Where Was God?

by Chadwick Brewer

The Book of Esther stands out as unique among the Old Testament books because it is the only book that does not mention God at all. Compared to other Old Testament stories, God’s absence in the story of Esther can seem rather profound. To this end, we want to ask, “Where was God?”

In Chapter 1, when Vashti refused to parade herself before carousing men, where was her justice? When Joshua and Caleb took their stand against the other ten spies, God commended them and rewarded them as the only ones from their generation to enter the land of Canaan.

In Chapter 2, when Esther was alone in the king’s harem, where was God’s assurance that she was not alone, and where was her encouragement to continue? When Elijah felt alone (I Kings 19:18), God spoke to him directly and told him specifically that he was not alone and that there were over 7,000 who had not bowed to or kissed Baal. Yet, where was God for Esther then?

When Mordecai revealed the plot of Bigthan and Teresh to assassinate the king, and he only had his name written in the Book of the Chronicles, where was his reward? When Solomon made a wise choice (I Kings 3:11-14), God rewarded him handsomely.

In Chapter 4, when Esther needed to save her people from Haman’s plot, and her presence before the king might carry a death sentence, where was God to give her reassurance, comfort, and guidance? When Moses was sent to save his people from Egyptian slavery, God told him directly that those who sought his life were already dead, that God would be with him, and that He would give Moses the words to say. Yet where were God’s words to Esther?

Perhaps we feel like this sometimes in our lives. David might well express our feelings: “In You our fathers trusted; they trusted, and You delivered them. To You they cried and were rescued; in You they trusted and were not put to shame. But I am a worm and not a man” (Psalms 22:4-6). We look at scripture and see account after account of God’s salvation, comfort, hope, and guidance for others, but when it comes to our own lives, we might feel that God is conspicuously absent.

One of the great things about the Book of Esther is that, while God’s name is absent, His presence is felt on every page. He was there to raise Esther up at the proper time. She was not left alone in the king’s harem; God provided her with Hegai, who advised and helped her. Mordecai was not rewarded immediately for his actions, but God reserved his reward for a more opportune time. When Esther had to save her people and needed encouragement and strength, it was not God who spoke to her directly, but He gave her Mordecai, who encouraged and strengthened her to do what was needed. Esther’s story reveals that God was always there, though His presence was not always apparent.

We are not promised face-to-face conversations with God as Moses had, nor are we told we will have dreams and visions like Jacob and Joseph. Our lives are much more like Esther’s. We might feel that God is absent or neglectful, but be assured He is always there for us. “The Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:27-28). And again, “for He has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ So we can confidently say, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?’” (Hebrews 13:5-6).

So, where was God for Esther? He was always there, just as He will always be there for us who are Christians.