It is often noted that the Book of Esther does not once mention the name of God. No prophets are heard; no spoken prayers are recorded. The only writings consulted are the chronicles and laws of the Persian empire, not the Scriptures.

Yet God is present all through this account. One example is found in the verse quoted above. Mordecai was speaking to Esther about the decree that all Jews in the Persian provinces, which included the land of Judah, would be killed at the end of the year. Mordecai urged Esther to plead with the king for the lives of their people. When Esther reminded him that any entry into the royal house was restricted, this verse was part of his reply.

Despite his distress, notice Mordecai’s expression of hope: “Relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place.” On what basis could Mordecai make such a declaration? His certainty did not rest on any possibility of repealing the decree, for the laws of the Medes and Persians could not be changed (Est. 1:19; Dan. 6:8). Neither was he trusting the mercy of Haman, who had inspired the law, for that wicked man delighted only in evil. No, Mordecai’s hope rested in the God who had made promises to His people. If the land of Israel must be inhabited; if the Messiah would ever appear; if David’s throne would again be occupied; if the knowledge of the glory of the Lord would one day fill the earth as the waters cover the sea—then surely God would somehow deliver His people, even if Mordecai and Esther might not live to see it.

We still trust today in the God who keeps His promises. Indeed, Christ Himself has come, and we have already seen something of His glory (Jn. 1:14; Lk. 9:28–32). In Him every promise of God is “Yes” and “Amen.”