Powerful Gospel Parallels Found in the Book of Esther

Esther is one of only two books in the Bible in which God is not mentioned directly (the other is Song of Songs). Though He is not identified by name in this small book, He reveals an important spiritual truth in its few pages. The story of Haman and King Xerxes is a redemption story displaying both God’s justice and His mercy.

Haman is a picture of Satan, and he is called “the enemy of the Jews” (Eshter 3:10; cf. Matthew 10:39). His aim is “to destroy, to kill, and to annihilate” (Esther 3:13; cf. John 10:10), and he is “the adversary and the enemy” of God’s people (Esther 7:6; cf. 1 Peter 5:8). Prideful Haman was infuriated when Mordecai refused to bow to him, just as Satan desires to show himself equal to God and receive man’s worship (Matthew 4:9).

Through Haman’s influence, the king has issued a death warrant against the Jews because “they do not keep the king’s laws” (Esther 3:8). Once a decree is signed by the king, it is irrevocable. Because he is a righteous and just king, he cannot go back on his declared word. His law is immutable and His death decree must remain in place.

“We too must choose to accept the way of deliverance that God has provided. If we do not, we will perish.”

Share on twitter Share on facebook

However, the king has a plan to render the effects of this death sentence null and void, to save the citizens in his kingdom. He issues a second decree allowing the Jews to defend themselves— giving them a way to counter the enemy’s intent and preserve their lives.

In the same way, due to Satan’s influence in leading Adam and Eve to sin, God has issued the death penalty against all mankind—because we do not keep the King’s Laws. This decree is irrevocable. Because He is righteous and just, He cannot overlook it and just change His mind. Lawbreakers must be punished, and the sentence of death must remain in place. However, God has also made a way for us to avoid the death penalty. He Himself has provided our only defense against death—Christ’s blood shed on the cross for our sins.

Note that although the king provided the way of escape, the people had to choose to take that way, or they would perish. He did not just automatically spare them all; they had to respond. If they had decided not to act on the opportunity they were given, they would have died. We too must choose to accept the way of deliverance that God has provided. If we do not, we will perish. As with the gospel message, the king’s decree was “published for all people” (Esther 8:13) and as a result many Gentiles were converted (Esther 8:17).

It’s also interesting that the people didn’t react by blaming the king for issuing the death decree in the first place, and then refuse to accept the solution. Instead, they took the solution that was offered, and rejoiced at the life they gained with the second decree. How many unbelievers complain about God taking human life and especially about His decreeing eternal death and hell. Yet they stubbornly refuse to accept the solution He graciously offers to save them from destruction!

Order The Evidence Study Bible today.