“Coincidence is G-d’s way of remaining anonymous.” Unknown
In Hebrew, the word “megillah” (scroll) means ‘rolling, unveiling, or revealing.’ When a scroll is unrolled it reveals its contents. In fact, the book of Revelation in Hebrew is called Hitgalut. The words “Megillat Esther” can be taken to mean the Revelation of the Hidden. In Megillat Esther, G-d’s name is never explicitly mentioned, which is entirely by design. He is hidden behind all of the seemingly normal events that resulted in the salvation of the Jewish people. R’ Menachem Leibtag cites Chullin 139b in revealing the source in the Torah for Esther,
“What is the source in the Torah for the story of Esther? “Ve-Anochi haster aster panai ba-yom ha-hu” (I will surely hide my face from you on that day.)” R’ Menachem Leibtag, Megillat Esther, Tanakh.org [1]
It was a time of assimilation into Persian society for the Jewish people. The opportunity for making aliyah and returning to the land of Israel was available, but many chose to stay in the Kingdom of Persia. This led to a series of events that aroused judgment upon its Jewish residents in the Diaspora. The stage was then set for the orphan Hadassah to play a key role in the salvation of her people by seemingly natural means. There was no splitting of the sea, no plagues, no pillars of fire. Just Hadassah and her relative Mordechai, working behind the scenes. Mordechai advised Hadassah (meaning Myrtle, with connections to Sukkot), to change her name to “Esther.” “Esther” in Hebrew means “concealed, hidden.” Thus, when anyone would ask her name, her response in Hebrew would be, “My name is hidden.”
Just as Esther was ‘hidden’, G-d is never mentioned in the Scroll of Esther. He is concealed, working “behind the scenes.” For those who have eyes to see and ears to hear, His Presence is as evident as gravity. For those who do not wish to see, He appears to be hidden, concealed in a world full of atheism and skepticism.
Speaking of “behind the curtain” orchestrations, the popular science publication Discover Magazine ran an interesting story on the counterintuitive behavior of quantum physics. Quantum physicist Antoine Suarez of the Center of Quantum Philosophy in Zurich claimed that,
“[Quantum] entanglement tests conducted with real photons in the lab suggest that quantum effects must be caused by “influences that originate from outside of space-time. . . You could say the experiment shows that space-time does not contain all of the intelligent entities acting in the world because something outside of time is coordinating the photons’ results. . . There is strong experimental evidence that non-material beings act in the world.” Discover Magazine, Physics of the Divine, Zeeya Merali, pgs. 51-52
This is a strange statement to find in a popular science magazine. The implication that an extra-dimensional Entity, often called “coincidence” or “pure chance” in science circles, could have the ability to tweak events on a quantum scale is shocking. Proving this would be incredibly difficult, if not impossible, however it may remain an explanation for the ‘weirdness’ of quantum theory. Manipulating events on a quantum scale could create a “Butterfly Effect” chain reaction like the flapping of a butterfly’s wing could introduce instabilities in an initial condition of a system resulting in large-scale alterations of events. Peter Dizikes of Boston.com says of the Butterfly Effect,
“When small imprecisions matter greatly, the world is radically unpredictable.” The Meaning of the Butterfly, Peter Dizikes, Boston.com [2]
The Discover Magazine article has theological and religious implications. The article highlights a criticism of this idea,
“A major criticism of [this] view of uncertainty as G-d’s tool for shaping the world is that quantum events usually play out only on the subatomic level. There is no clear evidence that messing with the decay of atoms or the bouncing of electrons can . . . change the course of history. For instance, a midsize asteroid is 1040 atoms. An unthinkably large number of quantum events would need to be fixed to steer all of those atoms toward Earth in a way that would have led, say, to the extinction of the dinosaurs.” Discover Magazine, Physics of the Divine, Zeeya Merali, pg. 50
The only problem with this criticism is that it is “unthinkable” to the human mind. And we are not dealing with a mere human mind. Isaiah says,
“For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:9
Does G-d tweak sub-atomic particles to change the course of world history? We do not know, but He can do whatever He pleases, and His work is often not evident to us. He may appear to be far away, distant, or uninterested, but the exact opposite is the case. He may “roll the dice” with choice, yet HaShem can foresee every particle interaction from the Beginning of Time until the End, as Pirkei Avot says,
“Everything is foreseen, and choice is given.” Pirkei Avot 3:19
From the world of quantum physics to the Scroll of Esther, explanations of “pure coincidence” point toward a Hidden Hand manipulating the strings. The events, as described in the megillah, serve as a portent for the future, and its words conceal a story beneath the story. To begin to unravel the mystery, we must begin in the Beginning.
Haman the Agagite
“After these things, King Achashverosh promoted Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, and advanced him, and set his seat above all the princes who were with him.” Esther 3:1
Note that Haman is a descendant of King Agag. Agag himself was a descendant of Amalek (1 Samuel 15), the grandson of Esav. Yet, the root of Amalek extends backward far beyond Esav. Amalek’s root is actually rooted in the serpent in the garden of Eden, as Rebbe Nachman mentioned above. Let us examine the passage,
“Now, the serpent was more subtle than any animal of the field which HaShem Elokim had made. He said to the woman, “Has G-d really said, ‘You shall not eat of any tree of the garden?’” Genesis 3:1
The spiritual representative of Amalek (= 240) first implanted doubt (safek = 240) through his questioning, and after Adam and Eve ate of the tree, they hid themselves. HaShem asked,
“G-d said, ‘Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree (המן, ha’min) that I commanded you not to eat from?” Genesis 3:11
The word “ha’min” in Hebrew is a bit unusual, as the letter hei (ה) seems superfluous. The word “min” (from) would have been sufficient. Yet, we know that not one letter of the Torah is without purpose or meaning. The Talmud comments on this verse and its connection to Amalek through its descendant Haman, who, in the book of Esther, attempted to destroy the Jewish nation,
“Where is Haman indicated in the Torah? In the verse: ‘Is it [hamin] from the tree?” Chullin 139b, Soncino Press Edition
The Rebbe Nachman comments,
“The Talmud associates Haman-Amalek with the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, as our Sages teach (Chullin 139b): Where is there an allusion in the Five Books of Torah to HaMaN? In the verse (Genesis 3:11), “HaMin ha’eitz – Have you eaten from the tree?” Haman thus represents the defilement of the serpent, the curse of toil that resulted from Adam’s eating from the Tree of Knowledge.” Rebbe Nachman, Likutey Moharan, Volume VI, Breslov Research Institute, pg. 35
The Artscroll commentary to Esther Rabbah 9:2 says,
“The Hebrew word for “tree”, “wood” and “gallows” is the same – עץ (etz.) Thus, the words, “Have you eaten of the tree,” allude to the message – Haman and the gallows.” Artscroll Insights to Esther Rabbah, Midrash Rabbah, Mesorah Publications, ltd., pg. 59
R’ Ari Kahn comments,
“More than the meaning of the name Haman, the Talmud looks for the ideological roots of such evil. How is such a personality formed? The Gemara looks beyond his grandfather Agag, beyond his great-great-grandfather Amalek, beyond his forefather Esav, and looks even further back, to our first and deadliest adversary, the Serpent who encouraged man to eat from the Tree of Knowledge, even if – or precisely because – the price was death.” R’ Ari Kahn, M’oray HaAish, Purim 5769, Aish.com [3]
It says of the Messiah in Numbers 24 that he will be victorious over the forces of Amalek,
“His king shall be higher than Agag. His kingdom shall be exalted.” Numbers 24:7
Mordechai
As the Talmud asked for the origin of both Esther and Haman in the Torah, the same section probes the source for Mordechai,
“Where is Mordechai indicated in the Torah? In the verse: “Flowing myrrh” (Exodus 30:23) which the Targum renders as mira dakia.” Chullin 139b, Soncino Press Edition
מירא דכיא = מרדכי
Mordechai = Mira Dakia = Flowing Myrrh
The Breslov commentary notes,
“Mordekhai…had to “sense” G-d’s will. Because MoRDeKHaI personified the MoRa DaKHIa – the fragrant incense. And like Mashiach who will be able to “smell,” to sense, G-d’s Will, Mordekhai, too, possessed an aspect of this “halakhic sense.” Esther, A Breslov Commentary on the Megillah, Compiled and Adapted by Rabbi Yehoshua Starrett, Breslov Research Institute, pg. 46
So Mordechai is connected to Mashiach. Amazingly, the Midrash connects Mordechai with Moshe Rabbeinu,
“…had not Moses, His chosen one, stood in the breach before Him to turn away His wrath from destroying (Psalms 106:23). so, too, did Mordechai, as it is written, “he sought the good of his people and spoke for the welfare of all its seed.” And further parallel: Just as Moses taught Torah to the Jewish people, as it is written, ‘See, I have taught you decrees and ordinances (Deut 4:5), so too did Mordechai, as it is written, ‘Dispatches were sent to all the Jewish…[with] words of peace and truth.” Esther Rabbah 6:2, Midrash Rabbah, Mesorah Publications, ltd., pg. 59
Mordechai is from the Tribe of Benjamin. This is significant because Benjamin was the only one of the twelve sons of Yaakov who did not bow to Esav. Esav’s descendant was Amalek, and Mordechai continues the defiance of bowing to evil. The Artscroll commentary says,
“In what manner did Mordechai “stand in the breach”? The Megillah (2:5) introduces Mordechai as Mordechai the son of Yair, the son of Shimei, son of Kish. The Talmud (Megillah 12b) explains that these three terms do not merely describe Mordechai’s lineage, but actually allude to qualities of Mordechai himself. . . He is called ben ya’ir (the son or state of brightness), for he brightened the eyes of the Jewish through his prayer…The Midrash then delineates three similarities between Moses and Mordechai. Each of them was humble, each stood in the breach for his people, and each taught Torah to the Jewish people. . . Why are these three traits highlighted?. . . Mordechai’s refusal to prostrate himself before Haman, the viceroy of the king, could be taken as evidence of arrogance. Furthermore, his persistent refusal to bow down to Haman could indicate that he was uncaring for the welfare of the Jewish people. Indeed, the Jews of that generation faulted Mordechai for the trouble that befell them, for it was his refusal to bow that aroused Haman’s anger. Finally, his eventual appointment as viceroy to Ahasuerus could lead one to suspect him of neglecting Torah study due to the duties of his office…the Midrash makes clear that despite his position as viceroy, Mordechai disseminated Torah throughout the Jewish nation.” Artscroll Insights to Esther Rabbah, Midrash Rabbah, Mesorah Publications, ltd., pg. 59
Like Yosef HaTzaddik, and Daniel, Mordechai was promoted second to the King. This links to the concept of Metatron. Mordechai speaks to Esther the now famous words that echo throughout the generations,
“For if you remain silent now, then relief and deliverance will come to the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Who knows if you haven’t come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14
She asks Mordechai to gather all of the Jewish people to fast for three days. Mordechai protested that it was the Passover. Esther replied, “What is Passover without the Jewish people?” The Midrash recounts the harrowing events that happened next,
“At that time, Esther was greatly frightened at the evil which was threatening Israel, and she took off her royal robes and ornaments, and she put on sackcloth and loosened the hair of her head and filled it with dust and ashes and afflicted herself with fasting and fell on her face before the L-rd. And she prayed, saying: ‘ O L-rd G-d of Israel who is the Ruler from old and created the world, help your handmaid who has been left as an orphan without a father or mother and is like a poor woman begging from house to house. So I pray for your mercy from one window to another in the palace of Ahasuerus. And now, O L-rd, grant success to your humble handmaid here and deliver the sheep of Your pasture from these enemies who have risen against us, for nothing can stop You from saving, whether with many or with few. And You, Father of orphans, stand at the right hand of this orphan who trusts in your lovingkindness, and make this man mercifully disposed towards me, for I am afraid of him. . . Now it came to pass on the third day, Esther put on her most beautiful robes and her richest ornaments . . . she put on a smiling face, concealing the anxiety in her heart. Then she came to the inner court facing the king, and she stood before him. The king was sitting on his royal throne in a robe adorned with gold and precious stones, and when he lifted up his eyes and saw Esther standing in front of him, he was furiously angry because she had broken his law and come before him without being called. Then Esther lifted up her eyes and saw the king’s face, and behold his eyes were flashing like fire with the wrath which was in his heart. And when the queen perceived how angry the king was, she was overcome, and her heart sank … But our G-d saw and had mercy on His people, and He took note of the distress of the orphan who trusted in Him, and He gave her grace in the eyes of the king and invested her with new beauty and new charm. Then the king rose in haste from his throne and ran to Esther and embraced her and kissed her and flung his arm around her neck and said to her: “Esther, my queen, why do you tremble? For this law which we have laid down does not apply to you since you are my beloved and my companion.” Esther Rabbah 9:1, Soncino Press Edition
After Esther invited the king and Haman to a banquet, Achashverosh could not sleep. Like many tyrants, Achashverosh was a paranoid individual, and the unusual request of Esther must have unsettled him. That night, in a moment of ironic comedy, the king bids Haman to parade Mordechai through the city wearing the king’s robes in reward for thwarting an assassination plot. The Book of Esther recounts the conclusion at the end of the second banquet,
“The king said …"What is your petition, Queen Esther? It shall be granted to you. What is your request? Even to the half of the kingdom, it shall be performed.” Then Esther, the queen, answered, “If I have found favor in your sight, O king, and if it pleases the king, let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request. For we are sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be slain, and to perish. But if we had been sold for bondservants and bondmaids, I would have held my peace, although the adversary could not have compensated for the king’s loss.” Then King Achashverosh said to Esther the queen, “Who is he, and where is he who dared presume in his heart to do so? “Esther said, “An adversary and an enemy, even this wicked Haman!” Then Haman was afraid before the king and the queen.” Esther 7:2-6
The Breslov commentary on Esther makes a fascinating connection regarding the gallows,
“All along, Haman’s goal had been to separate the Jewish people from Mordekhai, from the Tzaddik. . . So his advisers had a plan that would have the same effect – make Mordekhai a martyr. Ascribe to him superhuman powers, symbolized by the 50-cubit high gallows, made from a tree; crucify him and elevate him to the status of a god. And when “Haman” raises Mordekhai, it has two possible effects. Some of us might see the Tzaddik and the lessons he meant for us as beyond reach…And then there will be those who turn their backs and say: “To hold a human being is such awe, to ‘raise him on a tree’, to say his teachings are G-d’s Word and the only way to reach Him – that’s idolatry!” But such a complaint is just a pretext to deny the truth, to cover our real intention: That we ourselves covet that awe to promote our own self-idolatry. So we who won’t humble ourselves, who won’t see the Tzaddik so high, choose to blind ourselves with the veil of our own conceit. We close our ears to his inspiring lessons rather than reject our vanity. . . And to reach the Tzaddik, to “climb the tree”, we must all come together. To follow his teachings, to keep his advice, we must encourage one another…” Esther, A Breslov Commentary on the Megillah, Compiled and Adapted by Rabbi Yehoshua Starrett, Breslov Research Institute, pgs. 80-81
Haman, the embodiment of the curse of death, intended to destroy the Tzaddik, Mordekhai (who is connected to Mashiach), with the gallows. Yet that which Haman intended for Mordechai was now used for him and his ten sons. Likewise, the execution stake of Yeshua did not result in his destruction but resurrection. This event, the death and resurrection of the Mashiach ben Yosef, accomplishes the tachlit (purpose) of the Torah, that is, the death of death. Like Yosef and Daniel, and ultimately Yeshua, Mordechai was then promoted to the Viceroy of the Kingdom,
“The king took off his ring, which he had taken from Haman, and gave it to Mordechai. Esther set Mordechai over the house of Haman.” Esther 8:2
Ten Sons of Haman
“There is a tomorrow that is now and a tomorrow which is later.” Tanchuma, Bo 13 and Rashi, Shemot 13:14
The Breslov commentary on Esther tells an interesting story,
“When Kaiser Wilhelm of Germany visited Jerusalem during his journey to the Holy Land, almost all the religious leaders of Jerusalem came to the city gates to greet him. Rabbi Yosef Chaim Sonnenfeld (d. 1932), the spiritual leader of Ashkenazic Jewry in Israel at that time, did not go. When asked about his refusal he answered that although the Kaiser himself was deserving of the honor bestowed upon him, “I have a tradition that Germany is Amalek.” Esther, A Breslov Commentary on the Megillah, Compiled and Adapted by Rabbi Yehoshua Starrett, Breslov Research Institute, pgs. 80-81
It is important to note that ‘Amalek’ is a spiritual enemy, not a physical one. However, Amalek can manifest through evil nations, especially ones riddled with anti-Semitism. The megillah recounts the names of the ten sons of Haman, the anti-Semitic descendant of Amalek,
“They killed Parshandatha, Dalphon, Aspatha, Poratha, Adalia, Aridatha, Parmashta, Arisai, Aridai, and Vaizatha, the ten sons of Haman…” Esther 9:7-10
In the Hebrew of this passage, there is something unusual about the letters in the names:
“The large letter is the Hebrew character for the number six (Hebrew letters all have numeric values); the small letters, added together, yield the number 707. If the large letter is taken to refer to the sixth millennium and 707 to the year in the millennium, something fascinating emerges . . .” Avi Shafran, Fighting Iron with Irony, Jewish Media Resources [4]
The apparent Hebrew date of this gematria calculation corresponds to 5707. The sixth millennium spans the years (5001-6000). The year 5707 on the Hebrew calendar is 1946. R’ Avi Shafran comments,
“The Book of Esther, (9:13), moreover, refers to the hanging of Haman’s sons in the future tense, after the event had been recounted, presaging, it might seem, some hanging yet to happen.” Avi Shafran, Fighting Iron with Irony, Jewish Media Resources [5]
On October 16, 1946, in the aftermath of the Nuremberg Trials, twelve of twenty-four Nazis were sentenced to death. Martin Bormann (#X1 below) was tried in absentia, and one, Hermann Göring (#X2) committed suicide the night before the scheduled hanging. Incredibly, the Midrash records one of Haman’s daughters committed also suicide. Thus ten Nazis were executed by hanging. We apologize for showing the photos of the ten “sons” of that man from Germany, but this must not be forgotten, and this history is real. Before the hanging, the virulent antisemite Julius Streicher (#10 below), with hatred in his eyes, cried out,
“PurimFest 1946!”
R’ Yaakov Asher Sinclair reveals,
“The Nuremberg trials were a military tribunal, and thus, the method of execution was usually by firing squad. The court, however, prescribed hanging. Esther’s request, “Let Haman’s ten sons be hanged,” echoes down the ages. Equally uncanny is that the date of the execution (October 16, 1946) fell on “Hoshana Rabba” (21 Tishrei), the day on which G-d seals the verdicts of Rosh Hashana for the coming year.” Rabbi Yaakov Asher Sinclair, ohr.edu [6]
It appears that the Book of Esther contained a prophecy for the future. The parallels between Haman’s anti-Jewish movement and the Nazi regime are stunning. Today, the same patterns are beginning to rise, and all believers must stand behind the Jewish people, the nation of Israel.
Psalm 22
Recited on Taanit Esther (the Fast of Esther), Psalm 22 has a very special connection to the Jewish Queen. The Midrash on Psalms says,
“For dogs have compassed me (Psalm 22:17) – that is, Haman’s sons have compassed me; the assembly of the wicked have enclosed me (ibid.) – that is, Haman’s hosts have enclosed me. My hands and my feet they made repulsive (Psalm 22:17). According to R. Judah, Esther said: “Though Haman’s sons practiced sorcery on me so that in the sight of Ahasuerus my hands and feet were repulsive, yet a miracle was wrought for me, and my hands and my feet were made to shine like sapphires. But R. Nehemiah said: The verse is to be read ‘At my hands and my feet he was favored with blessing’, and conveys much the same meaning as with the verse “The L-rd has blessed you at my foot” (Gen 30:30). Thus Esther meant: Because of the work of my hands, blessing came to Ahasuerus.” Midrash on Psalms, Psalm 22, Translated by William Braude, Yale University Press
In an astounding description, the 9th-century text Pesikta Rabbati connects the suffering of the Messiah, named Ephraim, with Psalm 22,
“During the seven-year period preceding the coming of the son of David, iron beams will be brought low and loaded upon his neck until the Messiah’s body is bent low. Then he will cry and weep, and his voice will rise to the very height of heaven, and he will say to G-d: Master of the universe, how much can my strength endure? How much can my spirit endure? How much my breath before it ceases? How much can my limbs suffer? Am I not flesh and blood? It was because of the ordeal of the son of David that David wept, saying My strength is dried up like a potsherd (Ps. 22:16). During the ordeal of the son of David, the Holy One, blessed be He, will say to him: Ephraim, My true Messiah, long ago, ever since the six days of creation, you took this ordeal upon yourself. At this moment, your pain is like my pain . . .At these words, the Messiah will reply: Now I am reconciled. The servant is content to be like his Master.” Pesikta Rabbati, Piska 36.2, Translated by William G. Braude, Yale University Press, pgs. 680-681
Thus the Messiah and Esther are linked. Like Yosef HaTzaddik before her, Hadassah’s real name was “hidden,” concealed, and taken to be a ruler over the Gentiles. Yosef HaTzaddik’s name was changed to “Zaphnat Paneach” (the Revealer of Hidden Secrets). Moshe was named by the daughter of Pharaoh and was hidden in Egypt and Midian. This indicates that the Mashiach would follow the same path, being claimed as the ruler of the Gentiles and given a new name. Pesikta Rabbati continues even further, again citing Psalm 22,
“Ephraim is a darling son to Me . . . My heart yearns for him, in mercy I will have mercy upon him, says the L-rd’ (Jer. 31:20). Why does the verse speak twice of mercy: “In mercy I will have mercy upon him?” One mercy refers to the time when he will be shut up in prison, a time when the nations of the world will gnash their teeth at him every day, wink their eyes at one another in derision of him, nod their heads at him in contempt, open wide their lips to guffaw, as is said “All they that see me laugh me to scorn; they shoot out the lip, they shake the head (Ps. 22:8); My strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue cleaves to my throat; and you lay me in the dust of death (Ps. 22:16). Moreover, they will roar over him like lions, as it is said “They open wide their mouths against me, as a ravening and roaring lion. I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint; my heart has become like wax; it is melted in my inmost parts (Ps. 22:14-15).” Pesikta Rabbati 37.1, Translated by William G. Braude, Yale University Press, pgs. 686-687
R’ Daniel Krentzman reveals the connection between Queen Esther and the Mashiach ben Yosef,
"The Morning Star" (אילת השחר). The Midrash Tehillim and the gemara (מגילה טו) describe this verse as referring to Queen Esther, of Megillas Esther; who prayed to Hashem, in the following verse: "אלי אלי למה עזבתני", "My G-d, my G-d, why have you abandoned me?". This verse refers to Esther as she manifested Mashiach ben Yosef of her generation. For this reason, she is called the "Morning Star," the first light of dawn, which serves as the point of transition from night to day. Thus, she acted as the turning point from distress to salvation for the Jewish people. In the same way Mashiach ben Yosef effects the transition from exile, characterized by “night”, to redemption, characterized by “dawn”. This is connected to how ChaZaL described the redemption process as the breaking through of the dawn’s light: “Such is the Redemption of Yisrael, at first it comes a little bit at a time until it breaks through and arrives” (ירושלמי ברכות א’ ה). This accurately describes the redemption process as building up slowly through the human effort of Mashiach ben Yosef, culminating in the revelation of Mashiach ben David. The word “אילת“, implying a connection to Mashiach ben Yosef, is also expressed in the Torah as “אילה שלוחה“, “a Hind sent off” (בראשית מט’ כא) for Mashiach ben Yosef is sent out into the world in fulfillment of his mission in rectifying the world (a concept to be discussed more, later on). Thus, the next verse in the Torah describes Yosef.” R’ Daniel Krentzman [7]
Thus Esther was the Mashiach ben Yosef of her generation, as Kol HaTor says,
“(Ps. 22:1) “the first rays of light before the dawn.” - In this Psalm, we find: “My G-d, why have you forsaken me, ” which was the prayer of Queen Esther, who was from the line of Mashiach ben Yosef. See below (#141). Our Sages said (Yerushalmi: Brachot, ch. 1) that the redemption of Israel will come about like the first rays of light before the dawn. They were referring to the beginning of the Redemption (at’chalta d’Geulah), the mission of Mashiach ben Yosef. In connection with this, as an additional explanation, they also noted and referred to the mystery of Jacob’s blessing of Naftali: [Gen. 49:21] “A hind let loose.” This is in the line of Mashiach ben Yosef, from the aspect of “the firstborn of his ox” [see 11], which is explained by the Gaon in his commentary on Habakkuk (Ch. 2).” Kol HaTor 2:8, Translated by Yechiel bar Lev and K. Skaist, Yedidnefesh.com
In the Gospel of John, Yeshua warned that the “night” was coming, yet he is the Light,
“I must do the works of Him who sent me while it is day. The night is coming when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” John 9:4-5
“Night” refers to Galut (Exile), as “Morning” refers to Geulah (Redemption). 2 Samuel 23:4 says,
“One who rules over men righteously, who rules in the fear of God, shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun rises, a morning without clouds, when the tender grass springs out of the earth, through clear shining after rain.” 2 Samuel 23:3-4
Dr. Tsvi Sadan cites the interpretation of Midrash Shemuel,
“Morning without Clouds – this is Messiah.” Midrash Shemuel 29:3, cited in The Concealed Light, Dr. Tsvi Sadan, Vine of David, pg. 24
R’ Daniel Krentzman continues,
“Queen Esther, of Megillas Esther, also manifested the mission of Mashiach ben Yosef of her generation. For this reason, she is called ”השחר אילת”, “the Morning Star,” the first light of dawn, which serves as the point of transition from night to day. Thus, she acted as the turning point from distress to salvation, for the Jewish people in the same way that it is the quality of Mashiach ben Yosef to effect the transition from exile, characterized by “night”, to redemption, characterized by “dawn”. Also, Esther’s utilization of secrecy and deception in order to bring about the salvation of the Jewish people also stemmed from the quality of Mashiach ben Yosef to act in secrecy and deceptively in order to further the goals of Tikkun Olam and the Redemption.” R’ Daniel Krentzman, Tracing Mashiach ben Yosef Through the Tanach [8]
Midrash Tehillim says,
“In the verse “For the Leader, upon the hind of the dawn” (Ps. 22:1), Scripture speaks of the generation of Mordechai and Esther, [a time that was more dark than] the night. For though it is night, one has the light of the moon, the stars, and the planets. Then when is it really dark? Just before dawn! After the moon sets and the stars set, and the planets vanish, there is no darkness deeper than the hour before dawn, and in that hour, the Holy One answers the world and all that is in it: out of the darkness, He brings forth the dawn and gives light to the world.” Midrash Tehillim 22:13, cited in Sefer HaAggadah, Book of Legends
Like Esther in the midst of darkness, Mashiach will burst forth with light, ending the exile,
“I, Yeshua, have sent my angel to testify these things to you for the assemblies. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.” Revelation 22:16
Even though HaShem appears to be hidden, and His Mashiach far away, He is close, and visible to all who wish to see. Messiah’s footsteps can be heard in the land, and the day is coming when the Jewish people will recognize the Mashiach ben Yosef. The Christians also will recognize that Yeshua is the Jewish Messiah. The concealment will end, and light will dawn upon the Israel,
לַיְּהוּדִים הָיְתָה אֹורָה וְשִׂמְחָה וְשָׂשֹן וִיקָר
“For the Jews, there was light, gladness, joy, and honor.” Esther 8:16
References
R’ Menachem Leibtag, Megillat Esther, Tanakh.org
The Meaning of the Butterfly, Peter Dizikes, Boston.com
R’ Ari Kahn, M’oray HaAish, Purim 5769, Aish.com
R’ Avi Shafran, Fighting Iron with Irony, Jewish Media Resources
R’ Avi Shafran, Fighting Iron with Irony, Jewish Media Resources
Rabbi Yaakov Asher Sinclair, Purim: History Repeats Itself, ohr.edu
R’ Daniel Krentzman, Tracing Mashiach ben Yosef Through the Tanakh
R’ Daniel Krentzman, Tracing Mashiach ben Yosef Through the Tanakh
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