Esther—a book, a legacy,
Portrays irony in tragedy
As beauty and loyalty
Meet mystery and royalty.

As the tale ensues,
Themes abound in twos.
Starting with Esther the teen
Replacing Vashti as queen.

Joining Esther and Uncle Mordecai
Is Haman, the evil guy
There’s Xerxes the king
Who enjoys his feasting.

While sots hatch their plots
For trickery and treachery,
Averted coups
Become harem news.

With boasts and toasts
As bragging plans a hanging,
Pride and greed
Lead to intrigue.

The gallows foreshadow
A battle that follows.
When good conquers evil,
Self-promotion becomes surprise demotion.

Bad loses to good
While the role of servanthood,
Surpasses earthly laud
And hangs a false god.

Patience and obedience
Conquer vengeance and arrogance.
Servility and humility
Win over disloyalty and idolatry.

No mention of God
Within the entire book,
But His sovereign touch is evident
Just take a look.

[This excerpt is from the upcoming video Bible study series, Bible on the Bluff: Hearing God’s Voice, Ezra–Song of Solomon.]