show me and lay on my heart a ministry that is involved with serving, helping, and encouraging women. I hope you enjoy this final paper for my Old Testament II class. Thank you for all your prayers as I continue this journey and as work understand and follow God’s will for my life and for His kingdom.
SHOULD ESTHER BE VIEWED AS A ROLE MODEL IN OUR CHURCHES?
BY
HANNAH J. CUSHMAN
May 14, 2024
INTRODUCTION
The question has been raised “Is Esther a good role model for those in the church today?” One’s first thought might be, “Of course, Esther is a story found in a book of the Old Testament and even has her own book named after her. Children in the church are taught the story of Esther from earliest days and that she is someone to look up to and a hero.” However, as one examines the account of Esther there are some definite areas where one should question the wisdom of presenting Esther as a role model.
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, a role model is defined as “a person who is unusually effective or inspiring in some social role, job position etc.”[1] Since a role model can have an enormous influence on another, it is imperative that the church is selective in the role models that it presents to its people.
As one examines the life of Esther it is necessary to understand the historical background and the context of life in the court of the Persian Kings. This will help one to better be able to judge whether she is an appropriate model for the church. One will realize that Esther had many shortcomings and did not outwardly walk a separated life following the Jewish laws and customs. She, however, did stand up and do the right thing when faced with the eminent death of herself and her people. This showed that God does use imperfect people to accomplish His will and His perfect plan.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
There is no mention of the book of Esther in outside literature which makes it a little harder to know exactly when it was written. We know it is about the reign of Ahasuerus but Esther 1:1 indicates it is discussing past history. This would lead one to think that the book was written later during the Persian period. Possibly the book was written during the reign of the next king, Artaxerxes I. This would likely place the writing for the book in the late fifth century or early fourth century.[2] Therefore the likely date for the book is about 475 B.C. and the events occurred during the time of Ezra. It is thought that the story took place after the first group of exiles returned but before the second group returned. This would be between Ezra chapter 6 and 7. [3]
The book of Esther opens with the Jews in exile living in the Persian Empire. Because of the many sins against the Lord God that they had committed over the years in their homeland, God had sent the Assyrian and Babylonian kings to conquer and depot them to other lands where they were scattered about. The Persian kings though, had a different policy; they allowed the Jews to return to their homeland. One of the first things King Cyrus did when he conquered Babylon was to authorize the Jews to return to their homeland. He also issued a decree that the Jews were to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem.[4]
The author is not named but it seems likely that it was a Jew who lived during the events due to his extensive understanding of the customs and events. Some people have suggested that the author might have been Mordecai. There does not seem to be any question though about the purpose of Esther as it clearly shows that God was caring for His people while they were in captivity. [5] It also shows that no matter what happens God’s plans for His people cannot be changed by their enemies. Any of the enemies’ plans will be hopeless and not come to pass.[6]
One reason the book of Esther was written was to provide the Jews with the story behind the celebration of Purim in late February or early March. Esther was married to King Xerxes I, who was also called Ahasuerus and is known to have reigned in the Persian Empire from 486 to 465 B.C. He was Darius the Great’s son, and his own son was Artaxerxes.[7] The book of Esther was also written to encourage the exiles from Israel. They were reminded of God’s love and faithfulness to them. He preserved them and was making a way for them to return to their homeland.[8]
CONTEXTUAL ANALYSIS
Over the years there have been questions raised about the authenticity of the book of Esther. First, many of the main characters, such as Vashti, Esther, Mordecai, and Haman are not easily identified in other literature of the time. This does not mean they did not exist it only makes it more difficult to give widespread support to the story.[9] Second, some scholars view the book as a historical account while others view it more as a parable or allegory. It is important to not treat something as a fact if the author intended it to be more of a parable. An examination of the book seems to indicate that the story itself claims to be historical. In Esther 10:2 the reader is encouraged to check out the Persian Empires court records and see what they have to say about Mordecai.[10] Another question that has been raised about whether the book should be included in the cannon of Scripture involves some important things that are left out of the story. One thing never mentioned in the book is the name of God or any quotes from the law. Prayer is never mentioned although the concept of fasting is encouraged. Some speculate that this omission may be the result of the spiritual condition of the Jews that had stayed in Persia and had not yet returned to their homeland.[11]
Another aspect of the book of Esther that deserves additional study is the role of Vashti in the story. Vashti was the wife of Ahasuerus and was driven out of the palace because she refused to appear before her husband’s guests at the banquet he gave. The banquet lasted for seven days and the wine flowed freely. Each man was free to drink what they desired.[12] It seems that she had high self-respect and character and would not lower herself to let the drunken guests of her husband feast their eyes on her. According to the custom among the Persian women, a woman should not appear in public. It was uncivilized for her and just made her into a show.[13] It seems that she was willing to give up her share of the kingdom rather than lower her standards. The request that Ahasuerus made in Esther 1:11 was for her to “show her beauty.” This was an insult for Eastern women who would have lived in more seclusion and Vashti was not having any of it. She was banished from the palace as a sign to all the other women in the land that they must obey their husbands.[14] Understanding Vashti and her stance helps us to understand what the situation was that Esther was walking into. We also gain a glimpse of the character of King Ahasuerus and see that he was “use to getting whatever he desired whenever he desired it.”[15] He was a man who “could control everything but himself.”[16]
REASONS THAT ESTHER IS NOT CONSIDERED A GOOD MODEL
Some people would argue that Esther should not be placed in the position as a role model for today’s young people. One reason for their viewpoint is the fact that Esther took part in a heathen beauty contest. In this contest she was given a year to prepare for her night with the king. This was more than a simple beauty contest that we may have today; instead, the women were being groomed to have sexual relations with the king. After they went to the king in the evening, they were then sent to live in the king’s harem of concubines. This definitely was not following the Mosaic Law. In Deuteronomy 7:1 and Exodus 20:14, we read that the Israelites were instructed that they should not marry a pagan or have sexual relations outside of marriage. These were both commands that Esther was not following by being in the contest. We do not know if she had any ability to say no to the contest as scripture is silent on that aspect. There are some who teach that she had no choice in the matter.[17] It does seem that she did not set herself apart from those things she might have been able to control such as the food she ate in the way Daniel had attempted to stay true to his God. It may also be that her cousin, Mordecai, knowing that she was very beautiful, entered her in the contest. We are told that Mordecai checked in front of the court of the harem every day to see how Esther was faring. In Esther 2:11 we learn that he was at the king’s gate which might mean that he had a position in the judicial system. In any scenario Esther was in a pagan environment that was contrary to God’s commands.[18]
Esther was instructed by her cousin, Mordecai, not to tell anyone that she was a Jew. This presents a problem as to why they did not want anyone to know their heritage. Was it because there was widespread anti-Semitism, and they were keeping quiet for personal safety reasons? We do not know what Mordecai was thinking when he ordered her to keep quiet. We can surmise that they likely did not keep a kosher diet and obey the laws of Moses. If they had kept the letter of the law in their diet, separation and worship it is likely their true nationality would have been known. It would surly have been known if Esther had been following her Jewish faith during her year of preparation before she went before the king. It seems clear that Esther and Mordecai did not acknowledge that they followed and worshiped the God of Israel.[19] Ultimately this could be seen as real unfaithfulness to God.[20] However, it must also be acknowledged that Mordecai did not ask Esther to lie and deny her heritage, but she was only told not to volunteer the information. This is not necessarily wrong, for the whole truth was not spoken or denied.[21]
Over the years there have been those who object to the book of Esther being included in the cannon of Scripture. As previously mentioned, there is no mention of God or use of His name in the entire book. Some think this lack of mention of God is because the book was written using Persian records while others believe that the omission was to make the story more palatable to Persian readers or even so that the Persian readers would not profane God’s name as they read the story.[22] Others see that this book would have still brought encouragement to the Jews who had not returned to their land as they contemplated the hand of God on them in preserving them among their enemies. They would then want to worship the God who had kept them while in exile.[23]
There are those who raise objections to Esther as a role model claiming that she was vindictive. In Esther 9:11-13 we read that five hundred men were killed in Susa on the thirteenth day of Adar by the Jews when they were able to defend themselves against their enemies. When King Ahasuerus reported the number to Esther, he also asked her if she had any other requests. She asked that the Jews in Susa be allowed one more day to finish the job. On the second day in Susa, Haman’s sons were hanged, and another three hundred men were killed. Those who view this as a vindictive act say she had not learned to love her enemies. They must remember that she lived before the Messiah had come, taught about forgiveness and died for the sins of the world.[24]Although it may seem she was vindictive it is also important to note that Haman likely had great support for his plan in Susa and Esther may have felt it was necessary to be sure there were no left alive who could cause further trouble.[25]
REASONS THAT ESTHER IS A GOOD ROLE MODEL FOR THE CHURCH
Esther was a woman of great courage. When she learned of the plot Haman had made to kill the Jews she reluctantly agreed to intercede with the king for the life of her people. Mordecai had told her that if she refused to speak up and help her people, God would still save the Jews however, there was no guarantee He would save her. If she denied her people at this time, she might find that God would cut her off from them permanently.[26] This was not an easy thing to do. She was married to a pagan king who had already removed a queen that displeased him. He had not called for Esther to come before him for thirty days and if she went when he had not called, she could be put to death. She knew that Ahasuerus did not always have an easy-going temperament and the possibility was very real that he could do away with her. She asked that her cousin, Mordecai, and the Jews in Susa fast for three days and she and her maids would do the same. Then she would go before the king. She expressed her courage in chapter four verse sixteen with the words, “If I perish, I perish!”[27] She was ready to die if it meant that others would live.[28] She came to realize that she must stand for her people. She could no longer hide her heritage.
Another commendable character trait Esther displayed was wisdom. She did not burst into the King’s presence and accuse Haman of the plot to kill the Jews instead she wisely paused and accessed the situation. She was able to gather the facts before she made accusations. This also allowed her time to seek counsel and have many fast for her. She wisely invited the King and Haman to dinner. This also allowed her to see what the king’s frame of mind was before she spoke up. As she assessed the situation, she wisely adjusted plans and asked for the King and Haman to attend a separate dinner the next night.[29] This wise and calculated plan allowed Esther time to obtain knowledge of the nature of the two men and then she was able to take advantage of those circumstances which would advance her cause.[30]
Loyalty is also another character trait that was clearly seen in Esther’s life. Esther was loyal to her cousin Mordecai. She followed his instructions in all areas of her life. When he told her not to reveal she was a Jew, she did not say a word. When she was told to go to the king, she did. Esther was not only loyal to Mordecai, they both also showed loyalty to the king. Mordecai informed Esther who then reported to the king that some of the kings’ guards intended to take his life. This was in keeping with the instructions that Jeremiah had given the exiles in Babylon. In Jeremiah 29:7 the prophet directed the exiles to “seek the good of the country where they were captives, to pray for it and to endeavor to promote it”[31]
CONCLUSION
Esther was not perfect in her outward walk in obeying the law in the beginning of the story. One can point out that unless she was forced into the beauty contest by outside forces, she had no business in the contest or married to a pagan king. It appears that she did not follow the dietary restrictions of the law which would have set her apart in the palace and would make it hard to hide her heritage. But one can be so encouraged to see that God works through people who are not perfect. God can use those who come to Him and let Him work in their lives. In his book, Faith Among the Faithless Mike Cosper saw the change in Esther similar to the change in the parable Christ told of the prodigal son. He had a change of heart and came home to his father. Esther had a change when she recognized that she must take a stand for her people. She might not live if she said nothing, but she might not live if she did say something. She is a shining role model for today’s church as she shows that one does not have to be perfect. Rather one must be willing to allow God to mold them and use them as He sees fit to accomplish His perfect plan. “The mercy of God shines brightest when prodigals come home. When Esther said, ‘If I perish, I perish,’ she came home.”[32]
[1] David Bernard Guralnik and Victoria Neufeldt, Webster’s New World College Dictionary, 1988, 1163.
[2] Joyce G. Baldwin, Esther: An Introduction and Commentary (Downers Grove, IL: Inter-Varsity Press, 1984), 48-9.
[3] Paul N. Benware,Survey of the Old Testament (Chicago, IL: Moody Press, 1988), 133-4.
[4] Henry H. Halley, Halley’s Bible Handbook (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1965), 230.
[5] Paul N. Benware,Survey of the Old Testament, 133-4.
[6] Andrew E. Hill and John H. Walton, A Survey of the Old Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2009), 347.
[7] Ibid., 353.
[8] John A. Martin, “Esther,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: Old Testament, eds. John F. Walvoord and Roy B. Zuck (Colorado Springs, CO: David C. Cook, 1984) 701.
[9] Joyce G. Baldwin, Esther: An Introduction and Commentary (Downers Grove, IL: Inter-Varsity Press, 1984), 50.
[10] Andrew E. Hill and John H. Walton, A Survey of the Old Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2009), 350.
[11] John A. Martin, “Esther,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary, 699.
[12] Joyce G. Baldwin, Esther: An Introduction and Commentary, 58.
[13] Matthew Henry, Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible Vol. 2. 6 vols.(Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers, 1991) 868.
[14] Herbert Lockyer, “All the Women of the Bible” (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1967) 165-6.
[15] John A. Martin, “Esther,” in The Bible Knowledge, 702.
[16] Warren W. Wiersbe, “The Wiersby Bible Commentary: Old Testament” (Colorado Springs, CO: David C. Cook, 2007), 796.
[18] John A. Martin, “Esther,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary, 704.
[19] Warren W. Wiersbe, “The Wiersby Bible Commentary: Old Testament”, 800.
[20] H. A. Ironside, “Notes on the Book of Esther” (Orlando, FL: CrossReach Publications, 2017) 23.
[21] Matthew Henry, Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible Vol. 2, 870.
[22] “The New Bible Handbook” eds. G.T. Manley, G.C. Robinson, and A.M. Stibbs (Chicago, IL: The inter-Varsity Fellowship, 1949) 185.
[23] John A. Martin, “Esther,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary, 700.
[24] Herbert Lockyer, “All the Women of the Bible”, 53.
[25] Warren W. Wiersbe, “Be Committed: Doing God’s Will Whatever the Cost” (Colorado Springs, CO: David C Cook, 1995) 182.
[26] Mike Cosper, “Faith Among the Faithless: Learning from Esther how to Live in a World Gone Mad” (Nashville, TN: Nelson Books, 2018) 116.
[27] David R. Shepherd, “Shepherd’s Notes: Ruth, Esther,” ed. Robert Lintzenich (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman, 1998) 74-5.
[28] Herbert Lockyer, “All the Women of the Bible”, 54.
[29] Elizabeth George, “The Remarkable Women of the Bible” (Eugene, OR: Harvest House Publishers, 2003) 190-1.
[30] Herbert Lockyer, “All the Women of the Bible”, 54.
[31] Matthew Henry, Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible Vol. 4. 6 vols.(Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers, 1991) 462.
[32] Mike Cosper, “Faith Among the Faithless, 139.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Baldwin, Joyce G. Esther: An Introduction and Commentary. Downers Grove, IL: Inter-Varsity
Press, 1984.
Benware, Paul N. Survey of the Old Testament. Chicago, IL: Moody Press, 1988.
Cosper, Mike. Faith Among the Faithless: Learning from Esther How to Live in a World Gone
Mad” Nashville, TN: Nelson Books, 2018.
Halley, Henry H. Halley’s Bible Handbook. 24th ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1965.
Henry, Matthew. Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible. Vol. 2. 6 vols. Peabody,
MA: Hendrickson Publishers, 1991.
Henry, Matthew. Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible. Vol. 4. 6 vols. Peabody,
MA: Hendrickson Publishers, 1991.
Hill, Andrew E., and John H. Walton. A Survey of the Old Testament. 3rd ed. Grand Rapids, MI:
Zondervan, 2009.
Ironside, H A. Notes of the Book of Esther. Vol. 5. Orlando, FL: CrossReach Publications, 2017.
Lockyer, Herbert. All the Women of the Bible. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1967.
Martin, John A. “Esther.” In The Bible Knowledge Commentary: Old Testament, edited by
John F. Walvoord and Roy B. Zuck, 1166-67. Colorado Springs, CO: David C Cook,
1985.
Shepherd, David R. “Shepherd’s Notes: Ruth, Esther.” edited by Robert Lintzenich, Nashville,
TN: Broadman & Holman, 1998.
“The New Bible Handbook.” edited by G T. Manley, G C. Robinson, and A M. Stibbs, Chicago,
IL: The Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship, 1949.
Guralnik, David Bernard and Neufeldt, Victoria. Webster’s New World Dictionary, 3rd College Edition, 1988.
Wiersbe, Warren W. Be Committed: Doing God’s Will Whatever the Cost. 2nd ed.Colorado
Springs, CO: David C Cook, 2008.
Wiersbe, Warren W. The Wiersbe Bible Commentary: Old Testament. Colorado Springs, CO:
David C Cook, 2003.
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