Providence
Esther Esther 4:14 ↔ NT Romans 8:28
God works all things together for good for those who love Him; Esther trusted God's providence.
The providence of God is woven throughout Esther's story. Esther recognized that her royal position was not by chance but a divine appointment to save her people. Romans 8:28 reminds us that God works all things together for good for those who love Him, and in Christ we see the fullness of this truth revealed. Our Savior entered history at just the right time to accomplish redemption, and He continues to orchestrate even our hardships for His glory and our ultimate good. Trusting God's hidden hand allows us to act in faith and courage, knowing He is in control.
Courage and Access
Esther Esther 5:1-2 ↔ NT Hebrews 4:16
We can approach God's throne with confidence because of Christ, just as Esther approached the king courageously.
Esther approached the earthly king at great personal risk to plead for her people. Because of Jesus, our Great High Priest, Hebrews 4:16 assures us that we can boldly approach God's throne of grace to receive mercy. Esther's courage foreshadows the greater access we have through Christ, who opened the way to the Father by His blood. We no longer come trembling in fear but with confidence, knowing we are accepted and loved. Our courage flows from understanding our identity in Christ and the access He has secured.
Intercession
Esther Esther 4:16 ↔ NT 1 Timothy 2:1-5
Christ is our mediator and intercedes for us; Esther's intercession foreshadows Jesus.
When Esther asked the Jews to fast and pray for her as she prepared to approach the king, she modeled courageous intercession. This act points us to Jesus, our great Mediator, who continually intercedes for us before the Father (1 Timothy 2:1–5). Esther's willingness to stand in the gap for her people foreshadows Christ's ultimate advocacy on the cross and His ongoing prayers for His church (Hebrews 7:25). We are invited to join in His intercessory work by lifting up others with compassion and faith. In doing so, we participate in God's saving purposes in the world.
Deliverance
Esther Esther 9:1 ↔ NT Colossians 1:13-14
God rescues us from darkness through Christ, similar to the Jews' deliverance in Esther.
Esther 9:1 records the moment when the Jews’ enemies expected to overpower them but God turned the situation around. This dramatic reversal illustrates God’s power to deliver His people. Colossians 1:13‑14 reveals that God has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of His beloved Son. The physical deliverance in Esther foreshadows the greater deliverance accomplished through Christ’s death and resurrection. Our enemies—sin, death and Satan—have been defeated; we can now walk in the freedom and victory Christ secured.
Honor to the Humble
Esther Esther 6:1-11 ↔ NT James 4:6
God exalts the humble and opposes the proud; Mordecai was honored, pointing to Christ's exaltation.
In Esther 6, Mordecai is honored after faithfully serving in obscurity, while the proud Haman is humiliated. James 4:6 tells us that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Mordecai’s story reminds us that God sees hidden faithfulness and will exalt the humble in due time. This pattern finds its ultimate expression in Jesus, who humbled Himself to the point of death and is now exalted above every name. As followers of Christ, we are called to cultivate humility, trust God’s timing, and celebrate when He honors others.
Fasting and Dependence
Esther Esther 4:16 ↔ NT Matthew 6:16-18
Fasting in secret shows dependence on God; Jesus taught us how to fast humbly.
When Esther called her community to fast before she approached the king, she demonstrated dependence on God rather than her own strength. Fasting is a spiritual discipline that humbles us and tunes our hearts to God’s will. Jesus instructed that fasting should be done in secret to seek God’s face (Matthew 6:16‑18), and the early church fasted when making important decisions (Acts 13:2‑3). Fasting reminds us that we live by every word that comes from God and not by bread alone. It creates space for God to align our desires with His.
Faith vs Fear
Esther Esther 4:14-16 ↔ NT 2 Timothy 1:7
God gives us a spirit of power, not fear, enabling us to act in faith like Esther.
Esther faced the threat of death as she prepared to approach the king, yet she chose faith over fear. Paul reminds us in 2 Timothy 1:7 that God gives us a Spirit not of fear but of power, love, and self‑control. Fear paralyzes and keeps us from obeying God’s call, but faith enables us to act courageously. By fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, we find strength to confront our fears. Esther’s bravery points us to the courage we have in Christ, who conquered fear through the cross.
Royal Identity & Purpose
Esther Esther 2:17 ↔ NT 1 Peter 2:9
Believers are a chosen people and royal priesthood; Esther's royal calling foreshadows our identity in Christ.
When Esther received the royal crown, she stepped into a new identity that prepared her to fulfill God’s purpose for her life. In the New Testament, Peter writes that believers are a chosen people and a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9). Like Esther, our royal identity is not for self‑exaltation but for serving God’s kingdom. We belong to the King and are called to proclaim His excellencies. Knowing who we are in Christ frees us to live with purpose and confidence, using our position to bless others and point them to Jesus.
Justice & Mercy
Esther Esther 7:3-6 ↔ NT Titus 3:4-7
God's kindness and mercy in salvation is seen in Christ; Esther's plea balanced justice and mercy.
Esther’s plea before the king balanced a call for justice against Haman with mercy for her people. Micah 6:8 calls us to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God. Jesus affirmed that justice, mercy, and faithfulness are weightier matters of the law (Matthew 23:23) and He poured out mercy on us through the cross (Titus 3:4‑7). God’s justice was satisfied in Christ so that sinners could receive mercy. As disciples, we are to reflect His character by pursuing justice and extending mercy to those around us.
Timing and Providence
Esther Esther 6:1 ↔ NT Galatians 4:4
In the fullness of time God sent His Son; the king's sleepless night shows God's perfect timing.
The king’s sleepless night in Esther 6:1 seems insignificant but turns the tide of history. Galatians 4:4 reminds us that in the fullness of time, God sent His Son to redeem us. God’s timing is always perfect; He orchestrates small and large events to fulfill His purposes. The seeming coincidences in Esther’s story reveal the meticulous providence of God. We can trust that He is never late in accomplishing His plans for our lives and for His world.
Providence
Esther Esther 4:14 ↔ NT Romans 8:28
God works all things together for good for those who love Him; Esther trusted God's providence.
The providence of God is woven throughout Esther's story. Esther recognized that her royal position was not by chance but a divine appointment to save her people. Romans 8:28 reminds us that God works all things together for good for those who love Him, and in Christ we see the fullness of this truth revealed. Our Savior entered history at just the right time to accomplish redemption, and He continues to orchestrate even our hardships for His glory and our ultimate good. Trusting God's hidden hand allows us to act in faith and courage, knowing He is in control.
Courage and Access
Esther Esther 5:1-2 ↔ NT Hebrews 4:16
We can approach God's throne with confidence because of Christ, just as Esther approached the king courageously.
Esther approached the earthly king at great personal risk to plead for her people. Because of Jesus, our Great High Priest, Hebrews 4:16 assures us that we can boldly approach God's throne of grace to receive mercy. Esther's courage foreshadows the greater access we have through Christ, who opened the way to the Father by His blood. We no longer come trembling in fear but with confidence, knowing we are accepted and loved. Our courage flows from understanding our identity in Christ and the access He has secured.
Intercession
Esther Esther 4:16 ↔ NT 1 Timothy 2:1-5
Christ is our mediator and intercedes for us; Esther's intercession foreshadows Jesus.
When Esther asked the Jews to fast and pray for her as she prepared to approach the king, she modeled courageous intercession. This act points us to Jesus, our great Mediator, who continually intercedes for us before the Father (1 Timothy 2:1–5). Esther's willingness to stand in the gap for her people foreshadows Christ's ultimate advocacy on the cross and His ongoing prayers for His church (Hebrews 7:25). We are invited to join in His intercessory work by lifting up others with compassion and faith. In doing so, we participate in God's saving purposes in the world.
Deliverance
Esther Esther 9:1 ↔ NT Colossians 1:13-14
God rescues us from darkness through Christ, similar to the Jews' deliverance in Esther.
Esther 9:1 records the moment when the Jews’ enemies expected to overpower them but God turned the situation around. This dramatic reversal illustrates God’s power to deliver His people. Colossians 1:13‑14 reveals that God has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of His beloved Son. The physical deliverance in Esther foreshadows the greater deliverance accomplished through Christ’s death and resurrection. Our enemies—sin, death and Satan—have been defeated; we can now walk in the freedom and victory Christ secured.
Honor to the Humble
Esther Esther 6:1-11 ↔ NT James 4:6
God exalts the humble and opposes the proud; Mordecai was honored, pointing to Christ's exaltation.
In Esther 6, Mordecai is honored after faithfully serving in obscurity, while the proud Haman is humiliated. James 4:6 tells us that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Mordecai’s story reminds us that God sees hidden faithfulness and will exalt the humble in due time. This pattern finds its ultimate expression in Jesus, who humbled Himself to the point of death and is now exalted above every name. As followers of Christ, we are called to cultivate humility, trust God’s timing, and celebrate when He honors others.
Fasting and Dependence
Esther Esther 4:16 ↔ NT Matthew 6:16-18
Fasting in secret shows dependence on God; Jesus taught us how to fast humbly.
When Esther called her community to fast before she approached the king, she demonstrated dependence on God rather than her own strength. Fasting is a spiritual discipline that humbles us and tunes our hearts to God’s will. Jesus instructed that fasting should be done in secret to seek God’s face (Matthew 6:16‑18), and the early church fasted when making important decisions (Acts 13:2‑3). Fasting reminds us that we live by every word that comes from God and not by bread alone. It creates space for God to align our desires with His.
Faith vs Fear
Esther Esther 4:14-16 ↔ NT 2 Timothy 1:7
God gives us a spirit of power, not fear, enabling us to act in faith like Esther.
Esther faced the threat of death as she prepared to approach the king, yet she chose faith over fear. Paul reminds us in 2 Timothy 1:7 that God gives us a Spirit not of fear but of power, love, and self‑control. Fear paralyzes and keeps us from obeying God’s call, but faith enables us to act courageously. By fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, we find strength to confront our fears. Esther’s bravery points us to the courage we have in Christ, who conquered fear through the cross.
Providence
Esther Esther 4:14 ↔ NT Romans 8:28
God works all things together for good for those who love Him; Esther trusted God's providence.
The providence of God is woven throughout Esther's story. Esther recognized that her royal position was not by chance but a divine appointment to save her people. Romans 8:28 reminds us that God works all things together for good for those who love Him, and in Christ we see the fullness of this truth revealed. Our Savior entered history at just the right time to accomplish redemption, and He continues to orchestrate even our hardships for His glory and our ultimate good. Trusting God's hidden hand allows us to act in faith and courage, knowing He is in control.
Courage and Access
Esther Esther 5:1-2 ↔ NT Hebrews 4:16
We can approach God's throne with confidence because of Christ, just as Esther approached the king courageously.
Esther approached the earthly king at great personal risk to plead for her people. Because of Jesus, our Great High Priest, Hebrews 4:16 assures us that we can boldly approach God's throne of grace to receive mercy. Esther's courage foreshadows the greater access we have through Christ, who opened the way to the Father by His blood. We no longer come trembling in fear but with confidence, knowing we are accepted and loved. Our courage flows from understanding our identity in Christ and the access He has secured.
Intercession
Esther Esther 4:16 ↔ NT 1 Timothy 2:1-5
Christ is our mediator and intercedes for us; Esther's intercession foreshadows Jesus.
When Esther asked the Jews to fast and pray for her as she prepared to approach the king, she modeled courageous intercession. This act points us to Jesus, our great Mediator, who continually intercedes for us before the Father (1 Timothy 2:1–5). Esther's willingness to stand in the gap for her people foreshadows Christ's ultimate advocacy on the cross and His ongoing prayers for His church (Hebrews 7:25). We are invited to join in His intercessory work by lifting up others with compassion and faith. In doing so, we participate in God's saving purposes in the world.
Deliverance
Esther Esther 9:1 ↔ NT Colossians 1:13-14
God rescues us from darkness through Christ, similar to the Jews' deliverance in Esther.
Esther 9:1 records the moment when the Jews’ enemies expected to overpower them but God turned the situation around. This dramatic reversal illustrates God’s power to deliver His people. Colossians 1:13‑14 reveals that God has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of His beloved Son. The physical deliverance in Esther foreshadows the greater deliverance accomplished through Christ’s death and resurrection. Our enemies—sin, death and Satan—have been defeated; we can now walk in the freedom and victory Christ secured.
Honor to the Humble
Esther Esther 6:1-11 ↔ NT James 4:6
God exalts the humble and opposes the proud; Mordecai was honored, pointing to Christ's exaltation.
In Esther 6, Mordecai is honored after faithfully serving in obscurity, while the proud Haman is humiliated. James 4:6 tells us that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Mordecai’s story reminds us that God sees hidden faithfulness and will exalt the humble in due time. This pattern finds its ultimate expression in Jesus, who humbled Himself to the point of death and is now exalted above every name. As followers of Christ, we are called to cultivate humility, trust God’s timing, and celebrate when He honors others.
Fasting and Dependence
Esther Esther 4:16 ↔ NT Matthew 6:16-18
Fasting in secret shows dependence on God; Jesus taught us how to fast humbly.
When Esther called her community to fast before she approached the king, she demonstrated dependence on God rather than her own strength. Fasting is a spiritual discipline that humbles us and tunes our hearts to God’s will. Jesus instructed that fasting should be done in secret to seek God’s face (Matthew 6:16‑18), and the early church fasted when making important decisions (Acts 13:2‑3). Fasting reminds us that we live by every word that comes from God and not by bread alone. It creates space for God to align our desires with His.
Faith vs Fear
Esther Esther 4:14-16 ↔ NT 2 Timothy 1:7
God gives us a spirit of power, not fear, enabling us to act in faith like Esther.
Esther faced the threat of death as she prepared to approach the king, yet she chose faith over fear. Paul reminds us in 2 Timothy 1:7 that God gives us a Spirit not of fear but of power, love, and self‑control. Fear paralyzes and keeps us from obeying God’s call, but faith enables us to act courageously. By fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, we find strength to confront our fears. Esther’s bravery points us to the courage we have in Christ, who conquered fear through the cross.
Royal Identity & Purpose
Esther Esther 2:17 ↔ NT 1 Peter 2:9
Believers are a chosen people and royal priesthood; Esther's royal calling foreshadows our identity in Christ.
When Esther received the royal crown, she stepped into a new identity that prepared her to fulfill God’s purpose for her life. In the New Testament, Peter writes that believers are a chosen people and a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9). Like Esther, our royal identity is not for self‑exaltation but for serving God’s kingdom. We belong to the King and are called to proclaim His excellencies. Knowing who we are in Christ frees us to live with purpose and confidence, using our position to bless others and point them to Jesus.
Justice & Mercy
Esther Esther 7:3-6 ↔ NT Titus 3:4-7
God's kindness and mercy in salvation is seen in Christ; Esther's plea balanced justice and mercy.
Esther’s plea before the king balanced a call for justice against Haman with mercy for her people. Micah 6:8 calls us to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God. Jesus affirmed that justice, mercy, and faithfulness are weightier matters of the law (Matthew 23:23) and He poured out mercy on us through the cross (Titus 3:4‑7). God’s justice was satisfied in Christ so that sinners could receive mercy. As disciples, we are to reflect His character by pursuing justice and extending mercy to those around us.
Timing and Providence
Esther Esther 6:1 ↔ NT Galatians 4:4
In the fullness of time God sent His Son; the king's sleepless night shows God's perfect timing.
The king’s sleepless night in Esther 6:1 seems insignificant but turns the tide of history. Galatians 4:4 reminds us that in the fullness of time, God sent His Son to redeem us. God’s timing is always perfect; He orchestrates small and large events to fulfill His purposes. The seeming coincidences in Esther’s story reveal the meticulous providence of God. We can trust that He is never late in accomplishing His plans for our lives and for His world.
Bold Proclamation
Esther Esther 8:8 ↔ NT Acts 4:29-31
The apostles prayed for boldness; Esther boldly wrote a decree for her people's deliverance.
Esther boldly disclosed Haman’s wicked scheme at a banquet, risking her own life. Her courage to speak truth to power mirrors the apostles’ bold proclamation of the gospel in Acts 4:29. Because of Jesus’ victory over sin and death, believers can proclaim His salvation without fear. When we speak God’s truth in love, He empowers our words to bring freedom and salvation. Our testimony has power when it is rooted in the gospel and the Spirit’s work.
Celebration of Deliverance
Esther Esther 9:22 ↔ NT Luke 22:19
Just as Purim celebrates deliverance, communion remembers Christ's deliverance through His body and blood.
After their enemies were defeated, the Jews celebrated with joy and feasting (Esther 9:17‑19). They instituted Purim as a yearly festival to remember God’s deliverance. In the same way, our worship and sacraments celebrate the salvation accomplished by Christ. The Lord’s Supper is a meal of remembrance and celebration of our deliverance from sin and death. Rejoicing in God’s salvation strengthens our faith and invites others into His joy.
Hidden Yet Present
Esther Esther 2:10 ↔ NT John 1:18
God is not named in Esther yet clearly present; Christ reveals the unseen God to us.
Although God’s name is not mentioned in Esther, His presence and providence are evident throughout the narrative. This reminds us that God is working even when we cannot see Him. Jesus promised to be with us always (Matthew 28:20), and His Spirit dwells within believers. Esther invites us to trust God’s invisible hand and to live by faith, not sight. The incarnation, death, and resurrection of Christ reveal that God is present and active in human history, even in the silence.
Self-Sacrifice
Esther Esther 4:13 ↔ NT Mark 8:35
Jesus teaches losing one's life for His sake; Esther risked her life for her people.
Esther risked her life to save her people, foreshadowing the ultimate self‑sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. Jesus said there is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends (John 15:13), and He lived this out perfectly. Esther’s courage invites us to consider what sacrificial love looks like in our own lives. In Christ, we find the strength to lay down our rights and preferences for the good of others, trusting that such love reflects God’s heart and draws people to Him.
Wisdom and Counsel
Esther Esther 2:10 ↔ NT Colossians 4:5
We are called to walk wisely toward outsiders; Esther wisely concealed her identity at Mordecai's counsel.
Throughout Esther’s story, she listens to wise counsel from Mordecai and chooses her words and actions carefully. Scripture calls us to seek wisdom and listen to godly advisors. James 1:5 promises that God gives wisdom generously to those who ask. Ultimately, Christ is the wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 1:30); following His teachings leads to life and blessing. Esther’s success teaches us the importance of humility, prayer, and wise counsel in making decisions that honor God and serve others.
Favor
Esther Esther 2:15 ↔ NT Luke 2:52
Esther found favor before the king; Jesus grew in favor with God and man.
Esther received favor from the king because God had prepared the way. In Christ, believers stand in God’s favor not by merit but by grace. Psalm 5:12 says God surrounds the righteous with favor as with a shield. Jesus earned favor for us through His sinless life and sacrificial death. Recognizing God’s favor frees us from striving for human approval and empowers us to walk confidently in our calling, trusting that He will open doors aligned with His purposes.
Evil Schemes
Esther Esther 3:6 ↔ NT John 10:10
The enemy seeks to steal, kill, and destroy; Haman's plot mirrors Satan's schemes.
Haman’s plot against the Jews reveals how evil schemes often target God’s people. Ephesians 6:11 exhorts us to put on the armor of God so that we can stand against the devil’s schemes. Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, the power of Satan has been broken, and his plans are ultimately thwarted. Esther teaches us to be vigilant in prayer and to trust in God’s protection. In Christ, no weapon formed against us shall prosper because His victory is secure.
Pride vs Humility
Esther Esther 5:11-13 ↔ NT 1 Peter 5:5
God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble; Haman's pride led to his fall.
Haman’s downfall was rooted in pride, while Mordecai’s exaltation came through humility. Scripture warns that pride comes before destruction (Proverbs 16:18), and James 4:10 tells us to humble ourselves before the Lord so He may lift us up. Jesus modeled perfect humility by taking on the form of a servant and obeying unto death. Esther’s narrative warns us of the danger of pride and invites us to embrace Christlike humility. God promises to honor those who humble themselves under His mighty hand (1 Peter 5:6).
Light and Joy
Esther Esther 8:17 ↔ NT John 8:12
Jesus is the light of the world; the Jews had light and gladness after deliverance.
Following their deliverance, the Jews experienced light and joy (Esther 8:16). This joy prefigures the joy of salvation we have in Christ, who is the Light of the world. Psalm 30:11 says that God turns our mourning into dancing and clothes us with joy. The gospel transforms our darkness into light and gives us inexpressible joy that is not dependent on circumstances. In Jesus, we can rejoice always because our hope is secure in His finished work.
From Death to Life
Esther Esther 3:13 ↔ NT 2 Corinthians 3:6
The letter kills but the Spirit gives life; an edict of death was replaced with life.
The Jews were condemned to death but were given life instead, pointing to the resurrection power of God. Jesus declares that whoever believes in Him has passed from death to life (John 5:24). Through Christ’s death and resurrection, we are rescued from the penalty of sin and gifted eternal life. Esther’s deliverance story foreshadows the ultimate salvation found in Jesus. We now live as people who have been raised with Christ, called to walk in newness of life.
Banquet Invitation
Esther Esther 7:1-6 ↔ NT Revelation 19:9
Blessed are those invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb; Esther prepared a banquet for the king.
Esther’s banquet provided the setting for revealing Haman’s plot and interceding for her people. The imagery of a banquet is used throughout Scripture to depict God’s invitation to fellowship, including the parable of the great banquet (Luke 14:15‑24) and the marriage supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:6‑9). Jesus invites us to feast with Him, offering forgiveness and fellowship through His death and resurrection. Esther’s banquet foreshadows the rich communion believers enjoy with God now and in the eternal kingdom.
Reward of Faithfulness
Esther Esther 6:10-11 ↔ NT Hebrews 6:10
God is not unjust to forget your work; Mordecai's faithfulness was rewarded.
Mordecai was eventually honored for his earlier act of loyalty in exposing a plot against the king. Hebrews 6:10 assures us that God is not unjust; He will not forget our work and the love we show Him. Jesus teaches that those who are faithful with little will be entrusted with more (Matthew 25:21). Faithfulness may go unnoticed by people, but God sees and rewards it in His time. Esther reminds us that persevering in righteousness and service brings eternal rewards from our Lord.
Honor in the Home
Esther Esther 1:20 ↔ NT Ephesians 5:25
Christ loved the church and gave Himself for her; the decree for wives to honor is fulfilled in self-giving love.
Esther honored her cousin and adoptive father Mordecai by listening to his instructions, showing respect within their household. Ephesians 6:2 calls children to honor their parents, while Colossians 3:20–21 exhorts families to treat each other with love and respect. Honoring family authority reflects our honor for God’s authority. In Christ, we’re empowered to foster peace and respect in our homes, recognizing that our closest relationships are a training ground for love and obedience.
Beauty of the Heart
Esther Esther 2:7 ↔ NT 1 Peter 3:3-4
True beauty is the hidden person of the heart; Esther's outward beauty points to inner character.
Though Esther’s outward beauty helped her become queen, it was her character, courage, and faith that truly mattered. Scripture teaches that true beauty is the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in God’s sight (1 Peter 3:3‑4). Esther’s inner qualities—humility, wisdom, and trust in God—shine through the story. In Christ, we are invited to cultivate inner beauty through the fruit of the Spirit rather than focusing on outward appearance. This inner beauty reflects God’s character and attracts others to Him.
Adoption and Identity
Esther Esther 2:5-7 ↔ NT Galatians 4:4-7
God adopts us as His children through Christ; Esther's adoption by Mordecai foreshadows our adoption.
Mordecai adopted Esther as his own daughter, giving her a new identity and family. In an even greater way, believers are adopted into God’s family through Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:5). We receive the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry ‘Abba! Father!’ (Romans 8:15). Esther’s adoption prepared her to intercede for her people; our adoption equips us to represent our Father’s love to the world. Knowing we are God’s beloved children frees us from fear and empowers us to live boldly for Him.
Downfall of the Wicked
Esther Esther 7:9-10 ↔ NT Proverbs 26:27
Whoever digs a pit will fall into it; Haman was hanged on his own gallows.
Haman’s demise—being hanged on the gallows he built—demonstrates God’s justice against those who plot evil. Scripture teaches that the wicked will fall into the pit they dig for others (Psalm 7:15–16). Ultimately, all evil will be judged and defeated; the cross and resurrection declare the demise of Satan and every evil power. Esther encourages us to trust God to vindicate His people and to bring justice. While we wait, we can rest in the assurance that evil will not have the last word.
Joyful Rest
Esther Esther 9:18 ↔ NT Matthew 11:28-29
Jesus offers rest for our souls; the Jews rested after overcoming their enemies.
After their enemies were defeated, the Jews rested and celebrated with joy (Esther 9:22). This points to the Sabbath rest that remains for God’s people (Hebrews 4:9–10). In Christ, we are invited to cease striving and to rest in His finished work. Jesus calls the weary and burdened to come to Him for rest (Matthew 11:28–30). Esther’s rest invites us to find true, lasting rest in Jesus, who has accomplished everything necessary for our salvation and sanctification.
Memorial of Salvation
Esther Esther 9:28 ↔ NT 1 Corinthians 11:24-26
We remember Christ's death and proclaim it until He comes; Purim is a memorial of deliverance.
The Feast of Purim was established as a memorial to remember and celebrate God’s salvation in Esther’s day. Likewise, the Lord’s Supper and other spiritual practices help Christians remember Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection. Remembering what God has done anchors our faith and passes the story of salvation to future generations. Esther teaches us to intentionally commemorate God’s acts of deliverance so we do not forget His grace and so our hope remains strong.
Good Leadership
Esther Esther 10:3 ↔ NT Mark 10:45
Jesus came to serve and give His life a ransom; Mordecai sought the wealth of his people.
Esther and Mordecai demonstrate wise and compassionate leadership—acting courageously, seeking counsel, and using their influence for the good of others. Jesus exemplifies servant leadership by washing His disciples’ feet and laying down His life. Proverbs 11:14 teaches that without guidance people fall, but with many counselors there is safety. Esther’s story encourages leaders to seek God’s wisdom, act with integrity, and serve those they lead. In Christ, we are called to lead by serving, following His example.
Repentance and Confession
Esther Esther 4:1-3 ↔ NT 1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, He is faithful to forgive; Mordecai's mourning demonstrates repentance.
Although the book of Esther doesn’t explicitly mention repentance, the mourning and fasting of the Jews (Esther 4:3) indicate a turning of their hearts toward God. In the New Testament, repentance is a central theme—believers are called to confess their sins and turn to God (Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9). Repentance is not just feeling remorse but changing direction, receiving God’s forgiveness through Christ, and living in new obedience. Esther’s call to fasting reminds us of the importance of humbling ourselves, confessing sin, and depending on God’s mercy.