What could there possibly be to learn about the word, hide? We're pretty much all familiar with the game Hide N' Seek. Sometimes there are things people may [try] to hide. But did you know that in the book of Esther, Yahweh is hidden- so to speak?
Webster's 1828 Dictionary defines hide as: "1. To conceal; to withhold or withdraw from sight; to place in any state or position in which the view is intercepted from the object. The intervention of the moon between the earth and the sun hides the latter from our sight. The people in Turkey hide their grain in the earth. No human being can hide his crimes or his neglect of duty from his Maker. 2. To conceal from knowledge; to keep secret. 4. To protect; to keep in safety.
Purim (the Feast of Lots) is coming up and there are some really neat lessons to learn from it!
Esther's (Hadassah's) identity was hidden in order to help preserve her people. Yahweh planned to put Hadassah in place... in position in which the view (that being her true identity as a Jew) is intercepted from the object (Haman) in Yahweh's own time. This plan of Yahweh's, "conceal from knowledge; to keep secret" Esther's true identity, was to "protect; to keep in safety" the tribe of Judah.
Sometimes, when people read about this, they kind of shrug it off. But it really is a big deal! One of the most important details is that the Jewish line was preserved. And as such, the prophecy of Yeshua our Messiah came to pass. He was to be born through the Jewish line; and if they had been annihilated, how would our Savior come to fulfill prophecy? Purim is a remembrance of deliverance. And it led to further deliverance for salvation through Messiah! It's something to celebrate!
Once we started to learn about Purim, we learned that nowhere in the book of Esther is Yahweh (God) mentioned. Not once. Not by any of His names at all. Not even in prayer. We didn't realize that before researching about Purim. Did you? Some scholars think that it is to emphasize that He was hidden behind the scenes (but clearly His Hand is seen!).
It reminds me of times when I've wondered in some circumstances, "Lord, where are You?!!" But He is always providing, preparing us for His plans He conceals from us until He is ready to reveal them, and working in hearts through circumstances even when it isn't obvious to me.
It makes me think about our brothers and sisters in Yeshua being persecuted today. Where is He? He is behind the scenes. He is present. The battle is His. And we are called to be prayer warriors. What would happen if we were to fast and pray?
As Christians, why should we be afraid? The Lord is our light and our salvation. He has delivered us from the penalty of sin and eternal death.
Psalm 27:5-7 says:
"5 For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.
6 And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the Lord.
7 Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me."
Won't you celebrate the minor Bible Feast of Purim because of the deliverance He has given us?
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Blessings!
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