Lesson 4 discussed the wielding of power in the Hebraic tradition. I was drawn to the supplemental reading of Esther’s story because that has been one of my favorite books in the Bible for many years.
In Lesson 1, the comparison between Greeks, Barbarians and Israelites stood out to me, and I took these notes (loosely quoting the speaker): Greeks/Barbarians approached the world by swallowing tongues, cultures, etc. to conquer the world; The Israelites, however, saw the world as divided (for a multitude of reasons in a multitude of ways) and affirmed an unavoidable variety/plurality. Not only was Esther and her people divided from the other people living in Susa, they were actively being oppressed and heading for destruction. In many ways, this story is foreshadowing of the historical persecution Jewish people have faced. Of course, Esther’s intervention had to occur in order to save herself and her people from being annihilated, and yet, the diversity of this group of people in this kingdom is exposed.
Esther embraced her position in politics, royalty and power as a gift from God. She did not grow up preparing to become a queen. The text seems to indicate that she took on her role and responsibilities with vigor and strength. Additionally, she shows great faith by taking political risks to save her people. The book of Esther illustrates several other points made in Lesson 4:
Law is useless without coercive power to enforce it – The closing chapters of the book of Esther lay out the extensive details of the edict and laws King Xerxes established, with Mordecai and Esther and their people as consultants. King Xerxes has a firm hand as a leader, and with Esther by his side, they create a coercive power to enforce the legal protection of the Jewish people in their kingdom.
The reluctance to use power does not allow someone to escape it – I often wonder what would have happened had Esther not embraced her power as queen. Her people would have been destroyed, and the world might look very, very different today. Esther may have let fear overtake her ability to wield power, but she could not have escaped the consequences of being silent and complacent in such a hostile moment in history.
Power, when used properly, can be good and beautiful – The book of Esther is a testament to goodness and beauty, when a strong few people are faithful to God. The story is exciting and suspenseful, with an ending where God is honored and his chosen people are upheld. Haman is an example of the opposite – when power is mismanaged and used for evil, the consequences are deadly.