By: HFI staff

God intervenes in human affairs to turn tragedy into triumph, despair into destiny, failure into fulfillment, and rejection into redirection. Don’t believe me? Let’s look at the Book of Esther and discover some life lessons that may help guide us through times of uncertainty in our own lives.

The setting of the story is Susa, the capital city of the ancient Persian Empire—modern-day Iran. The Jewish people had been dispersed and were living in a foreign land.

The two main characters, Mordechai and Esther, were among those in exile. According to the text, Esther was Mordechai’s younger cousin. She was in his care because her parents had died.

At that time, King Ahasuerus reigned over provinces stretching from India to Ethiopia. In a grand display of wealth and power, he held a feast for 180 days!

His wife, Queen Vashti, also hosted a feast for the women. At a certain point, the king summoned her, but she refused to come. As a result, she was banished and lost her position as queen. Eventually, the king missed her but was advised to find a new queen, as Vashti’s defiance set a bad precedent in a society where women were expected to obey.

Thus, many young women were “gathered” (a euphemistic way of saying “captured”) and brought to the king’s palace. According to the story, the king loved Esther more than any of the others and decided to make her his queen. Meanwhile, Mordechai would stand in front of the palace, trying to learn about Esther’s well-being. It was there that he overheard a plot to assassinate the king. He informed Esther, who, in turn, told the king—thus saving his life.

The king had an advisor, a wicked man named Haman, who was an Agagite—a descendant of the Amalekites, sworn enemies of the Jewish people. Haman was promoted and, filled with pride, ordered everyone to bow to him. However, Mordechai refused. Enraged, Haman decided that all the Jews should be destroyed. He convinced the king to sign a decree, which would also bring wealth into the royal treasury, and the king granted him permission to act as he pleased.

The people in the palace cast lots (called Pur) to determine the most auspicious day for the slaughter, and it fell during the Hebrew month of Adar.

Letters were sent to all the king’s provinces, declaring:

"To destroy, kill, and annihilate all the Jews, both young and old, little children and women, on the thirteenth day of the month of Adar, and to plunder their possessions.” (Esther 3:13)

When Mordechai heard of the decree, he informed Esther. Though she was afraid to approach the king on behalf of her people—since entering his presence without being summoned was punishable by death—she eventually agreed through faith, courage, and prayer.

In the end, the Jewish people were given permission to fight back, and they were spared. Haman and his sons were hanged on the very gallows they had built for Mordechai.

"Mordechai became second to King Ahasuerus and was great among the Jews, well received by the multitude of his brethren, seeking the good of his people and speaking peace to all his countrymen.” (Esther 10:3)

What Can We Learn from This Story?

I propose five timeless lessons that may encourage us during dark days of uncertainty and pain:

1. God is at work, even when He seems absent.
   Although God’s name is never mentioned in the Book of Esther, His hand is evident. He orchestrates events, places people in strategic positions, and directs hearts. This is a reminder that “the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord” (Psalm 37:23). We may never fully understand why we are in one place and not another, but we can trust that God does—and that His purposes are being fulfilled.
2. Courage is not the absence of fear but acting despite it.
   Esther was justifiably afraid to approach the king without being summoned, as doing so could have cost her life. Yet, she requested that Mordechai call for a fast, and in an act of selfless surrender to God’s will, she declared: “If I perish, I perish” (Esther 4:16).
3. We must always stand by our principles.
   Mordechai refused to bow to Haman because he was a proud Jewish man who bowed only to God. Despite the risks—even the threat to his life—he remained steadfast.
4. We have an enemy.
   The enemy of our souls will do anything to draw us away from God. Satan “comes to steal, kill, and destroy” (John 10:10). He is “a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44). We must resist his temptations and stand firm in our faith.
5. Never lose hope, no matter how bleak things seem.
   Though the situation may appear hopeless, God is still on His throne. He promises “a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11).

A Message for Today

Here in Israel, we have seen the master plan of the enemy at work. We have witnessed our homes plundered, our children killed, slanderous lies spread against us, and relentless attempts to destroy our people.

Yet, despite it all, our nation remains steadfast, vigilant, and hopeful. Out of despair, we have come together in remarkable acts of volunteerism, unity, and resilience.

The people of Israel live—and will continue to live.

God will establish His throne in Jerusalem, and all nations will come to worship the one true God.

As children across Israel prepare their costumes, assemble their Purim baskets, and listen to the ancient story, they will make noise to drown out the name of Haman and cheer at the name of Mordechai.

The story of Purim is as ancient as the stars and as relevant as today’s headlines.

Despite the pain, the people of Israel live. Am Yisrael Chai.

And if you believe, so shall you.

Happy Purim.