The Courage Of One

The month of March marks Women’s International Month and the biblical holiday of Purim. 

We are introduced to Purim in the biblical book of Esther.

The Book of Esther tells the story of a Jewish woman named Esther who becomes the queen of Persia and uses her position to save her people from extinction by the king's advisor, Haman, by appealing to the king to revoke the decree of destruction; this event is commemorated by the Jewish holiday of Purim, which is explained as the origin story within the book itself. 

The name Purim comes from a Hebrew word meaning “lots,” a reference to the lots that Haman cast to determine the day of the execution of who he thought of his arch enemy, Mordecai.

Who is Esther?  Esther, originally named Hadassah, is a young Jewish woman living in the Persian Empire who hides her Jewish identity, at the advice of Mordecai, when she is forced into consideration to become the king's new queen. 

Who is Mordecai?  Mordecai is Esther’s cousin, who adopts her as his daughter after the death of her parents.  His role is crucial in advising Esther and uncovering Haman's plot against the Jews. 

Who is Haman?  Haman is a high-ranking official in the Persian court.  He was enraged that Mordecai refused to bow to him to the point of hatred and convinces the king to issue a decree ordering extinction of all Jews throughout the empire for they were a rebellious people.   He is certain this will eliminate Mordecai.

Esther’s act of faith and courage is on full display when she learns of Haman’s plot.  Esther asks the Jews in Susa to pray and fast for 3 days.  She risked her life by approaching the king without being summoned, to invite him to a banquet, to reveal her Jewish identity.  

Esther turns the tables on Haman by pleading for her life and the life of her people.

Exposing Haman and his plot to annihilate the Jewish people. 

3 Then Queen Esther answered, “If I have found favor in your sight, O king, and if it please the king, let my life be granted me for my wish, and my people for my request. 

4 For we have been sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be killed, and to be annihilated.  If we had been sold merely as slaves, men and women, I would have been silent, for our affliction is not to be compared with the loss to the king.” 

5 Then King Ahasuerus said to Queen Esther, “Who is he, and where is he, who has dared[a] to do this?” 

6 And Esther said, “A foe and enemy! This wicked Haman!” Then Haman was terrified before the king and the queen.

Esther 7:3-6

The king grants Esther’s request and orders Haman to be hanged on the gallows he built for Mordecai, allowing the Jews to defend themselves against their attackers.  Although God is not explicitly named in the book, the story is interpreted as demonstrating God's unseen hand working behind the scenes to deliver his people, through the woman Esther. 

Esther shows incredible courage in the face of certain annihilation through the willingness to risk her life to save her people.  Esther righteously used her power of influence and position as queen to save her people and bring about a significant change. 

Why would we want to celebrate Purim?  Women’s History Month is all about recognizing women’s contributions and the ongoing pursuit of equality.  Esther was that woman who God chose to carry out His plan and pursuit of equality for His people.  Esther fought to reveal her identity at the perfect time to bring redemption to her people.  She used her voice to ask the people to fast and pray for three days, no food or water.  Esther also leaned on those around her for prayer and wisdom starting with Mordecai, the Jews in Susa, and the servant Hegi the eunuch. She was willing to trust God in the process.  Esther chose to move forward together with those around her, even if it would cost her own life.  She could have chosen silence, but she headed the words of Mordecai, inspired by the Lord.

Esther 4;14  

14 "For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”  

I would encourage you to remember Purim (Thursday March 13 at sundown to Friday March 14 at sundown) and Women’s International month by feasting, celebrating and sending presents of food to one another and giving gifts to the poor.  Remember. Recall. Recollect, that our God calls women to use their voice and go before the King and bring God’s presence to the here and now.  He uses people to support us and pray for us as we move forward together!  I pray that we remember that redemption isn’t just freedom from slavery, it’s a fulfilment of your mission in the world.  And remember, God used a young orphan girl to keep His people from annihilation.  What will He use you for?  Could this be the moment you were created for to reveal your identity?  

Esther 9:20-22

20 "And Mordecai recorded these things and sent letters to all the Jews who were in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, both near and far,

21 obliging them to keep the fourteenth day of the month Adar and also the fifteenth day of the same, year by year, 

22 as the days on which the Jews got relief from their enemies, and as the month that had been turned for them from sorrow into gladness and from mourning into a holiday; that they should make them days of feasting and gladness, days for sending gifts of food to one another and gifts to the poor."

Happy Purim 

Chag Purim Sameach

Elisa Rangel

פורים שמח