A Midrashic Exposition of the Book of Esther
What is Midrash – Midrash is the particular mode of interpreting the Hebrew Bible that was developed by the rabbinate within Yisrael.
We can see the word Midrash within the Scriptures in 2 Chronicles 13:22. Now the rest of the acts of Abijah, his ways, and his sayings are written in the annals* of the prophet Iddo. (*annals or commentary, Hebrew midrash. NKJV centre column reference note on verse 22).
Further to this we read in Proverbs 25:2 It is the glory of God to conceal a matter but the glory of kings is to search out a matter.
This is the second basic rule of the five rules of Midrash, it is called the Drash to search out a matter – see point 2 below.
There are 4 main rules within Midrash and these are as follows: –
1) The P’shat. (The simple rendering that is seen in the writings)
a. Great Danger– An Infernal Plot – Chapters 1-4.
Two Women – Vashti and Esther/Hadassah – Prominent in chapters 1-2.
Two Men – Haman and Mordecai – Prominent in chapters 3-4.
b. Great Deliverance– The Infernal Plot is thwarted – Chapters 5-10.
By:-
Esther’s Intercession in – chapter 5.
Mordecai’s Exaltation in – chapter 6.
Haman’s Downfall in – chapter 7.
c. Great Delight– Jewish victory and peace. Chapters 8-10.
2) The Drash. (To search out, to compare and to contrast the Scriptures)
7 Spiritual Life Application principles to follow and 7 key words: – Esther 5:1-4.
Esther – Clothed in royal robes. Esther 5:1.
The Believer – covered with the Robe of Righteousness. Isaiah 61:10.
Esther – Standing in full view of the One on the Throne. Esther 5:2.
The Believer – ‘All things’ opened to the eyes of Him. Hebrews 4:13-14.
Esther – Looking to and expecting the King’s favour. Esther 5:2.
The Believer – access into the Grace in which we stand. Romans 5:2.
Esther – Waiting for the royal sceptre to be extended. Esther 5:2.
The Believer – all the authority of Heaven at his disposal. Matthew 28:18, 20.
Esther – Ready to touch the sceptre. Esther 5:2.
The Believer – ready to touch the world, the unsaved, the sick, the hungry, the hurting. Mark 16:15, 20.
Esther – Listening for the king’s voice. Esther 5:3.
The Believer – “If any hear My voice.” Revelation 3:20.
Esther – Relying on the king’s promise. Esther 5:3.
The Believer – relying on The King’s promise to return, reign, rule and to restore and renew this earth for 1,000 years.
3) The Remez. (to hint, to illustrate and to illuminate)
The name Purim comes from the Persian word Pur to cast the lot. (cf. Proverbs 16:33.)
‘The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.’
Haman was the son of Hammedatha the Agagite a descendant of the Amalekites whom God declared perpetual war against because of their evil ways (Exodus 17:8-16). Saul failed to deal with them properly and died through the spear of one of them. Haman should not have been born but eventually he reaped what he sowed – he ended up on the gallows built for Mordecai – so as it is written in Matthew 7:2. “and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.” The very words and teaching of our Lord Yeshua.
Haman then is seen as a type of the Anti-Christ. He has 10 sons who ruled with him. The Jews dealt with Haman and his sons.
The Anti-Christ to come will also hate the Jews. He rules the world with 10 kings. Rev 17:12.
The enemies of the Jews and Israel will be dealt with by King of the Jews – Yeshua at the time of Armageddon. Amen.
4) The Sod. (A secret, something hidden)
a) God’s name is not given once, but the name Yehovah (YHVH) is hidden as an Acrostic within the verses in 4 places: –
Esther 1:20; 5:4; 5:13; 7:7. (NB – Always at a crucial point in the story).
Acrostic means – the first letter of words or in lines of writing that form a name or word.
b) We also have one of God’s names – Ehyeh
(I AM who I AM – Exodus 3:14) in Esther 7:5 found again in the hidden Acrostic form! (I am who I am – Ehyeh asher Ehyeh)