10Esther had not revealed her nationality and family background, because Mordecai had forbidden her to do so.
Sometimes it is OK to withhold some information. I know this may sound like lying, but stick with me. When you first meet someone, do you tell them your whole life story, including your credit card numbers and pin number? Of course not! It is OK to hold back some information. Esther is living in a place and time that places her and her family in danger simply because they were Jews. Sounds like Europe during WWII, doesn’t it! Sounds like most Muslim populated countries when you are the Christian. To offer the information is to invite persecution needlessly. Jesus said we are to be wise as a serpent and harmless as a dove. If asked we should be honest about our beliefs, but we need not place a sign on the outside of our house stating we are not Muslim. Mordecai is in a position of great power in the kingdom, even though he is Jewish. He keeps that part of his life in low profile. He instructs his niece, Esther, to do the same. She is the minor respecting her elder, the man who raised her after her parent’s death. Esther saves the king’s life by passing on information about a plot that Mordecai overhears. To withhold that information would have meant the death of the king. We are not talking about lying about sin, or covering up our own tracks. When Esther is asked about her nationality, she is open and honest. She was not sinning by withholding this information. She is being wise in a time of persecution. There are people around the world who face death for simply being a Christian. Wisdom allows them to be less bold about the outward proclamation of their faith in the public square.
The Arnold Journey 