“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16
I have heard people comment that the book of Esther has no mention of God in it, and they question its inclusion in the Bible. While it is true that the name of God is not directly mentioned in this book, it does shows how God worked to preserve His people through the Jewish queen. However, as I was meditating upon my verse today, I saw another picture of God in it that I had not noticed before.
In the opening words of the book of Esther, Ahasuerus is described as the king of a vast empire stretching from India to Ethiopia. He sits upon his throne ruling his kingdom, and if any of his subjects wish to see him, they must wait until summoned. No one approaches the king on a whim because that would be an unacceptable breech of protocol that could result in punishment or death if the king so chose.
Due to circumstances that could result in the annihilation of the Jewish people in the empire, Queen Esther has to intervene to save them, but she has not been summoned by Ahasuerus. To approach him, she faces death if the king does not grant her access to him. Regardless, she chooses to go to Ahasuerus on behalf of her people not knowing if she will even get a chance to voice her concerns. As she approaches the king, he extends his golden scepter, which allows her to come to him with her petitions, ultimately leading to the salvation of the Jewish people in the empire (Esther 5:2).
I see many ways in which Ahasuerus is a picture of God. First, Ahasuerus reigns over an earthly kingdom, God, the King of the universe, sits on His throne in heaven, overseeing His entire creation. Psalm 115:3 records “But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.”
Second, Ahasuerus was unapproachable due to his position. To go to Ahasuerus without being properly summoned would result in death. Likewise, in Biblical times, no one could approach God in their sinful state except the priests, and even their access was limited. The holiness and righteousness of God demands that the priests follow God’s requirements exactly when approaching Him. Failure could result in death. Approaching God, even when done rightly, was a fearful thing. The Bible records several instances where people were overcome with fear when the Lord’s angels appeared (Daniel 8:17, Luke 1:12, Luke 2:9). Just imagine the magnitude of fear if facing the Lord God Almighty Himself!
Thirdly, Ahasuerus could decide to show mercy if one did approach him. God could also choose to show mercy with certain individuals. Luke 1:50 states, “And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation,” and we are reminded that God’s mercy “endureth forever” (Psalms 118, 136).
Lastly, Ahasuerus had the power to deal with any problem in his kingdom, which meant that if there was a situation in the region, the king would be the one to whom the people would go. Our God has the ultimate power to control any and all situations in this world, past, present, and future. Revelation 19:6 states, “And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.” If we have needs or concerns, God is the one to whom we should go, for there is nothing that He cannot do to remedy a problem or situation (Luke 1:37).
The comparisons do not stop there. The most important picture that I see is in regards to approaching God. Esther was initially concerned about approaching the king, even though she was his queen. She had no way of knowing whether Ahasuerus would grant her mercy, allowing her to live, or sentence her to death (Esther 4:11). When we approach God, we no longer have to be afraid of God’s judgment. We are told in Hebrews 4:16 that we can approach the throne of God without fear. In fact, we are to come to Him BOLDLY! That means God is always extending his divine scepter in a gesture of His infinite mercy toward us! We never have to fear death if we have accepted Jesus as our Saviour because through Christ we have a personal relationship with our heavenly Father. He is always available to us, and because of His mercy, we will always find Him wiling to dispense His grace to help us in our times of need.
Maybe the name of God is not mentioned in the book of Esther, but it certainly paints a beautiful picture of the mercy and grace of our heavenly Father. Sometime the picture painted tells more than the written words could ever do.
Does Jesus care when my heart is pained
Too deeply for mirth or song;
As the burdens press, and the cares distress,
And the way grows weary and long?
O, yes, He cares – I know He cares!
His heart is touched with my grief;
When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,
I know my Savior cares, He cares.
(from “Does Jesus Care?” by Frank Graeff)
“All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” John 6:37
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So thankful that God cares for me and wants me to come boldly to Him!