“The Hidden Hand of God”

Today, we’ll look at an exciting Bible narrative about a heroic woman named Esther. Esther is the 19th book of the 39 books in the Hebrew Scripture, packing quite a story into just 10 chapters, and it’s unique because it doesn’t mention God directly. Yet, we can see God’s influence all through Esther’s actions. About 100 years before Esther’s time, many Jews were forced to live in Babylon because their homeland was conquered. Later, when Persia took over Babylon, some Jews went back home, but others, like Esther stayed. They were trying to follow their faith far from home, which wasn’t easy.

In fact, even some big names in Christian history struggled with the book of Esther- John Calvin didn’t include it in his biblical commentaries, likely because of the absence of direct mention of God, and Martin Luther even wished it hadn’t been included in the Bible at all, believing it lacked spiritual value without explicit reference to God’s name.

Our story starts in Persian with King Xerxes, also known Ahasuerus in Hebrew, throws a lavish banquet. After drinking with his friends, the king commands his queen, Vashti, to come and show off her beauty. But Vashti does something shocking – she refuses! This defiance shocks the king and his advisors, who fear that wives across the kingdom might follow her example. So, they decide to remove Vashti as queen and decree that all wives must obey their husbands. Now, King Xerxes needs a new queen. His advisors suggest gathering many young women from across the empire. They are brought to the palace and prepared for one night with the king, with the hope that one of them would win his favour and become queen.

Among these women is Esther, a young Jewish orphan raised by her cousin Mordecai. Esther did not choose this life, but her beauty and grace caught the attention of the king’s servants. She received special treatment, but she had to keep her true identity as a Jew hidden. After a year of preparation, Esther won the king’s favour and was crowned queen.

The Crisis

But soon, Esther’s people are put in grave danger. Mordecai refuses to bow to Haman, a high-ranking official in the king’s court, which enrages Haman. In his fury, Haman plots to not only destroy Mordecai but also to annihilate the entire Jewish population in the Persian Empire. He persuades King Xerxes to issue a decree, setting a date for the massacre of the Jews.

Mordecai learns of the plot and urges Esther to act and speak up on her people’s behalf. Esther faces a critical decision. In a world where kings could dispose of their queens with a word and where approaching the throne uninvited could lead to death, Esther is at a crossroads. She could choose to remain silent and keep her identity hidden, but if she does, her people will perish. Mordecai’s words to her are striking: “Who knows? Perhaps you have come to your royal position for such a time as this.” Here, Mordecai shows his faith in God’s providence, even though he never directly mentions God. This is where we see the hidden hand of God at work. Though God is not named in the Book of Esther, His presence is felt in the courage and wisdom He inspires.

Esther, after fasting for three days with the support of her people, decides to risk her life and go before the king. She says, “If I perish, I perish.” Esther’s decision to act is not just for herself but for her entire community. She stands before the king and bravely pleads, “If I have found favour with you, O king, and if it pleases the king, let my life be spared—and the lives of my people. For we have been sold to be destroyed, killed, and annihilated.”

Esther’s courage and wisdom ultimately become part of God’s salvation history. Haman’s plot is revealed, and he is punished, while the Jews are granted protection. Through Esther’s bravery, God’s hidden hand brings deliverance. Though God’s name is never mentioned, we can see His presence guiding and protecting His people.

The Hidden Hand of God in Our Lives

This story reveals that even in the darkest, most terrible circumstances, a pathway can open up towards God’s life and liberation. And I believe it is the hidden hand of God that creates this path. We trust in a God who brings order out of chaos, life out of death, and makes a dry path through stormy seas. Even when it feels like we’ve lost everything, we are called to trust in God’s hidden hand. Look! at Esther’s situation—it was as though she was a flickering candle, barely standing in the wind. Yet, even in that moment, God was at work, making a way.

Mordecai’s words to Esther speak to us today: “Who knows? Perhaps you have come to this position for such a time as this.” There will be times when we face uncertainty when we are unsure of the path ahead. But as we pray, reflect and seek God, we can trust that His hidden hand is guiding us. Sometimes, we are called to take bold steps of faith, even when the path is uncertain. We are called to trust that God has placed us where we are for a reason, just as He placed Esther in the palace for a specific purpose. We may not see the full picture, but God is working all things together for good, even when His hand is hidden.

Finally, Esther’s story shows us that God’s presence doesn’t always come with loud proclamations or miraculous signs. Sometimes, God works in quiet, subtle ways, hidden beneath the surface of ordinary events. But just because He is hidden doesn’t mean He isn’t there. As we navigate our own challenges, let’s remember that God is present, even when He seems distant or silent. His hidden hand is always at work, guiding us, protecting us, and leading us to step out in faith. May we like Esther, have the courage to act with faith, and trust that God’s hand is always at work, even when we can’t see it.