God Puts Us Where He Wants Us For His Good - Esther 1-5

Esther 3:1-6 (ESV)

Haman Plots Against the Jews

After these things King Ahasuerus promoted Haman the Agagite, the son of Hammedatha, and advanced him and set his throne above all the officials who were with him. And all the king’s servants who were at the king’s gate bowed down and paid homage to Haman, for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai did not bow down or pay homage. Then the king’s servants who were at the king’s gate said to Mordecai, “Why do you transgress the king’s command?” And when they spoke to him day after day and he would not listen to them, they told Haman, in order to see whether Mordecai’s words would stand, for he had told them that he was a Jew. And when Haman saw that Mordecai did not bow down or pay homage to him, Haman was filled with fury. But he disdained to lay hands on Mordecai alone. So, as they had made known to him the people of Mordecai, Haman sought to destroy all the Jews, the people of Mordecai, throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus.

The traditions in the royal courts in the days of Mordecai and Esther were quite formal. The king was all powerful and could do almost whatever he wanted to do.   Those under him were his subjects and, therefore, subject to most of his every whim.  Therefore, getting close to the king was important if you, too, wanted power.   Haman had maneuvered himself into this position of power.   Mordecai, however, was like the three Hebrew boys in Daniel’s account of the captivity, who refused to bow down to the Nebuchadnezzar’s golden image.  He did not bow down before Haman.   This of course infuriated Haman.  That is the story of Esther.   Haman will use his power and position with the king to create a plot to destroy all Jews.  This is the interesting aspect of the story.  Mordecai told everyone he was a Jew and this is why he was not going to bow down to a man.  That would be contrary to the Law.   He was open with his belief and identity.  Yet, on numerous occasions he told Esther to NOT tell anyone her relationship with Israel.  Note:

Esther 2:10 (ESV)

Esther had not made known her people or kindred, for Mordecai had commanded her not to make it known.

Esther 2:20 (ESV)

Esther 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.

We are not told why Mordecai is keeping her lineage in the dark, but can only assume it was to keep her safe. It will later put her in the exact position needed to get Mordecai and the rest of the Jews out of this dilemma.   

Esther 4:14 (ESV)

For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

God uses our situations in life to put us where He wants us to be in order to accomplish the tasks God needs accomplished for His divine purpose.  Never think you are in a position that doesn’t matter to God.   He designs it all.