It’s an interesting question. Is it an inappropriate one? Is it disrespectful? The question is not only compelling, but both appropriate and respectful. And the answer is yes! It is evident in the account of Esther—the whole book! Because we don’t think of God using humor, one author described God in the book of Esther as “a comedian performing before an audience who is afraid to laugh.” A separate author wrote, “We cannot appreciate the story fully unless we realize that it is meant to be funny.”
Did you know that the book of Esther is the only one that does not mention God? For some scholars that was reason to question its inclusion in the Bible. However, on closer examination it is apparent that the story (with its plot twists, reversals of fortune and startling “coincidences”) is so striking that it leaves the reader laughing with God as He masterfully orchestrates history. It is a book that demonstrates God’s providence over the affairs of men and women even when (or particularly when) things appear to be completely out of control.
Consider a few elements of the story. A humiliated king tries to instill obedience in his wife by legislating that all women must obey their husbands. In effect, he enacted a law to compensate for his own ineptitude. When he cannot sleep, he has his own law read to him! As a Persian king he was the most powerful man in the known world and yet he seems to be a complete simpleton. The story illustrates that even the most powerful men amount to a joke in God’s eyes.
In the story the primary adversary, Haman, plots to destroy the Jews. Haman’s wife makes a comment to him that will contribute to him begging Esther for mercy. In his begging Haman is basically falling on Esther. The king coincidentally walks in when this is taking place and believes the man is attacking Esther. And just like that Haman is executed and the Jews are saved! In addition, there is the incidental choice that landed a Jewish woman on the queen’s throne, her family member that happened to overhear a plot on the king’s life and the random casting of lots that determined the timing of Haman’s wicked plan that would eventually fall on its face.
In the story of Esther we repeatedly read that those in power are attempting to manipulate others for worldly, selfish gain. They appear to be bulletproof and their wicked plans unstoppable. There seems to be no way out when in fact, they are working concurrently with God’s plan. In their willful exercise of evil they are accomplishing the very thing God has intended. From the vantage point of those on the same plane as the evildoers, it appears as though all hope is lost. It seems like there is no way out. But from God’s perspective their wicked ways are a joke! He is coordinating and choreographing all of history in a way that brings glory to Him and benefits His children.
The account in Esther evolves from a genocidal plot against the Jews to the creation of a Jewish holiday. Their mourning was truly turned into dancing! This is just one story of God’s providence that fits within the greater narrative that started in Genesis. God made a promise in Genesis 3:15 that He was going to crush the head of the serpent. In the greatest plot twist of all time the sinless Son of God was pinned to the cross for our sins, which turned out to be the very thing that gives eternal life to the ones whose sin put Him there. And in his greatest and most evil attempt to thwart God’s power, the serpent played perfectly into God’s hand and his head was crushed. While it is no laughing matter, the reality is that the Evil One’s schemes are still nothing more than a joke to an omnipotent God.
In light of this I encourage you to do two things. First, take comfort in God’s providence. There is nothing that is happening in your life or in this world that is operating outside of God’s control. “In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will” (Ephesians 1:11). Second, read the book of Esther with new eyes. Enjoy the plot twists, reversals of fortune and startling coincidences with a smile on your face. The “No way!” “You’re kidding me!” and “Are you serious?” experiences are there for that reason. It’s there to be enjoyed and applied.
Psalm 37:12–13
The wicked plots against the righteous and gnashes his teeth at him, but the Lord laughs at the wicked, for he sees that his day is coming.