What does fear of the Jews mean in the story of Esther? The king had authorized a second decree which allowed the Jews to defend themselves against the destruction ordered by the first decree. This fear begins as the populace hears the terms of the second decree.
Esther 8:17bAnd many of the people of the land became Jews themselves, for they feared what the Jews might do to them…9:2 The Jews gathered in their cities throughout all the king’s provinces to attack anyone who tried to harm them. But no one could make a stand against them, for everyone was afraid of them.[1]
Mordecai’s Political Power
After the death of Haman, Mordecai, the Jew, became the power in the empire. Esther 9:3 And all the nobles of the provinces, the highest officers, the governors, and the royal officials helped the Jews for fear of Mordecai. 4 For Mordecai had been promoted in the king’s palace, and his fame spread throughout all the provinces as he became more and more powerful. [2]
The king had entrusted his signet ring to Mordecai, thus the power. When a new leader is installed, the lower-level officials know the most practical way to keep their power is to cooperate with the new leader. A certain portion of the fear of the Jews is a fear of Mordecai and the power he wields. I think a portion of the Jewish “converts” were more political than spiritual.
Fear of God
Even if many of the converts were political in origin, we have no reason to doubt that some truly followed the one true God. They had seen what God could do in the lives of Esther and Mordecai. The Jews were a minority, yet no one who attacked them was successful. This God was powerful and one to be feared.
Through a series of “God-incidences,” Mordecai came to his high governmental position. Since God had given Mordecai a good reputation, he used his authority to do God’s will. His life was a living testimony to what God could do. This alone should have put the fear of God in people. We can still live our lives in a way that gives testimony to the power of God.
Lack of the Fear of God
Paul comments on the effects of the lack of fear of the Lord. Romans 3: 10b “No one is righteous— not even one. 11 No one is truly wise; no one is seeking God. 12 All have turned away…17 They don’t know where to find peace. 18 They have no fear of God at all.[3] These words are as true today as when Paul wrote them. A healthy fear of God is needed to turn to Him.
Proverbs 9: 10 Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment.[4] As we can see from our story, the fear of God protected those who feared Him and believed His promises. Are we examples for others in this world that lacks a fear of God? Do others see the result of the fear of God in our lives?
To learn more about the fear of the Jews, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/triumph-of-the-jews
[1-4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.