The Pulpit Commentary — Esther — Section 47

There can be no question more momentous for each hearer of the gospel than this "Am I a child of God through faith in Christ Jesus?" Yer. 10.-Reserve and reticence. Both when residing in the king's house, under the custody of Hegai, the keeper of the women, and afterwards, when promoted to ~e quee_n, Esther concealed her family a"!ld h~r nation~lity. This is expressly men- tioned m verses 10 and 20, and stress 1s evidently laid upon her acting thus. A general practical lesson may be drawn from this part of Esther's conduct. I. THERE ARE OCCASIONS FOR RESERVE AND RETICENCE WITH REGARD TO ONESELF. Such concealment is especially repugnant to our frank and open English habits. Yet tltere may be reasons and justification for it. 1. Filuu obedience may require such reticence. Esther was charged to act as she did; and, even when raised to the throne, she " did the commandment of Mordecai, like as when she wee brought up with him." Her guardian's care of her entitled him to use some authority, which her just gratitude disposed her to acknowledge. 2. Prudence may make such re- ticence expedient. It was probably for Esther's advantage that her nationality 11hould remain a secret in her own bosom. Had it been known that she was a Jewess. an exile, she might have had to endure some suffering, and disfavour, and contempt. There was no sufficient reason for disclosing her kindred and people; no one had a right to interrogate her thereupon ; and she was not guilty of falsehood, or of deceit, in acting as she did. lL THERE ARE OCCASIONS WHEN RESERVE AND RETIOENCE MUST BE THROWN ABIDE. The wise man tells us, "There is a time to keep silence, and a time to speak." The time came when Estlter spoke out, and declared herself one of the exiled and con- temned race, against which the haughty minister of state was maliciously plotting. Until then there was no obligation for her to reveal herself; after that moment silence would have been gnilty. Christ himself remained silent amidst the accusa- tions and calumnies of the false witnesses ; but when adjured by the high priest, he acknowledged himself to be the Messiah, and the Son of God. There is scope for great discretion and prudence in the conduct of those who mix much with the world, and especially of those who are connected witlt courts and governments. The Christian will often stand in need of that guidance, which can be obtained only by consulting the oracles of God, and by seeking the t.eaching of the Spirit of all wisdom and grace. Ver. 11.-Watchful soli,d,tude. It is observable that Mordecai did not remit his attention and care when his adopt.ed daughter was taken into the royal palace. He still made it his daily business to ascertain her happiness and her prospects. Re- mark- I. THAT THE YOUNG AND INEXPERIENCED NEED TO BE WATCHED WITH A ZEALOUS AND AFFECTIONATE CABE. No person with any experience of human life can be igno!llllt of this necessity. How many young people have we known who have been rwned for want of vigilance, kindly interest, and wise counsels I It is cruelty to leave the fatherless and motherless beauty to the tender mercies of strangers-perhaps of the wicked. II. SUCH VIGILANCE-AND SOLICITUDE WILL HAVE AN EXCELLENT EFFECT UPON THOSE WHO ARE ITS OBJECTS. It is a protection to a yol1llg person to know that she is not forgotten by affectionate and anxious relatives. One who is abandoned by her kindred is very likely to be abandoned by all that is good. We are, all of us, the stronger for the sympathy and interest of those who Jove us. Ill. WATCHFUL CABE MAY BE THE MEANS OF DEFEATING EVIL DESIGNS. It does not seem that, in Esther's case, there was any special reason of this kind for her guardian's vigilance. But in sinful society it may often happen that the protectio~ of honour- able and Christian friends may be the means of preserving the young m the paths of virtue and religion. "We are members one of another; " and none should be unconcerned at his neighbour's danger, or unwilling to put forth an effort for his neighbour's safety and welfare. . . Practical lessons :-1. Aie there none over whom we may watch, for their social happiness and for their spiritual good? 2. Are there not young people who are OB. II, 1-18.] THE BOOK OF ESTHER. 46