Esther 4:14 For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?
The Book of Esther tells the story of a young Jewish woman named Esther who becomes queen of the Persian empire and can save her people from being destroyed by a wicked advisor to the king. Though God is not mentioned in the 10 chapters of Esther, throughout the story, it is clear that God's hand is at work in the events that unfold.
Persia during this time was a highly multicultural and multilingual empire. The Persians were known for their tolerance of other cultures and religions, and the empire included a diverse range of peoples, languages, and customs. This diversity likely played a role in the story of Esther, as it allowed the Jews to maintain their own culture and traditions within the broader Persian society.
In Esther 4:14, where Mordecai, Esther's cousin and mentor, urges her to speak up and plead with the king on behalf of the Jews. He tells her that if she remains silent, there will be "enlargement and deliverance" for the Jews from another source, but Esther and her family will be destroyed.
Mordecai goes on to suggest that Esther had been placed in her position as queen for such a time as this because God had a plan for her, and that she had a special role to play in the salvation of her people.
This passage highlights the idea that God can work through ordinary people to accomplish His purposes and that He often places us in specific circumstances to fulfill His plans. It also reminds us that we have a responsibility to act when we see the opportunity todo good and make a difference in the world.
God has placed us here for such a time as this even though the days may be dark. If we look to God, and ask Him for His guidance, He is most powerful and able to deliver us, just likeHe did for Esther.
