In this article, we will discuss everything about the book of Esther, the characteristics of Esther in the Bible, and her leadership qualities. The book of Esther has no known author, though there are speculations that the writer must have been a Jew who is familiar with and understands the royal Persian court.
The book of Esther is one of the books where God’s name was not mentioned in the Bible but does not imply God wasn’t present. In fact, Esther’s ordeal proves God’s sovereignty over His creation.
The main character of the Book, Esther means star, and the book unfolds the story of a young virgin orphan, who was selected along with many other girls into the palace for a competition.
She was graced with favor, and became a queen who later saved her people from annihilation. Her story depicts what is called the “grass to grace”, and also shows that God can change, position people for greatness regardless of their background. It is inspiring and there is much to emulate in the characteristics of Esther in the Bible, especially the young females.
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Who Was Esther In The Bible?
Esther, Hebrew name Hadassah means ‘Myrtle’- A rosy flower: She was an orphan who lost her parents when the Israelites were held captive. Her uncle Mordecai, adopted and trained her to have the fear of God. The biblical account of Esther is not complete without mentioning the grand banquet at the palace of King Ahasuerus, also known as King Xerxes.
Then, the King likes to display his affluence by organizing parties, drinks, and merriments. As usual, it was a public show and the king was drunk. He ordered his wife, Queen Vashti, to dance and flaunt her beauty before everybody. The Queen refused bluntly, King Xerxes was angered.
He felt embarrassed by her refusal in the presence of the people. The king consulted his kingsmen on the next line of action on the queen’s refusal. The kingsmen too were against the queen’s action, they all agreed that the King should divorce her to serves as a lesson to other women in the city. This led the king to look for a wife that will replace Queen Vashti.
The Kingsmen swung into action, over 400 virgins including Esther were taken to the King’s place, and they were kept in the harem for about a year. Modecai had warned her to hide her nationality which she did. A man called Hegai was in charge of the citadel, he prepares the virgins before meeting the king. Hegai was captivated by Esther’s beauty, he gave her special treatment among her counterparts.
First, Esther won Hegai’s favor, Hegai disclose the secrets that could help her win the competition, and later she won the king’s heart. Among her counterparts, the king found her has the most beautiful and attractive, he placed the royal crown on her head. Esther followed her uncles’ advice, she kept her Jewish background a secret all through because it could cause her harm.
How Esther Saved Her People From Annihilation
One day, Modecai sat in front of the palace and heard some people planning to kill the king, Modecai exposed the plan to Queen Esther. She informed the King about the planned assassination against him, and the credit was given to Modecai.
Haman, the head of the King’s nobles, is full of evil and hates the Israelites. He ordered the king’s official at the palace entrance to bow before him, Mordecai refused, and he was furious. When he found out that Mordecai was a Jew, he became bittered and wanted to wipe out the Jews. Mordecai saw that Haman was desperate, and if something is not done to stop him, he might carry out his plans.
So, Mordecai told Queen Esther to ask for the King’s forgiveness and spare her people’s lives. Esther was afraid to meet the king but Mordecai pleaded with her also let her know that she won’t be able to escape if they succeed with their plan. Queen Esther agreed to meet the King but instructed all the Jews to go on 3 days of fasting and prayer with her before she approach the king. After fasting, Esther put requests before King Xerxes, she asked called for the King and Hamman to join her the next day at a banquet. The King accepted her request.
Hamman was still very furious about Mordecai, he was planning to spike Mordecai with a pole which he set up a night before the banquet. King Xerxes could not also sleep that night, he was going through the records of his activities in the palace, he found the good deed of Mordecai ( how he exposed the plot to assassinate the king), and he was eager to reward him. There, Haman came in, he wanted to ask the King how to carry out Mordecai’s execution the next day at the banquet.
Then, King seeks Haman’s opinion on what he could offer as a reward for their act of kindness, Haman taught the king was referring to him. He told the King to decorate such a person with a royal robe, riding on a horse the King rode before. The King ordered him to do exactly for Mordecai, for he is the one whom the King delights in. Haman was very enraged when he found out it was Mordecai.
Haman had no choice but to obey the King and honor Mordecai as the king commanded. At the banquet, the King to Esther to make her wish known, and He will grant her desire. Esther courageously told the King that her Haman has sold her people for annihilation. That if they were only sold into slavery, she wouldn’t have bothered. The king was angered and ordered that Haman be hanged on the pole he prepared to spike Mordecai. After the death of Haman, the king dashed out Haman’s estate to Queen Esther and Mordecai. Before we explore the characteristics of Esther in the Bible, it is important we discuss the biblical lessons.
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The Biblical Lesson of the Book of Esther in The Bible
There might be a general view on the characteristics of Esther, but the Biblical lesson depends on individual perception of the Holy Spirit and understanding. The book of Esther is one of the chapters in the bible that I love so much because it inspires the younger ones and there are many lessons to be learned.
God Can Crown Anybody For Greatness
Esther lost her parent when she was very young. Thank God for the life of Modecai who adopted and trained her. Remember the Jews were despised then and that was why Mordecai told her never to disclose her identity for the fear of being killed.
Now, one could have ever thought that a Jew will become the Queen of Persia. God did not mind her background, her qualification, or her tribe. He chose her among hundreds to become the queen. If God had not touched the heart of King Xerxes, her beauty would have been useless, the King would not even recognize her.
I don’t know where you come from, it does not matter if your family is rich or not, it does not matter if you have parents or not, God’s plan for you is unconditional if you believe in Him. Don’t let your background put your back on the ground, rise up and move forward. God chose Esther out of hundreds, I pray He will distinguish you for success and greatness in Jesus’s Name.
God Owns The Heart of The King
King Xerses has forgotten that Mordecai exposed the plans to assassinate him. Although He wrote it somewhere, maybe he was busy to attend to it. Here is it – The King did not pick up his diary until a night before Mordecai was supposed to be executed? Only God can touch his heart to remember if not, Haman would have succeeded in his plan for Mordecai.
God does not sleep, He knows everything and sees all the plans of the evil one over you. Hold on to your faith, and he will touch every heart that needs to favor you in Jesus’ name.
God Turn The Plans of The Enemies Against Themselves
Haman had prepared to Kill Mordecai the next day with a pole because of his hatred for him. He went to the king to discuss it, unfortunately, God had touched the Kings’ heart to remember Mordecai’s good deed. Mordecai did not die as Haman planned, instead, Haman was hunged on the pole he prepared for Mordecai. I pray that every trap that the enemies have set for you, will kill them by themselves in Jesus’s name. God turns the plan of Haman for Mordecai against Haman.
The Characteristics of Esther In The Bible
From the analysis of the book of Esther above, Esther possesses different characteristics that are worth emulation right from her childhood till she became a Queen. Esther’s leadership quality is no doubt top-notch. Let’s take a quick look at Esther’s characteristics in the Bible.
Woman of Faith
Faith plays an important role in our life. Christianity is all about faith, a man without faith is like a man without Christ. Esther did not condemn herself even after she lost her parent, she held unto her faith in God. She had the opportunity to lose her virginity, live a wayward life or even sleep with men for money. But she did not do that, her faith in God kept her through the thick and thin period before she became a Queen. She also exercise her faith when she prayed, fasted, prayed, and asked others to do the same thing along with her in order to find the King’s favor.
Obedient Woman
Another vital characteristic of Esther in the Bible is that she was very obedient. Esther as a young girl never disobeyed God and her uncle, Mordecai. Even when she became a Queen, she tried to consider her uncle’s request knowing that it could cost her life. Esther didn’t allow her status to get into her head, she was docile, and God lifted her up. Obedience can open unexpected doors for you, obey God and those you chose as a mentor
Courageous Woman
It is evident looking at the way she handled the news of the death sentence resulting in Haman’s fury. Only a few women could do that. During the contest, Esther summoned the courage to compete with other beautiful ladies without looking down on herself. Considering her background, she could have ruled herself out of the competition. Never undermine your ability, with God believe you can do all things. God created you for a purpose, and for that purpose to be achieved, you need courage.
A Woman of Prayer
One of the characteristics of Esther in the bible that I love so much is this. When Mordecai told her to meet the King and ask for forgiveness, she declared 3 days of fasting and praying and ask her people to pray and fast along with her. This is a clear indication that she put all her trust in God, and believed that God will answer her prayers. Prayer is the master key, and one of the armors of every child of God. When you need help, pray to God, He is more willing to help you.
Compassionate Woman
Queen Esther portrayed a selfless and sacrificial character that stood in the gap for her kinsmen. She was ready to give all she had to save her people from the massacre planned by Haman. Esther was resourceful and a confident problem-solver. Her compassion and confidence saved her people from annihilation.
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Conclusion
The book of Esther in the Bible is a chapter that every young girl aspiring to be a leader must read regularly. As you can see, Esther possesses leadership qualities, she did not look down on herself even though she was from a less privileged, and she became popular for being resourceful. Don’t pursue fame, work on your attitude and leadership skills, fame and money will come. The characteristics of Esther in the bible show that you can be whatever you want to be if you have the right attitude and mindset.
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