The Foundation for Favor
Esther 2: 19-23
As we take a moment to consider our lives, we discover they are made up of varied series of events. Often one event serves to prepare us for a future event. At times, several events tend to blend together and create a major event. Viewing life from this perspective, I am sure most would agree that we never feel fully prepared for what life brings our way. Even our best laid plans and preparations can leave us overwhelmed and lacking a positive direction.
Thankfully the Lord is not bound to finite wisdom as we are. His plans are always perfectly laid out according to His divine will. He is never caught by surprise of left unprepared. He is never forced to play “catch-up” in any situation. That ought to comfort the believer. We can rest in His sovereign wisdom and guidance. If our lives are lived according to the plan of God, we will always make the right decisions and follow the right path.
Our text continues to reveal the sovereign plan of God for the lives of Esther and Mordecai. While they couldn’t see the future, God could; and He was already building a foundation for His plan to succeed. Long before the confidence in Mordecai by Ahasuerus would be needed to secure His people, God was providing favor for him in the king’s eyes. God always has a plan in place, preparing His people and orchestrating situations, long before His plan is realized. Let’s examine the details of this passage as we consider: The Foundation for Favor.
I. A Place of Prominence (19-20) – These verses continue to affirm the position God had provided for Esther and Mordecai within the Persian kingdom. Notice:
A. The Seat of Mordecai (19) – And when the virgins were gathered together the second time, then Mordecai sat in the king's gate. Some believe Ahasuerus had gathered another group of young virgins to serve as concubines within his haram of women. That is certainly possible, and if so, it further reveals the sinfulness of Ahasuerus. However, his sinfulness is not the focus of the passage or the entire book; God’s sovereignty is center stage in Esther.
I can’t say with certainty that Mordecai had received a promotion as this point. We do know that he was found within the palace prior to Esther being chosen as queen. Now we find him sitting at the king’s gate. This was not a position of rank or authority, but God was already making Mordecai familiar with those in authority as they became familiar with his presence. He was in a position to elevate his worth to the king. This would be invaluable later. As we discussed in the introduction, God is not in the business of playing “catch-up.” He begins to prepare people and positions long before they are needed.
B. The Secrecy of Esther (20a) – Esther had not yet shewed her kindred nor her people; as Mordecai had charged her. Esther continued to keep her heritage a secret from those around her. She was a descendent of Hebrew slaves in Babylon, and such knowledge would have been detrimental had it been discovered too quickly.
Some scholars are very critical of Esther for keeping her lineage a secret. Clearly they were not living their lives according to the Law of Moses, nor do we find any reference to public worship of the Lord. However, we cannot deny the sovereign hand of God in their lives and within this situation. None of us are perfect, and none are worthy of being used of the Lord. He knows our hearts and our sinful tendencies. He does not condone our sin, but chooses to use us in spite of our fleshly nature. Jesus did speak of the dangers of casting our pearls before the swine. We must not allow our attention to focus on the perceived failures of Mordecai and Esther while missing the major point of the text.
C. The Submission of Esther (20b) – Esther had not yet shewed her kindred nor her people; as Mordecai had charged her: for Esther did the commandment of Mordecai, like as when she was brought up with him. Although she had been crowned queen of Persia, Esther continued to honor Mordecai and remained submissive to his wishes for her. He had instilled godly principles and parental respect in her as a child and she continued to respect Mordecai through obedience.
These truths need to be taught and embraced in our day as well. The Lord desires us to honor our parents. We must teach our children the ways of God and encourage their obedience to the Lord. Just as Esther submitted to Mordecai, we too must submit to the Lord and His will for our lives. Although she was queen, she trusted the wisdom of Mordecai. We may be adults, responsible for our families, but we too must trust and submit to the Lord.
II. A Scheme of Violence (21) – In those days, while Mordecai sat in the king's gate, two of the king's chamberlains, Bigthan and Teresh, of those which kept the door, were wroth, and sought to lay hand on the king Ahasuerus. Here we discover a violent scheme plotted against the king. Consider:
A. Their Position – These men were chamberlains of the king, those who kept the door. Likely these men were eunuchs who were in charge of watching and securing the sleeping quarters of the king. Ahasuerus had literally placed his personal safety and life in the hands of these men.
B. Their Indignation – We also find these two servants of the king were very wroth, very angry and indignant toward the king. Most agree they may have been upset over his treatment of Vashti, or even the selection of Esther as queen. It is possible they opposed his ambitious plan to invade Greece. They may have been influenced by someone who sought to overthrow Ahasuerus and were working in conjunction with them. Whatever the case, these men were very angry with him.
C. Their Ambition (21) – and sought to lay hand on the king Ahasuerus. Quite literally, these men plotted to kill the king. Their anger and hatred for him had grown so strong, they were plotting to kill him in order for another to become king.
These events are not uncommon, especially during that time in history. Kings were often targeted by those who sought to remove them. This was often motivated by greed, anger, rebellion, and the like. However, there is an interesting statement that precedes the plot of these men: In those days, while Mordecai sat in the king's gate…Remember, God is never playing “catch-up.” The removal of Ahasuerus prior to deliverance of the Jews would have been detrimental to the survival of the Jews. Esther had found favor in the eyes of Ahasuerus; she needed his favor to intercede for the Jews. God knew this plot would be conceived and He had Mordecai in a position to intervene.
It is also interesting to see the determination of the enemy and his efforts to hinder God’s plans. Satan was aware of Esther’s lineage and her favor with Ahasuerus. He sought to remove her influence at any cost, even the death of the king. We face a determined adversary, but he is no match for the sovereignty of God.
III. A Course for Deliverance (22-23) – Here we see the deliverance of Ahasuerus from the evil plot, which would have a positive outcome for the Jews. Consider:
A. The Communication (22a) – And the thing was known to Mordecai, who told it unto Esther the queen. Upon hearing the evil plot of the king’s servants, Mordecai relayed the information to Esther. He knew she had access to the king and would relay the information as soon as she could. Mordecai knew what needed to be said and to whom he needed to speak.
This is a wonderful reminder of the privilege of prayer. We have access to the throne of grace, where our Lord stands as Mediator and Intercessor for us. We are assured of an audience with the king. May we be as Mordecai, recognizing the urgent needs of our day and take them unto the Lord in prayer!
B. The Confession (22b) – and Esther certified the king thereof in Mordecai's name. Esther shared the information with Ahasuerus and made certain he knew Mordecai had shared the news with her. This would certainly prove beneficial for them later. Esther knew there was no time to waste; this matter had to be brought before the king immediately.
This challenges me to recognize the urgency in our day. Often we are very casual and lack commitment in prayer. There are pressing needs that only God can meet. We must be faithful to take those needs unto the Lord. Mordecai spoke only to Esther, and she spoke only to the king. Often we seek the counsel and opinion of many others before we seek the Lord. I am not saying we should never seek counsel from others, but we should always seek the Lord first!
C. The Conviction (23a) – And when inquisition was made of the matter, it was found out; therefore they were both hanged on a tree. An inquiry was made; the information was confirmed, and the men were punished for their evil plot. The king ordered their execution by hanging.
Evil men, influenced by Satan, sought to murder the king, but the Lord preserved his life through the faithfulness of Mordecai and Esther. Satan has sought to overthrow the Lord’s plan for humanity since the Garden of Eden, but he is no match for the Lord. He has power, well able to influence men, but God’s sovereign plan will not be thwarted. His plan and purposes for the Jews were carried out in Esther’s day and His plan and purposes for our lives will endure as well.
D. The Confirmation (23b) – and it was written in the book of the chronicles before the king. The details of this event were recorded in the chronicles of Ahasuerus. All involved may have forgotten, or figured nothing further would come of this, but God was already at work. Remember, He doesn’t play “catch-up.” He is already well ahead of men in His preparation. Notice Esther 6:1-3. As we will discover, Haman devises an evil plot to eradicate the Jews, including Mordecai. Prior to this evil plot being revealed, God already had a plan in place to secure the preservation of Mordecai and the Jews.
We go through our daily lives often oblivious to the details. God never is; He is in the details. In fact, He is at work right now making preparation for our future. Seemingly insignificant details in our lives may well prove very beneficial in our future. We tend to view God as one who is distant and uninvolved at times, but He is always aware and at work. That comforts me as I face an uncertain future. God is already there and He will have made preparations for me ahead of time. We can rest in His provision and grace.
Conclusion: It may have appeared to be an ordinary passage, but it has greatly spoken to me. I rejoice for the sovereignty of God in our lives. He is always at work in our midst. Prior to our need arising, He has worked out a solution. Long before man was ever created, the plan for a Savior was in place. Prior to our birth and recognition of sin, Christ bore our sin on the cross. Before you realize a need in your life, God has the solution prepared and ready. Whatever need you have, He has the solution. If you are burdened today, bring your need to the Lord and trust Him to provide!
