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Divine Providence

The book of Esther is a good example of providence. Divine Providence. Background. Ahasuerus was the king of Persia It was a time of great peril for Israel. The book of Esther shows God's providence at work. The book of Esther does not mention God - but God is seen throughout the book.

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Divine Providence

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  1. The book of Esther is a good example of providence Divine Providence

  2. Background • Ahasuerus was the king of Persia • It was a time of great peril for Israel. • The book of Esther shows God's providence at work. • The book of Esther does not mention God - but God is seen throughout the book.

  3. Background • Providence = The preservation, care and governmet which God exercises over all things that He created, in order to accomplish the ends for which they were created. • Providence does not employ miracles. • God uses natural means to do His work. • You might think - accident, coincidence; but they may be providence.

  4. The Story of Esther • Ahasuerus throws a wild and expensive party that lasts 104 days (1:1-8) • Drunk, calls for wife, Vashti • Wants her to parade in front of the drunks at the party • She refused - king become angry • Removes her as his queen

  5. The Story of Esther • He misses the company of a woman and begins the search for a new queen (2:1-15) • Many young girls appear before him • Esther catches his eye • Esther is made queen instead of Vashti

  6. The Story of Esther • Mordecai uncovers a plot to kill the king (2:19-23) • Mordecai is Esther's uncle • He saves the king from assasination • The deed is recorded in the chronicle of the king

  7. The Story of Esther • Haman is promoted (3:1-2) • All are to reverence Haman • Mordecai refuses to pay reference • Haman decides that he hates ALL Jews • He judges a nation becuse of one man • This is the definition of prejudice

  8. The Story of Esther • Haman goes to the king to get revenge • Esther 3:8-9 • He tells a lie • A law is established by the king that could not be reversed • The exterminiation of the Jews is decreed (3:12-15)

  9. The Story of Esther • There is great mourning among the Jews (4:1-3) • What would extermination mean? • All the promises to Abraham would fail • All the prophesies about Christ would fail

  10. The Story of Esther • Mordecai asks Esther to intercede (4:8) • She gives a excuse (3:11) • Esther 3:13-14 • Esther agrees to intercede - "If I perish, I perish."

  11. The Story of Esther • Esther petitions the king (5:1-8) • She is granted a hearing • She invites the king and Haman to a banquet • At that dinner she announces another dinner for Haman and the king • Haman is on cloud 9 - he is special • He brags to friends (5:13)

  12. The Story of Esther • King is unable to sleep (6:1) • He is reading the chronicles and sees where Mordecai saved his life • Has he been honored for this deed? • Haman comes in • Total humiliation - Haman must plan to honor Mordecai • Then the summons to the second banquet

  13. The Story of Esther • Esther reveals the plot of Haman (7:1-10) • King asks what her request is • Esther 7:3-6 • Esther 7:9-10

  14. The Story of Esther • The law could not be reversed, BUT: • Esther and Mordecai were given power to make a counter decree • The Jews are given the authority to resist their enemies • The Jewish nation is saved!

  15. Observations • We can not physically see God or any miracles - but His hand is stretched out in providence. • God's working of providence in this book • Vashti had integrety • Vashti refused to parade at the party • Esther was in the right place, right time • Mordecai saves king's life • King could not sleep, read chronicles

  16. Observations • Did God have anything to do with this? • I believe He did. • Providence is most often seen in the rear view mirror – not before it happens or as it is happening • Man's part of providence • Faith that God is active in our lives • Willing to obey God

  17. Conclusion • God is still working in our lives. • Will you believe it? • Will you act in harmony with it? • Will you follow the Lord in obedience to His word?

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