The Pulpit Commentary — Esther — Section 103

ber that "God is faithful." Hie "word endureth for ever." His promise is sure. He is the unchanging One. Read 1 Cor. i. 9 ; 2 Cor. i. 20 ; 1 Thess. v. 24; Heb. x. 23 ; Rev. xxi. 5. II. A BEFITI'ING ATTIRE. Before going to the king Esther put off her sackcloth, and clothed herself in her royal robes. We are struck by the contrast between he1 conduct now and her conduct when, as a maiden, she was being prepared to make her first appearance before the king. Changed circumstances account for it. 1. Now she was queen. There is a propriety in dress as in all other things. Inattention to bodily attire is no sign of virtue or religion. It may be the mark of (1) an idle and slovenly spirit, (2) a want of self-respect, (3) a vanity which affects the singular, (4) a desire to show disrespect to others. Dress in all stations is a visible indication of character. Simplicity is to be studied, but also appropriateness. Women who have the " inward adorning" referred to in 1 Pet. iii. 3, 4 will hardly fail with respect to a suitable "outward adorning." 2. Now she had to consider not herself only, but others. The destiny of Israel seemed to rest on this one act of hers. So she pre- pared herself carefully for it. We are not at liberty to he indifferent to our conduct when the happiness or life of other people may be affected by it. Matters of per- sonal taste or feeling may well be sacrificed for the benefit of those who need our help. Even with respect to conscience we should beware of so narrowing it by prejudice ru; to cripple our freedom in doing good. What to Esther was a little extra care in the arranging of her apparel, when she had resolved to transgress the king's law, and to risk her own life in her effort to save her people? Some Christians in primitive times could make no concessions to their brethren or to Christian liberty with respect to meats, and drinks, and holy days, and traditional ceremonies; and some now-a-days have the same difficulty. But what are such things compared with the salvation of men? Relatively to the great gospel end, and tLe spirituality of Christ's kingdom, all things connected with outward rite and arrangement should be esreemed of email value. The action of God in Christ is presented to us in this same light (Rom. viii. 32). III. A GOOD BEGINNING. It was not a long way from Esther's apartments to the king's throne-room ; but there are short journeys-even from room to room-more trying than the traversing of deserts. We have a most pitiful sympathy with Esther when we see her in the inner court adjoining the ball in which the king sat on hie throne-royally clad, yet unbidden, and perhaps stared at in silent wonder by the officials ; and we are relieved and delight,ed when we find the king observing her through the door and giving her a sign of welcome. The golden sceptre was held out, and Esther advanced to touch it. Thus the broken law was condoned. The first braving of perilous duty often scatters the fears of anticipation. A happy beginning may not insure a prosperous end, but it stimulates faith and energy, and has, therefore, much influence in shaping things towards the end desired. IV. A RESTORED FAVOUR. The sight of Esther revived in the king's heart the affection which had been cooled under the influence of the favourite. We must not take the offer of "half of the kingdom" in a literal sense. It was an Eastern phrase which indicated on the part of kings a special favour. So far down as our Lord's time we find Herod making the same promise tc, the daughter of Herodias. Esther would quite understand its meaning. It expressed affection, and promised a gracious hearing to any request she had to make. This was the second and best encourage- ment to the self-devoted servant of Israel. 1. A formal sign may conceal thought or feeling, but in words the heart betrays itself. An acute hearer will easily detect sincerity or insincerity in the words of a speaker. Even adepts in dissimulation deceive less than they imagine by false and artful words. Our language should be the true and honest reflex of what is in our hearts. Every species of lying is hateful. 2. A misreckoning of our own influence may lead us to misjudge the feel- ings of others. A better acquaintance with those whom we think dislike us may show that we have been mistaken. We should be on our guard against harbouring un- grounded prejudices or mistrusts with respect to friends or neighbours. Especially should we avoid misjudging God, or shrinking from his presence when we need help, w-ider mistaken notions and fears as to his character and will. 3. The helps and rewards of duty grow with the faif.c1fuJ discharge of duty. Encouragements rise in OR, V, 1-8.] THE BOOK OF ESTHER. 107