There are other characters in the book of Esther that are not listed. If a play is to be directed, these other characters may be needed. These characters are the princes of the king (1:3), the king's guests at his banquet (1:5), friends of Haman (5:10), beautiful young virgins sought for the king (2:8), the king's concubines (2:14), women at the Queen's banquet (1:9), king's scribes (8:9), enemies of the Jews in the provinces (9:1), Jews in the provinces (9:18), and the ten sons of Haman (9:13).

Because Esther is the main character of this book, let's observe her character based on scripture. To understand Esther, we have to take a look at the situation that arises that causes the king to seek out another queen. Right in the beginning verses of the book of Esther, the incident that causes the king to seek out another queen is revealed in Esther 1:12 (NKJV), "But Queen Vashti refused to come at the king's command brought by his eunuchs; therefore the king was furious, and his anger burned within him." Esther 1:10-11 (NKJV) reveals the king's intent to call the queen, "the heart of the king was merry with wine....to bring Queen Vashti before the king, wearing her royal crown, in order to show her beauty to the people and the officials, for she was beautiful to behold."

The king consults his advisors, the wise men (Esther 1:13-15), about what to do about Queen Vashti's behavior. Memucan advises the king in Esther 1:16-20:

Queen Vashti's behavior, because of her position, was magnified and set a bad example for other women. Her actions were also against principles set by our Heavenly Father, Yahuah, as we shall see in the scriptures to follow. I'm impressed that justice was administered in this situation by the Father. Queen Vashti was to be removed from her office of Queen and replaced by "another who is better than she." Esther will become that woman- one who will honor her husband the king as well as put her life down for her people. The king decreed also that ".....each man should be master in his own house..... " (Esther 1:22 NKJV). This is an important principle found in the Bible.

In consideration of our "modern" ways, Queen Vashti's actions can be easily dismissed as minor or even insignificant. Imagine today a president's wife losing her role as first lady for not being at an important, highly visible meeting the president had asked her to attend. In this case, the nation would be outraged - at the president. This thought should impress us about how far away we have come from living according to Biblical standards set by Yahuah. The importance of the principle of a wife to honor her husband is throughout the scriptures expressly and by example. One can only appreciate the seriousness of what this means by fully understanding the scriptures.

Let's review the set of verses taken from the Renewed (New) Covenant in Ephesians 5:22-25, Colossians 3:18-19, 1 Timothy 3:11, 1 Peter 3:1-2, 5-7. Let's take a look at the verses:

These verses offer some understanding of the role of a wife to the husband. The character of Esther is the focus here, therefore the relevant scriptures on the role of a wife have been selected. The importance of the role and responsibility of the husband to the wife cannot be understated. For an expanded study on the subject of marriage roles in scripture, see the Ministry's Featured Bible study, "Lawful Marriage, Sex, Family and Divorce." For now, let's continue to read the scriptures to see how Esther keeps the principles in the scriptures above.

In Esther 2:7 (NKJV) we learn that Esther is a beautiful woman, "...The young woman was lovely and beautiful." Some Christian denominations may deny this is physical beauty and emphasize the beauty of persona. In the context of the scriptures when referring to Queen Vashti as well as Esther, it is speaking about physical beauty. Note also that in Esther chapter two, the young virgins are given beauty preparations that require a full year to complete. In consideration of the beauty competition Esther was a part of, she must have been a very stunning woman. It is undeniable when reading the scriptures that there are references to levels of physical beauty as well as lack of beauty in the creation for both man, beast and things. One can refer to the Song of Solomon which contains many examples of references to physical beauty.

In Esther 2:7 we also learn that Esther was an orphan who's father and mother both died and she was raised by Mordecai as his own daughter.

In Esther 2:9 (NKJV) we learn that Esther pleased Hegai, the custodian of the "beautiful young virgins" (Esther 2:3 NKJV) and "obtained his favor." I'm impressed it was not only Esther's physical beauty that impressed Hegai but her personality also. Esther 2:15 (NKJV) hints at the personality of Esther and the way she may have related to Hegai, the passage states, "Now when the turn came for Esther the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her as his daughter, to go in to the king, she requested nothing but what Hegai the king's eunuch, the custodian of the women, advised. And Esther obtained favor in the sight of all who saw her." The context and language of this verse suggests that Esther was very humble and accepted the qualified recommendations of the king's eunuch. It appears that the women who observed Esther were impressed because Esther took only what Hegai advised. It was allowed by the king for the women to take "whatever she desired to take with her from the women's quarters to the king's palace," (Esther 2:13 NKJV). The women who were presented to the king before Esther more than likely took what they desired. When Esther's turn came, she only took what was recommended by Hegai, therefore, impressing the other women. Keep in mind, these women knew they were potential candidates to be queen of a huge and powerful kingdom. In light of the passages above, we observe that Esther had respect for qualified authority. This is a principle we find in 1 Peter 2:13-16.

The next incident where we learn more about Esther's character is in the verse Esther 2:22 (NKJV) where Esther finds out about the plot to kill the king from Mordecai, "So the matter became known to Mordecai, who told Queen Esther, and Esther informed the king in Mordecai's name." Esther upheld the principles of the 5th, 6th, 9th and 10th commandments. By informing King Ahasuerus about the plot to take his life, she upheld the 6th commandment, "You shall not murder," (Exodus 20:13). By informing the king in Mordecai's name, Esther kept a true witness by not taking credit for herself regarding the information she had about the the plot to kill the king. Esther followed the principle of the 9th commandment, "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor," (Exodus 20:16).

By giving proper credit to Mordecai, Esther also honored the 5th and 10th commandments, "Honor your father and your mother, that your days me be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you," (Exodus 20:12) and "You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor's," (Exodus 20:17).  Esther honored Mordecai who raised her as his own daughter. She also didn't covet the credit due Mordecai, even though she was queen. Being made queen could easily allow a spirit of pride or other type of unclean spirit to manifest.

Esther honors Mordecai as her father in another way. This is revealed in the following verses Esther 2:10 (NKJV), "10 Esther had not revealed her people or family, for Mordecai had charged her not to reveal it," and Esther 2:20 (NKJV), "20 Now Esther had not revealed her family and her people, just as Mordecai had charged her, for Esther obeyed the command of Mordecai as when she was brought up by him." Esther either knowingly or unknowingly was following a principle in Proverbs 11:13 (NKJV) which states, "13 A talebearer reveals secrets, But he who is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter." There is a fine line between keeping secrets deceptively and becoming a false witness verses keeping secrets to conceal a situation due to higher principles involved in the matter. These issues require wisdom that only our Heavenly Father, Yahuah, can give as we grow in knowledge of His ways by the Word.

Scripture is full of principles that could contradict each other had it not been for the balance of principles and setting precedent. Yeshua (Christ) Himself clarifies that we should understand how to balance principles in scripture. As a matter of fact he rebukes the scribes and Pharisees in Matthew 23:23 for not properly setting precedent of principle in scripture. Please read the Ministry's Featured Bible study titled, "How to Keep the Principles of the Sabbath Day and Not Desecrate It." to better understand how Yeshua (Christ) testifies how we are to understand legal precedence in scripture.

Now let's take a look at the verses from Esther 4:4 through Esther 4:16 to learn more about the character of Esther. This is the incident where Esther makes an inquiry with Mordecai as to why there was a decree sent by the king to destroy, to kill, and to annihilate all the Jews. Esther first finds out about this decree in Esther 4:4, "So Esther's maids and eunuchs came and told her, and the queen was deeply distressed. Then she sent garment to clothe Mordecai and take his sackcloth away from him, but he would not accept them." After this incident, Esther makes the inquiry with Mordecai to learn why this was happening, Esther 4:5 is written, "Then Esther called Hathach, one of the king's eunuchs whom he had appointed to attend her, and she gave him a command concerning Mordecai, to learn what and why this was so."  Mordecai in response gives the eunuch a copy of the written decree to show it to Esther and explain it to her so that the eunuch "might show it to Esther and explain it to her, and that he might command her to go in to the king to make supplication to him and plead before him for her people," (Esther 4:8 NKJV). Esther replies to Mordecai through Hathach the eunuch in Esther 4:11 (NKJV), "All the king's servants and the people of the king's provinces know that any man or woman who goes into the inner court to the king, who has not been called, he has but one law: put all to death, except the one to whom the king holds out the golden scepter, that he may live. Yet I myself have not been called to go in to the king these thirty days." Mordecai's response to Esther is this next verse is quite interesting and revealing, Esther 4:13-14 is written, "Do not think in your heart that you will escape in the king's palace any more than all the other Jews. 14 For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" At this point, let's take a look at this exchange of dialogue between Esther and Mordecai.

Mordecai's response to Esther is interesting because it reveals Mordecai's wisdom and understanding. His response reveals Mordecai's knowledge about Yahuah's ways in justice. He understands there will be deliverance for God's people. Mordecai also understands, because of Esther's position and authority, if she didn't act, she may be even cursed in accordance with Yahuah's principles. Mordecai shows prophetic insight and understanding by recognizing that Esther may be called for this time and season for the deliverance of the Hebrew people.  Mordecai gives wise counsel to Esther regarding what her purpose may be.

Mordecai's reply appears to be a strong response to Esther, his adopted daughter. Why did Mordecai have to warn Esther by stating "Do not think in your heart that you will escape in the king's palace any more than all the other Jews?" Let's consider the dialogue to better understand if there are any clues to why Mordecai said this.

In the beginning of the dialogue between Esther and Mordecai, there may be a hint that Esther may have felt somewhat helpless.  Esther was "deeply distressed" with the events that were arising. Her response was to send garments to Mordecai who was clothed in sackcloth. Mordecai did not accept the garments. What can we tell from Esther's response? Does it further hint at the helplessness she may be feeling? What good does it do to offer clothing to a man who is mourning in sackcloth due to cruel disaster coming upon his people?

After Mordecais' refusal to accept the garments, Esther inquires with Mordecai to learn why this decree was issued, Esther 4:5 states, ".....to learn what and why this was so." Mordecai had knowledge of some of the king's affairs because "Mordecai sat within the king's gate," (Esther 2:19 NKJV). Esther finds out from from Mordecai why this destruction was coming upon her people. Mordecai gives Esther's eunuch "a copy of the written decree for their destruction," (Esther 4:8 NKJV) for the purpose of convincing her to "go in to the king to make supplication to him and plead before him for her people," (Esther 4:8 NKJV).

Esther's response to Mordecai in Esther 4:11 was to let Mordecai know that the penalty to go into the king's inner court uninvited was death. She explains to Mordecai that she has not been called into the king's inner court for thirty days. Esther would know that Mordecai knew the law regarding the king's inner court. Mordecai was familiar with some of the king's laws because he sat within the king's gates and knew not to enter the gates in sackcloth (Esther 4:2). However, Mordecai probably didn't know that Esther had not been called to go into the inner court for thirty days. Esther's response to Mordecai may hint again at her feeling of helplessness.

After Mordecai's strong response, Esther replies in Esther 4:16 NKJV, "Go, gather all the Jews who are present in Shushan, and fast for me; neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will fast likewise. And so I will go to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish." Esther's response reveals the honor and respect she has for Mordecai as her father and the concern she had for her people. She receives Mordecai's words and is strong and decisive in her action.  Her response shows her knowledge of Yahuah's principles and makes a wise decision to ask her people to fast along with her. Esther knew the importance of fasting during times where we need to seek the Father for answered prayer. There are many examples in the scriptures that emphasize the importance of fasting when seeking supplication from the Father. Yeshua (Christ) himself emphasized how critical fasting is in deliverance of demons for he stated in Matthew 17:21 (NKJV), "21 However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting." Note that the New International Version Bible (NIV) has left out this verse entirely. This is a hint of the demonic forces that were manifest during the process of translation in order to "water down" parts of the scriptures .

The last few words of Esther's response still hints that she is not quite sure about her eventual role in the deliverance of her people. She ends her response with these words, "if I perish, I perish." We will see that Esther matures in her role in the deliverance of her people.

Esther chapters five through eight reveals Esther's growth in her new role as queen. Esther's words and actions impresses the reader that she is a woman of good character who follows principles set Yahuah.

Esther plans a wise approach to reveal the evil plot by Haman by arranging two banquets for the king and Haman. Esther addresses the king, who also is her husband, in a modest, humble and reverent way (Esther 5:4, 8; Esther 7:3). These are qualities the scriptures reveal of an honorable wife. Esther's approach also reflects some of the qualities of a virtuous wife in Proverbs 31:10-31. One of these qualities is resourcefulness. Esther was resourceful in her approach in the arrangement of two banquets to expose Haman.

Esther's plan eventually convicts Haman and he is hanged. Her actions results in Mordecai's promotion to Haman's position. Mordecai's new authority allows him to write a decree allowing the Jews to defend themselves against slaughter (Esther 8:8-17). Mordecai eventually rises to second in authority to King Ahasuerus and became a great man in the kingdom (Esther 10:2-3). Haman is hanged on the gallows his own wife suggested for the purpose of murdering Mordecai. Haman's wife, Zeresh, suggested plans that cost Haman his own life (Esther 5:14). In contrast, Esther's words and actions hold true to the qualities in Proverbs 31:11-12 (NKJV), "11 The heart of her husband safely trusts her; So he will have no lack of gain. 12 She does him good and not evil all the days of her life." Esther saves her own people by the Biblical qualities she held.
 
Is Purim Only For Jews?

The Hebrew people that are being persecuted in the context of the book of Esther were the descendents of those who are exiled into Babylon by King Nebuchadnezzar. We know this by use of language in Esther 1:1-3; 2:5-6; 3:8,13; 4:14; 6:13; 7:4; 8:5; 9:1-2,5,27. The term "Jew" is used which is technically referring to the descendents of the tribe of Judah. However, the language and context of the passages used in the referenced scriptures, especially the ones that are underlined, reveal that the term "Jew" may be used as a general term referring to both the House of Judah and the House of Israel.

Esther 1:1-3 tells us that the king's reign of power stretches from India to Ethiopia and it's officials were the powers of Persia and Media. This is where the Hebrew people were exiled. Esther 2:5-6 tells us that Mordecai, of the tribe of Judah, was the descendent of Kish, who was carried away from Jerusalem by King Nebuchadnezzar's forces.

Esther 3:8 (NKJV) tells us that Haman described these people as, "..... a certain people scattered and dispersed among the people in all the provinces of your kingdom; their laws are different from all other people's, and they do not keep the king's laws ....." These laws that Haman was speaking about are the laws of Torah. This use of language suggests Haman is referring to all of Israel who keeps the Torah.

Esther 9:27 (NKJV) states, "the Jews established and imposed it upon themselves and their descendants and all who would join them, that without fail they should celebrate these two days every year, according to the written instructions and according to the prescribed time, that these days should be remembered and kept throughout every generation, every family, every province, and every city...." Notice the phrase, "all who would join them" is used. This principle of allowing foreigners (aliens) or gentiles to take part in some of the important Biblical Feasts is found throughout the Torah.

Finally, let's keep in mind the principle of being grafted in (Romans 11:17-19, 23-24) as well as the principle of baptism and what it means to be the seed of Abraham (Galations 3:26-29). Once baptized into Christ, we are seed of Abraham, and therefore Israel.

Is Purim A Sabbath?

At this time, I'm strongly impressed that Purim is to be observed as a Sabbath on both the 14th and 15th days of the month of Adar. There are clues that Purim is a Sabbath based on the language used in the book of Esther. The 14th day of the month of Adar is always a Sabbath in the context of the Biblical Lunar Calendar. How about the 15th of Adar? Language used in scripture suggests that it too is a Sabbath. Let's look at the verses in scripture that hint that Purim may be a Sabbath.

Esther 9:1-2 (NKJV) shows us that it was the 13th day of the month of Adar that the Jews were to be executed.

On this day the Jews defeated their enemies and were delivered. In Esther 9:13-15 (NKJV), it is granted to the Jews to gather together again to defend themselves on the 14th of the month of Adar to fight their enemies.

The 14th of the month of Adar is a Sabbath day. Those Jews who fought in Shushan on the 14th of Adar did not keep their weekly Sabbath rest on this day.

The language used in scripture in Esther 9:16-18 (NKJV) suggests that the Jews that were in Shushan gathered together on the 14th day of Adar to fight, but the remainder of the Jews in the king's provinces had rest from their enemies on the 14th day of Adar and did not fight. The Jews in Shushan assembled together on the 13th and 14th day of Adar and rested on the 15th. Let's take a look.

Scripture shows that these Jews in Shushan could not rest on the 14th of Adar, which is a Sabbath, and therefore they rested on the 15th. This is probably the single most important hint that Purim is to be observed as a Sabbath on both the 14th of Adar as well as the 15th of Adar.

This is also another significant testimony in establishing the truth of the Biblical (Lunar) Calendar showing that the weekly Sabbath is based on a lunar calendar. The Jews in Shushan rested on the 15th of Adar because they couldn't rest on the 14th of Adar, which is always a Sabbath. The Jews in the other provinces rested on the 14th of Adar. For an in-depth study on the Biblical (Lunar) Calendar, see the Ministry's Featured Bible Study titled, "Why the Sabbath is Determined by Sighting of the First Crescent Moon" in the section titled, "Ministry's Featured Bible Studies."
 
Purim, It's Prophetic, Symbolic Meaning and Traditions:

I recommend the book, "Family Guide to the Biblical Holidays" by Robin Scarlata and Linda Pierce for insight into prophetic, symbolic meaning and traditions relating to Purim. This page may be updated in the future in order to cover prophetic and symbolic topics related to Purim if a personal revelation is experienced. For additional prophetic revelation related to Purim, please see the Ministry's Featured Bible study titled, "Will There be an End-Times Exodus to Israel?"