The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1893-03-02
fate he plotted for the leading Jew. Mordeeai.
Esther's race was saved

fate he plotted for the leading Jew. Mordecai.
Esthers race was saved
Notes
j. Hatach. (V. l0j He was an officer whose
business it was to be at the service Of Esther
q Chief eunuch in charge OF the Persian royal
barem. Esther could not meet Mordecai in
person, and communicated through her nessen-
ger. So, by gave him commandment ". fO)
IS meant simply that she sent message by him
2. Not called. ". III Not invited. not
summoned. One run risk of losing his life il
he trespassed unbidden into the private royal
room. Persian princes were very suspicious
from the fact many became victims of assassina-
ton. 1t seemed unfortunate that Esther had
been just then apparently sighted by the
King He had not for 30 days Olicited her
presence, and she bad reason for apprehension
Many presuming persons had likely met
death by intrusion into his presence. Thers
was bare chance the King might be favorable
and overlook the bold. unusual act. Esther
took the risk. and CHANGED to meet accept
ance. t5:2; SAY
3. Think not thou shalt escape. (Y. 49,
Position is a gift for which the possessor is
responsible. The very reason why Esther
must act is because she is Queen. Providence
would hold her TO strict account. God would
help his people one way or another Esther's
refusal could not check the rescue. but ESther's
position gave her grand opportunity.
4. We do not know exactly how to account
for MOrdecai's apparent threatening OF Esther.
~ IA The language seems an intimidatio ion,
n browbeatng a sort of boycott. Had Esther
shown any inclination to waVerP We remem-
Der Mordecai and his niece could not meet i'm
person, aud there was liability not entirely 20
understand each other. Then, Mordecai knew
the situation of Esther. She was not only
Jewess but y wife, and one very subject to her
husband. Further, it is possible the faith Of
F.Ik L
and stimulating him to use very urgent meas
ures with Esther. But on the other hand, if
his confidence relaxed at all as to the Queen,
he seems not to have had particle of doubs
as to God He was so sure Providence was on
the side of the Hebrew race that he even en-
tertained the idea that possibly part OF Gods
plan was to manipulate or at least so override
events that Esther became Queen. e XII,
13 5; Ps.. 10: g. ~
D. In verse Is Mordecai ntimates that If a
general slaughter take place of the Jews, ie
would not be long before she would suffer
death. Esther was Jewess and Persian
Kings were very tickle. If the Jewish race
were practically exterminated las was the
PLAN, very likely Jewish Queen would not
be long tolerated.
z. Suggestions.
Practical thoughts occur in too great number
to enumerate at length. We notice several:
/. We see the power of women. De Tocque-
vile, having visited our country from France,
said the singular prosperity and growing
strength of the American people is mainly the
superiority of their women" If nation can
use such power, it is time the Church should
learn lesson; time the Church should avail
itself of this help; time for women to make
themselves efficient as possible for Christ and
His Kingdom. If Esther could serve heatheu
King, it is time tor Christian women to see
what they can do for the King of Kings. Re-
member, the account of Esther is in our Bible
at the dictation of God himself.
2. Learn to be patriotic. Love your nation.
Never be ashamed of your race. Esther,
though Queen, did not forget her down trod-
den people. She even risked her royalty, yea,
her head in effort to save them.
g. See how persons who lay traps for others
often themselves are caught. (Ps., z: Is: O: 10;
Jud, 1: 6, z; Mt, %: 10 22.)
4. Observe the Office of physical beauty.
est, 2:7; Apocryphal Book of Esther, 10: 81
Even yet. and in our country, beauty plays its
part in national matters. Senators and Repre-
sentatives are not independent Of this infiu-
ence. The gallery tells on the floor. Esther
Is: y also shows the utility Of attractive dress
and winning toilet.
B. SeeIin the life OF Esther beautiful illustra-
ton of the doctrine of special Providence.
B. Be anxious for your fellow-men condemned
to punishment for sin. Est. $3.50 Try to
rescue humanity. Be willing, even, to perish
in the interest of salvation.