For Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, the enemy of all the Jews, had plotted against the Jews to destroy them and had cast the pur (that is, the lot) for their ruin and destruction. But when the plot came to the king’s attention, he issued written orders that the evil scheme Haman had devised against the Jews should come back onto his own head, and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows. (Therefore these days were called Purim, from the word pur.)
Esther 9:24-26
Today was Purim. It is a day to remember the events chronicled in the book of Esther. When the Jews were threatened with annihilation, they were amazingly saved. If you’re not familiar with the story, I recommend opening a Bible and reading the book of Esther. Don’t worry, it’s not long.
On a literary level, Esther presents many superb plot twists. The villain of the story, Haman, rose to power and seemed to have everything going for him. However, when he decided that the Jewish people should all be killed, events turned for the worse for him, eventually leading to his death and the salvation of the Jews.
There’s something strange about the book of Esther, however: God is never mentioned. How did a book end up in the Bible which never mentions God?
One could read the exciting events as great coincidences that make for an entertaining story. Underneath the story, however, one can sense God moving among the people. Maybe it felt to the Jews in Persia that he had abandoned them. He was still in control, however, and saved his people.
Whether you feel God closely or feel that he has abandoned you, remember the story of Esther. He may just be working behind the scenes.