As I think about the Book of Esther this year , what stands out for me is the repeated search for self-determination . In the beginning of the book , Esther has no personal agency . She is taken by Mordechai as a daughter because she is an orphan ( 2:7 ), and then taken to the king ’ s harem ( 2:8 ). She does not have a say in either of these events . She does not disclose her Jewish identity because she was told not to do so ( 2:10 ). Mordechai goes to the women ’ s area daily to see what would be done to her , again assuming that Esther is someone who is passively acted upon ( 2:11 ). The women are able to ask for whatever cosmetics and ointments that they want in order to be prepared to go to the king , but here too , Esther does not take that agency , but rather does what Hegai tells her to do ( 2:15 ). Esther is then chosen to become the queen , again , without asserting any personal agency . And , lest we forget , we are reminded once again that Esther does whatever Mordechai tells her to do ( 2:20 ).
Over the course of the book we see Esther develop from this very passive person into a woman who acts and directs . It takes her time . She is asked twice by the king what she wants , offering her up to half the kingdom , and all she can ask is for the king and Haman to come to a party . That may have been calculating , but it also seems that she needs to build up her ability to take charge of her situation . Finally , in chapter seven Esther takes charge . She accuses Haman , she is able to issue directives under the king ’ s name . She issues orders for the Jews to protect themselves and to avenge themselves against their enemies and those who hate them .
The Book of Esther is a search , a dream , a vision of finding self-determination . The book teaches that the future and safety of the Jewish community rests on the ability to direct ourselves and our own destiny .
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