Character Study Of Esther Series

CHARACTER STUDY OF ESTHER – QUEEN WHO SAVED THE JEWS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Esther 4:14

"And who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?"

Supporting Texts:

Esther 2:17, Esther 4:16, Esther 5:2, Proverbs 21:1, Romans 8:28

INTRODUCTION

Esther was a Jewish orphan raised by her cousin Mordecai in the Persian Empire. Through divine providence, she became the queen of King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I).

When a plot to annihilate the Jews was devised by Haman, Esther risked her life to approach the king and successfully interceded for her people.

Her life teaches us about courage, divine favour, the power of fasting and prayer, and God’s ability to use ordinary people for extraordinary purposes.

1. ESTHER’S RISE TO QUEENSHIP

a) She was an orphan raised by Mordecai (Esther 2:7)

Despite her humble beginnings, God had a plan for her.

b) She was taken to the palace for the king’s selection (Esther 2:8)

She found favour with Hegai, the king’s eunuch.

c) She underwent twelve months of preparation (Esther 2:12)

Her transformation was both physical and spiritual.

d) She was chosen and crowned queen (Esther 2:17)

She obtained grace and favour above all other women.

e) Biblical Example: Joseph also rose from slavery to rulership (Genesis 41:40-41).

2. ESTHER AND MORDECAI’S FAITHFULNESS

a) Mordecai uncovered a plot to assassinate the king (Esther 2:21-23)

His loyalty was recorded but initially forgotten.

b) Esther kept her Jewish identity a secret (Esther 2:10)

She obeyed Mordecai’s instruction.

c) Mordecai refused to bow to Haman (Esther 3:2)

His loyalty was to God, not man.

d) He urged Esther to intercede for the Jews (Esther 4:13-14)

He reminded her that she was in the palace for a divine purpose.

e) Biblical Example: Daniel remained faithful in a foreign land (Daniel 6:10).

3. ESTHER’S COURAGE AND INTERCESSION

a) She declared a fast before approaching the king (Esther 4:16)

She sought divine help for favour.

b) She risked her life by entering the king’s presence uninvited (Esther 5:1-2)

The king extended his sceptre, showing her favour.

c) She wisely invited the king and Haman to a banquet (Esther 5:4)

She strategically built trust before making her request.

d) She revealed Haman’s evil plot against the Jews (Esther 7:3-6)

Her wisdom led to Haman’s downfall.

e) Biblical Example: Nehemiah also fasted and prayed before making his request to the king (Nehemiah 1:4, 2:4-5).

4. THE FALL OF HAMAN AND VICTORY OF THE JEWS

a) Haman built gallows to hang Mordecai (Esther 5:14)

His hatred for the Jews led to his own destruction.

b) The king honoured Mordecai for his loyalty (Esther 6:10-11)

God caused the king to remember Mordecai at the right time.

c) Esther pleaded for her people’s deliverance (Esther 8:3-6)

She used her influence for the salvation of her nation.

d) The Jews were given the right to defend themselves (Esther 8:11-12)

Their enemies were defeated, and they celebrated the Feast of Purim.

e) Biblical Example: David overcame Goliath through divine intervention (1 Samuel 17:50).

5. STRENGTHS OF ESTHER

a) She was courageous in the face of danger (Esther 4:16)

She risked her life for her people.

b) She was wise and strategic in her approach (Esther 5:8)

She waited for the right moment to speak.

c) She was humble and obedient (Esther 2:10)

She followed Mordecai’s guidance.

d) She was a woman of faith and prayer (Esther 4:16)

She relied on God before taking action.

e) Biblical Example: Deborah was also a courageous woman who led Israel (Judges 4:4-9).

6. WEAKNESSES OF ESTHER

a) She initially hesitated to help her people (Esther 4:11)

Fear almost prevented her from acting.

b) She kept her Jewish identity a secret for a long time (Esther 2:10)

She was not openly standing for her faith.

c) She depended on human favour rather than God at first (Esther 2:9)

She sought the favour of Hegai before seeking divine intervention.

d) She was silent while Mordecai was in distress (Esther 4:4)

She sent clothes instead of immediately inquiring about his problem.

e) Biblical Example: Peter also hesitated out of fear when walking on water (Matthew 14:30).

7. LESSONS FROM THE LIFE OF ESTHER

a) God positions people in places of influence for a purpose (Proverbs 21:1)

Esther was not in the palace by accident.

b) Courage and faith are necessary to fulfil destiny (Joshua 1:9)

Esther had to step out in faith despite fear.

c) Fasting and prayer bring divine intervention (Matthew 17:21)

Esther’s breakthrough came after seeking God.

d) God always protects and delivers His people (Psalm 34:7)

The Jews were saved from destruction.

e) Biblical Example: Moses also interceded for Israel to prevent their destruction (Exodus 32:11-14).

CONCLUSION

Esther’s life is a powerful example of how God uses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary purposes. She teaches us about faith, courage, and divine positioning.