And Chapter 49 offers us a particularly compelling example, focusing on the story of Esther and the hidden hand of merit.
Rabbi Zechariah, the sage whose words are recorded in Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer, tells us a powerful idea: “Merit is transmitted by the hand of the worthy.” It’s a profound concept, suggesting that the righteousness of one person can actually pave the way for the salvation of others.
He illustrates this point with the story of Daniel, the prophet known for his wisdom and unwavering faith. Rabbi Zechariah explains that it was through Daniel’s merit that sovereignty was ultimately transferred to Esther. How? Because, as the text recounts, Daniel advised the king – presumably Ahasuerus – to not weep because his actions were in accordance with the Torah. This might seem a little indirect, right? But the underlying idea is that by adhering to the principles of the Torah, God protects the kingdom. As it says, "whosoever keeps the Torah, the Holy One, blessed be He, preserves his kingdom."
The story then takes a fascinating turn, delving into the details of how Esther became queen. The text emphasizes the verse "And he shall rule over thee" (Genesis 3:16), drawing a parallel between the man's rule over his wife and the king's authority over his kingdom. The king, influenced by Daniel's merit, sent out decrees that "every man should bear rule in his own house" (Esther 1:22). This might seem like a detour, but it underscores the importance of order and adherence to divine law within the kingdom.
Think about it: The king, in his desire to replace Vashti, sought "fair young virgins" (Esther 2:2), not just any young virgins. This detail, highlighted in Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer, implies a careful selection process, a search for someone truly exceptional. And of course, the maiden who pleased the king would become the new queen (Esther 2:4). And guess who that was?
Esther.
"And the maiden pleased him" (Esther 2:9), the text reminds us, driving home the point that Esther's inherent qualities, combined with divine grace, made her the perfect choice. It wasn’t just about outward beauty; it was about inner virtue, something that resonated with the king on a deeper level.
The text goes on to say, "The Holy One, blessed be He, invested her with grace and love in the eyes of all who saw her." Esther didn't just win the king's favor; she won the favor of everyone! "And Esther obtained favor in the sight of all them that looked upon her" (Esther 2:15).
So, what does this all mean? It's more than just a story about a beautiful queen. It's a story about the interconnectedness of righteousness and destiny. Daniel's faithfulness, as interpreted in Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer, created a pathway for Esther to rise to power and ultimately save the Jewish people. It's a reminder that even our smallest acts of goodness can have far-reaching consequences, shaping the world in ways we may never fully understand. It makes you wonder, doesn’t it? What kind of merit are we building today?