Is Sarah Palin an American Version of Esther?
- Posted by: Todd
- Posted on: Mon, October 20, 2008
- Viewed 122
- (50) comments so far
Here’s more:
If you’re not familiar with the story of Queen Esther, a modern day movie summary would read something like this. “Small town girl finds herself empowered through Divine Providence just in time to save her nation.”It is from this story that one of the most inspiring passages in the entire Bible is found. At the moment of Israel’s crises, Esther’s uncle asks her, “Who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14) Many have said that John McCain’s surprise selection of Governor Sarah Palin as his running mate has many striking parallels to the Biblical account of Esther. Not only was Sarah Palin the least likely candidate among the GOP Vice-Presidential possibilities, but her selection actually changed the entire dynamic of the 2008 presidential election campaign. Palin’s sudden arrival may not only result in her becoming Vice-President, but eventually even President of the United States as well! Likewise, like Esther, the Alaska governor showed great courage as she made her national political debut. In her first national speech, Palin served notice to the liberal media as she boldly stated: “Here’s a news flash for you, I’m not going to Washington to win your approval, I’m going to Washington to serve the great people of the United States!” The crowd absolutely loved it!
Whether Sarah Palin is a modern day version of Queen Esther, is not for us to say. While it is certainly proper to ask such questions about Sarah Palin, it is equally important to ask similar questions about every other candidate as well. The point we are trying to make is that it’s the responsibility of every Christian to seek God’s will as we select our nation’s leaders.
So… is Sarah Palin a modern-day Queen Esther? What do you think? Who would that make John McCain and Barack Obama in this Old Testament story?!
Todd
What?! Come on? Did I just read that? Yes... this is the headline that I received in an email from Bible.com last week. Here's some of the text of the email... I'd love to hear what you think...
As Christians seek to discern God's will concerning the upcoming presidential election, many have been asking us: "Is Governor Sarah Palin of Alaska a modern day version of Israel's Queen Esther? Could it be that she is the unlikely answer to the prayers of Christians all across America?" While Christians should ask such questions concerning all candidates, let's consider Sarah Palin as a case in point...
Comments
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Jerry on Mon, October 20, 2008
There are many who will think, because of their pre-conceived notions about each candidate, that John McCain represents Haman. That is because he’s “obvioiusly racist” and wants to eliminate an entire race of people, at least for competition’s sake. Others will say that Obama is trying to destroy the very fabric of the U.S. and institute socialist policies and therefore he is evil and the one to be Haman.
As far as Governor Palin is concerned, what about her being a Deborah instead of an Esther? It seems like neither McCain or Obama has the leadership qualities necessary for the highest office in the free world. Palin has leadership qualities that I don’t see in the others. She could be one who could get things done that the men just can’t or won’t do.
CS on Mon, October 20, 2008
Is Palin a modern-day Esther? Um… no. To simplify the entire story of Esther to, “Small town girl finds herself empowered through Divine Providence just in time to save her nation,” is a horrible understatement of the powerful story of Esther.
I like how this was inserted in there:
“Whether Sarah Palin is a modern day version of Queen Esther, is not for us to say.”
Hey, it may not be for us to say, but that won’t stop us from e-mailing everyone this question to get people to open their e-mail!
It reminds me of Fox News doing something like, “Scantily-clad women are shamefully parading up and down Main Street, USA, lowering the morality of everyone around them… and we’ll have the video to show you next!”
It’s all to get your attention, folks. Nothing of substance here…
—
CS
Peter Hamm on Mon, October 20, 2008
I’m a little disgusted with all of them.
Palin? Esther? gimme a break…
joshMshep on Mon, October 20, 2008
It’s frustrating to see fellow believers over-spiritualize the presidential race.
I am actively involved in “40 Days to Pray the Vote” (http://www.presidentialprayerteam.org/site/PageServer?pagename=40days_dayx), a much-needed effort to refocus on what really matters. The prayers are Bible-based, not biased towards any candidate. Ultimately (and I mean really ultimately), God wins and our faith is not in a particular party or candidate.
But presenting a narrative like this Esther e-mail that combines political and spiritual issues? Whoever wrote this piece and paid to send it is not doing a favor to either political party.
First, by all appearances you’re placing your personal faith in a political candidate. So if that candidate loses, is your faith affected?
Second, you are over-simplifying complex issues in black-and-white terms. My experience is that folks who forward this Esther e-mail are the same ones who are forwarding wild rumors about Obama’s birth certificate, his “Muslim faith”, etc. Which really hurts the conservative cause.
The church is incredibly uneducated on social and political issues. Which is why a certain smooth-talking candidate is able to swoop in and convince so many. That’s just my analysis, though. Not exactly the Gospel. : j
-Josh
Get the facts: http://www.kitchentableblog.com/EF08H02.pdf
bryonm on Mon, October 20, 2008
McCain is the guy erecting a gallows to hang Obama. But then that puts our “Esther” on the wrong side.
Valerie on Mon, October 20, 2008
PLEASE! This opens to the door to discussion and comparison about persons Political Platforms.
I’m officially unsubscribing.
Alison Bridges on Mon, October 20, 2008
I’m with CS here. We know a lot more about Esther’s background and daily living conditions than we do Sarah Palins. We only know what the media wants us to know. All of the candidates have certain strengths and certain weaknesses. No one is going to be the perfect leader. We have to remember that all authority is from God, and I will pray for and hope for the best from whomever God chooses to place into that office.
Dean Chandler on Mon, October 20, 2008
May God’s perfect will be done. Reading some of the comments in this blog makes me believe how people talked about Esther as she was being prepared “For such a time as this” It may be now or 4 years from now. Bottom line is when all is said and done GOD has the last word and Murderers and those standing on the side and supporting murderers will have their day before the Almighty God. God help them.
Steve Patton on Mon, October 20, 2008
I KNEW this was coming! I told someone when she was elected that the Esther comparisons were coming.
Here is my question: Why do we always look to compare the theocratic rule of Old Testament Israel to the democratic rule of New Testament era (and largely unChristian) Amercia? The presidents of our country are FAR different in every major category than OT Israel. The biggest difference - a God ordained annointing of King vs the Electoral College vote of president.
Lastly, I think people should read Acts 1:5-8 and get Jesus’ response to the people’s cry to overthrow the secular government and have Jesus establish His reign. You might be surprised by what you read…
Jeff Kuhn on Mon, October 20, 2008
Just wondering if Dean Chandler (above) is a Republican referring to Pro-Choice Democrats as “murderers” or a Democrat referring to Pro-war Republicans as “murderers”? I am as pro-life as anyone out there, but you have to care for fetuses after they leave the womb too…and not just American fetuses…
And no…I don’t think Palin is a modern day Esther any more than the US is a modern day Israel.
Tweed on Mon, October 20, 2008
Jeery and Byronm - Come on! The only racists that are showing themselves are you two. McCain hanging Blacks? give me a break.
CS - a little biased against Fox news? Are you really saying other networks do not use sensationalism to attract viewers?
Alison - what exactly do you need to know about Sarah Palin? It appears that you have bought the hook-line and sinker of the media, that they deserve a chance to “vet” all candidates. What that really means is if they disagree with a candidates views of government, they want time to dig up trash on them, while ignoring the well known faults of people they agree with politically.
Jeff - The state has to care for fetus’s born or people do? The whole red herring of pro-life people don’t care individually about children is just idiotic. The idea is offensive that a conservative doesn’t care about anything but money.
So i now that I addressed the various flames…I guess I will get thrashed. Let it rip.
Of course, I believe no politically party fully represents Jesus…but so what, let me have it.
Kerry on Mon, October 20, 2008
Steve,
Are you suggesting that theocracy—rule by God—ended with the New Testament and that democracy took over when Jesus showed up? If so, I don’t think that’s what the Bible teaches, although I would agree that it is what many churches practice. The church has always been a theocracy but in our attempts to have as much control over things as possible, we have ignored the sovereignty of God and often trusted in our own agendas and judgments.
Just seeking to clarify your point is all.
CS on Mon, October 20, 2008
Tweed:
“CS - a little biased against Fox news? Are you really saying other networks do not use sensationalism to attract viewers?”
A total tangent, I know. Here goes…
All news networks use sensationalism to get ratings. I know personally—I filmed some video of a crazy driver about a year ago that got me on Good Morning America, Inside Edition, Maury Povich, Nightline, and about a half dozen other national shows. I took it to a local network to show the deficiencies in state law enforcement, instead it got turned into a sensationalistic piece because of what I captured on video.
I actually try to get a balanced view of news by watching multiple networks and reading all sorts of papers online. And I actually like Fox News most of the time. What I notice, though, is that they have this sort of air of moral superiority above other networks, but then go and show some of the most lewd footage and interview horrible people in a false self-righteousness. That’s why I picked on them here.
Alison Bridges:
“I’m with CS here. We know a lot more about Esther’s background and daily living conditions than we do Sarah Palins. “
Actually, my objection is not so much about knowing Esther or Palin more, but that there are so few similarities between Esther and Palin. For example, there is no Mordechai, no scepter for recognition, no Ahasuerus or Haman. Totally different circumstances.
I would side with others that Deborah would be a better example, if one Biblical woman must be picked.
—
CS
Leonard on Mon, October 20, 2008
Well we all know that just like the good book says… The Lord helps those that help themselves.
Larry C on Mon, October 20, 2008
Really, how far-fetched can we get? On closer examination of Ms. Sarah, I find her to be more similar to Jezebel.
Sorry ‘bout that.
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