Esther, past and present: What if modern Israel was born at Purim?

Behind the scenes of history

The Book of Esther is often celebrated for its suspenseful plot and dramatic reversals. Even more striking is the omnipresence of a "hidden" God, never named, yet working in the shadows, orchestrating and controlling events until the final resolution.

This reveals a lesser-known facet of the God of Israel: He is not only the Almighty of miracles and supernatural interventions but the “Master of History”, specifically, the history of His people. The entire journey of the Hebrews can be read as a series of divine acts laying the foundation for the redemption promised to all humanity. To carry out this vast Tikkun Olam (the repair of the world), God doesn’t only choose for Himself a people but a nation. He established "His nation" on a land, a heritage He reserved for Himself against all nations until the day of final judgment (see Joel 3). To touch this people, this nation, is to touch the apple of God’s eye (Zechariah 2:8). Whether the world finds this mystery sublime or irritating, it remains the Word of the Lord.

Scripture offers a prophetic lens to all who hold an unconditional love for the Jewish people.

Exodus 17 recounts the first time Amalek came to wage war against Israel at Rephidim. This battle foreshadowed the contested destiny of God’s people. The strategy of their leaders provided a blueprint for understanding all spiritual and physical combat: through the authority given by God (Moses), supported by intercession (Aaron and Hur), to achieve victory in the reality of this world (Joshua).

To those who did not understand what had happened, and to all those who, much later, would refuse to understand the weight of the event, God then said to Moses:

"Write this on a scroll as something to be remembered and make sure that Joshua hears it, because I will completely blot out the name of Amalek from under heaven. Moses built an altar and named it: “The Lord is my banner.” For the Lord has sworn: “The Lord will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.” (Exodus 17:14-16)

An indisputable decree. Israel had to learn that God does not raise a man to kingship to act on his own feelings, but to fulfill the divine will. Because King Saul spared Agag, King of the Amalekites, God deposed him. (I Samuel 15). This inconsistency in obedience would follow Israel, a "stiff-necked people." Centuries later, Haman, the mastermind of the genocide planned against Queen Esther’s people, was an "Agagite." Though Samuel eventually executed Agag, his lineage had survived.

God watches over His promises like a loving and protecting father. "No longer will they call you Deserted... but you will be called My Delight is in Her, and your land will be called a bride. ... for the Lord will take delight in you, and your land will have a husband." (Isaiah 62).

Even while Israel was in exile, God remained faithful, just as Mordecai (Esther 2:7) was a father to Hadassah (Esther). From this irrevocable adoption, a nation is reborn time and again, emerging stronger from every exile, every persecution, and every attempt at extermination. The Guardian of Israel watches over it.

What if modern Israel was born at Purim?

In the biblical account, the young captive became queen and saved her people. Haman suffered the very fate he had intended for Mordecai, who was instead showered with honor. "Mordecai went out from the king’s presence, wearing a royal robe of blue and white, a large golden crown, and a cloak of fine linen and purple; and the city of Susa was filled with shouts of joy and gladness. For the Jews there was light and joy, and gladness and honor. And in every province and in every city, wherever the king’s word and his decree reached, there was joy and gladness for the Jews, a feast and a day of celebration. Many of the peoples of the land became Jews, for the fear of the Jews had fallen upon them.” (Esther 8:15)

Is this simply a "happily ever after"? No, because history is not over. God warned that there would be war against Amalek from generation to generation. He left us with a troubling command that resonates today: "When the Lord your God gives you rest from all the enemies around you... you shall blot out the name of Amalek from under heaven. Do not forget!" (Deuteronomy 25:19). God commits Himself ("I will blot out") while involving His people ("You shall blot out").

Coincidence? Mordecai, Esther’s father and the one who set her on her destined path (“Who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Est 4:14b), was from the tribe of... Benjamin! Recognized and honored by the king, he was dressed in a blue and white royal robe? Any resemblance to existing events and figures may not be purely coincidental...

Could the Israel/USA war against Iran be a "War of the Lord"? Beyond the prominent individuals, involved and mediatized in this war (all responsible before God and before men), and well beyond what we understand, everything indicates that we are witnessing a "War of the Lord." Certainly, the statement will offend followers of "replacement theology" who deny any future to the people God has chosen for Himself. Is everything of God in all aspects of this war? It is permissible to think not, but we need to change our perspective on the Lord, His Word, and His promises which, all of them, are "yes and amen." For the Lord does not change (Mal 3:6). Yeshua is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Heb 13:8).

Wars, consequences of the Fall, shock us and bruise the nations. May this one end as quickly as possible, according to the ways of Him who is the Master of Time.