A Well Written Story


Esther 2:19–23
19Now when the virgins were gathered together the second time, Mordecai was sitting at the king’s gate. 20Esther had not made known her kindred or her people, as Mordecai had commanded her, for Esther obeyed Mordecai just as when she was brought up by him. 21In those days, as Mordecai was sitting at the king’s gate, Bigthan and Teresh, two of the king’s eunuchs, who guarded the threshold, became angry and sought to lay hands on King Ahasuerus. 22And this came to the knowledge of Mordecai, and he told it to Queen Esther, and Esther told the king in the name of Mordecai. 23When the affair was investigated and found to be so, the men were both hanged on the gallows. And it was recorded in the book of the chronicles in the presence of the king.

In the previous chapter we were introduced to Mordecai. He is Esther’s older cousin and guardian. It was he who told Esther to keep her Jewish heritage a well-kept secret from the king. He will play a major part in the story as it unfolds. For now, we are witness to an event that will have impact later in the story. In these few verses, we learn that Mordecai was a fairly influential business man, as he is seated at the king’s gate. This is where judicial matters or business deals were handled. In that position, he overhears two eunuchs plotting an assassination attempt against the king. Mordecai tells Esther and she warns the king. The men are hanged and the entire incident is written into the king’s history. We tuck this story into the back of our minds for later when it will become a pivot point in the God’s plan of rescue for the Jews.

At the end of two chapters we are deep into an incredible tale that contains intrigue, murder attempts, and a love story. These factors alone could make this one of the Bible’s most interesting books. But along with a well written story we have evidence of God’s power to work out His plans for our good and protection no matter what moves people are making. He is able to use our choices for His good and holy purposes. That will be the case throughout this story of Esther in the land of Persia.

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