February 9 Enter Esther

Esther 2:7 Mordecai was bringing up Hadassah, that is Esther, the daughter of his uncle, for she had neither father nor mother. The young woman had a beautiful figure and was lovely to look at, and when her father and her mother died, Mordecai took her as his own daughter.

OUR first introduction to Esther is a detail that reflects the two cultures around her. She is called Hadassah in her native Hebrew tongue. It means “myrtle”. The myrtle tree is a low-growing tree that produced dark leaves and fragrant flowers. An area around Bethlehem was one region the myrtle was plentiful in Judah. People from the tribe of Benjamin, Esther’s ancestors, lived in that area. Likely Hadassa’s parents so named her because of her dark skin. Perhaps, too, her name was a tribute to their homeland in which her family had not lived for three generations. “Hadassa” was about beauty, honor and refuge.    

Another interesting note on the myrtle tree is that it is a symbol of the Jewish relationship with God in the book of Zechariah. Myrtle – beauty and refuge, fragrant and secure – relates to God’s care on his people. Let’s keep this in mind as we see Hadassa’s (Esther’s) mission to the Jews unfold before us.    

“Esther”, is of Greek origin and means “star”. The Persian’s name also indicates to us her singular, physical beauty.  See, too, that Mordecai, her cousin, is more as a father to this orphaned woman. In their relationship, he has some authority over Esther. He is older and more aware of the culture in which Esther will soon find herself. She’s the country girl who goes to the city. But unlike many who venture forth to seek a different life, Esther had no plans to do so. Sudden change happens for many reasons, doesn’t it? The question is, “How will we respond to the changes?”    

Esther will learn the answer to that question. Her morals and her faith will undergo great challenges. She will need Mordecai’s sturdy, God-fearing guidance for the uncertain and fearful steps into which God is about to direct her.

Prayer: Lord God Almighty, you know the changes that will come to our lives. Help us to prepare for them with a solid foundation in you. Help us to respond to them with a great desire to please you. Amen.

 
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