To replace Vashti, the king recruits, pampers, and then “samples” hundreds of virgins for one night each – determining from their bodies only who should be his queen (2:12-14). Concerned that Vashti’s rebellion will entitle women throughout the realm to speak up to their husbands, the advisers urge the king to divorce her, which he does without hesitation (1:19-22). In defying the king’s laws, she outrages the king’s chauvinistic advisers. Beautiful Vashti refuses to come out before a drunken crowd to be drooled over and treated like an object (1:1-22). What’s more explicit is the example set by Vashti. These are aspects of her marginalization that are byproducts of injustice imbedded in her culture. Esther is an orphan, separated from her family and her father in a time where the family is everything (2:7). When she is chosen as one of the beautiful group of virgins from whom the king will pick a wife, she has to conceal her identity as a Jew in order to be safe (Esther 2:8-10). Let me set up the scene for you: the Jews are a minority people, exiled from their homeland, living under the rule of a foreign king. Probably most of us have, although I pray none in a way as extreme as her. When Esther straightforwardly operates under God’s authority within a system that would intentionally and unintentionally marginalize her, she is an example to any Christian woman that has ever felt this way in any context. Ultimately exemplifies the bold leadership God intended for women as co-rulers and “ Ezer Kenegdo ’s” created to bear God’s image.Straightforwardly operates under God’s authority within a system that would intentionally and unintentionally marginalize her.I believe modern Christian woman can glean from the ways Esther: I propose that we should seriously consider Esther this week, as one of only two women who have biblical books named after them and the only woman who instituted a Jewish holiday. Where have we gone wrong in forgetting Esther? This bothers me in the Christian world, as the Jews remember her every year when they celebrate Purim. Her significance was, at best, ambivalent and, at worst, neglected. In my experience, she wasn’t talked about very much, save for illustrated books and felt-board stories. I see all these amazing women of faith, and I also see Esther. The imagery and meaning of this word are far from bland or condescending, but richly imply the warrior identity of women as equal image-bearers of God, bringing help to those in need (Evans, Bessey). But take heart! As author Rachel Held Evans points out, the word for “helper” is Ezer Kenegdo, a word used in other Biblical contexts to describe how the Lord helps Israel in war. Recall that scene in Gen 2 where woman is created as Adam’s “helper.” If you’re a woman, you’ve probably rolled your eyes at this condescending word. I see Eve, created not as a weak, second-class servant for men (as some interpretations of Genesis imply), but as an Ezer Kenegdo, a warrior helper, a co-ruler of creation (see references for more info). When I read the Bible, I see heroines like Deborah, I see Jesus speaking to Mary Magdelene and the Samaritan woman, I see Paul acknowledging women as equal partners in the work of the Gospel. The Bible, mercifully, is very pro-women. And so I’m hesitant, hesitant that I’ll sound like I’m complaining or forcing something I’m shy to write what I believe so firmly, and so somehow I know that I must write it. And if I perish, I perish.’ So Mordecai went away and carried out all of Esther’s instructions” Esther 4:15-17 (NIV).ĭear Sisters (brothers I hope you will read this too),ĭoes it feel odd to have a week set aside to celebrate your presence in the church?įrankly, it feels strange to me - I wonder sometimes if it even matters that I speak. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. “Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: ‘Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |