THEOSISInnocentius of Kherson
During the Babylonian exile, despite the hardships faced by the Hebrews, this period was marked by not only notable figures but also righteous women, prompting even the Gentiles to ask, ‘Who would look down upon these men who have such wives?’ (Judith 10:19). The primary virtue of the Hebrews was their unwavering faithfulness to the God of their ancestors, which Esther exemplified beautifully, even to the point of risking her life. Providence allowed her to become the wife of Artaxerxes, the Persian king; however, stirred by the adversaries of the Jewish people, he ordered their persecution throughout his realm. Esther’s heritage as a Jewish woman was unknown, and there were compelling reasons for her to hide it.
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Yet, in a moment of bravery, she revealed her identity to save her people, risking her own life in the process—and succeeded! Her courageous act touched the heart of the king, leading him to show mercy, while the ruin intended for God’s people instead fell upon their foes. Esther’s actions became a source of annual celebration for all of Israel.