Esther The Woman Who Saved Her Nation From Genocide Scripture Reference—The Book of Esther Name Meaning—Esther was the Persian name of this descendant of Benjamin and is from “aster” meaning “a star” and implies, like Venus, that of “good fortune.” We refer to “the star of hope” &--;“the star of joy”—“the star of superiority,” and Esther was all these to her people for in “the splendid galaxy of Hebrew women of the olden time, no name stands more prominent or shines with a richer lustre.” Rabbi Jehudah affirms that Esther is “sether,” meaning “to hide,” because she was hidden in her guardian’s home and because her nationality was concealed (Esther 2:7). Mordecai had made the girl promise that she would not reveal her nationality to the king—which she did not until the opportune moment came. Hadassah, signifying “myrtle” was Esther’s original name. The change of name from Hadassah to Esther may indicate the style of beauty for which this once captive, now a Persian queen, was famous for. She is revealed as “a woman of clear judgment, of magnificent self-control and capable of the noblest self-sacrifice From her character we learn— 1. To seek divine guidance in times of difficulty (Esther 4:15-17). 2. To obtain a knowledge of human nature, so that we may know how to take advantage of any circumstances which may favor our cause if it be a proper one. 3. When there is a necessity, to be ready to renounce self and exert ourselves for the good of others. 4. To value and seek the cooperation of fellow-believers. Dealing with the ultimate safety of the Jews which Esther secured, we learn— 1. To have unbounded confidence in God’s Providence &--;not to undervalue small things. 2. To acknowledge God as the Author of all mercies. Thinking of the reversal of fortune of Haman, which Esther brought about, we further learn— 1. There is such a thing as righteous retribution. Haman himself received what he had proposed for others. He was paid back in his own coin. 2. The transitory nature of earthly grandeur and the end of all ill-gotten earthly power and possessions. By: Bible Gateway
Posted on: Mon, 15 Jul 2013 12:58:44 +0000
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