Esther
Esther
Esther - HER NAME MAY DERIVE FROM
“Ishtar,” the Babylonian Goddess of Love,
or from the Persian Word for “Star”
Her Hebrew Name, “Hadassah,” Means “Myrtle”
| HER CHARACTER: | An orphan in a foreign land, she was willing to conceal her Jewish identity in a bid for a pagan king’s affection. Esther seemed willing to made moral compromises by sleeping with the king and then taking part in a wedding that would necessarily have required her to pay homage to foreign gods. Even so, she displayed great courage in the midst of a crisis. Prior to risking her life for her people, she humbled herself by fasting and then put her considerable beauty, social grace, and wisdom in the service of God’s plan. |
| HER SORROW: | To learn that her husband, the king, had unwittingly placed her life and the life of her people in jeopardy. |
| HER JOY: | To watch mourning turn to celebration once the Jews enjoyed relief from their enemies. |
| KEY SCRIPTURE: | Esther 1 – 10 |
From the book
