The Empires Strikes a Pose

Having completed the book of Ruth, we begin a series in Esther this week, and will look at the opening chapter (Esther 1:1-22). In a book and a chapter where God isn't explicitly named, we understand that God is still running things (v. 19), and, therefore, we look to His wisdom and Kingdom for justice (v. 13). Earthly kingdoms, like Xerxes' empire, do not truly understand the times (v. 13). But, 1) God is in control even when earthly kingdoms are obsessed with material wealth (vv. 4-5); and 2) God is in control even when earthly kingdoms resort to laws and decrees to address discord and disrespect (vv. 18-19). Written after many Jewish people had returned from the Babylonian exile, what unfolds in Esther still has relevance for us today, even as we celebrate 250 years since the declaration of independence in the US.