Why is The Name not found in Esther?

Shalom,

During the discussion part of the meeting today (3-19-2011) they were discussing Esther, and one of the things that came up was how The name YHWH is not mentioned in the book. An interesting fact is that although within just about every chapter of Torah The Name is found, there are 10 consecutive chapters where it is not (something I have wondered about for over a decade). Well, since the meeting I have been thinking about this, and this thought has come to mind. I can't say for sure if it is insight from YHWH, or just conjured up by my own little brain, you will have to decide that for yourself :-)

Is the lack of the usage of The Name in these instances purposeful? And if so, what purpose could it be, what might the texts be suggesting? Could it be suggesting that YHWH is some sort of distant, uninfluential God, disinterested in the lives of man? Or could it be that it is for the purpose of showing that YHWH is near, so near that He is dwelling within mankind, moving individuals to do and say, moving those who are compliant to His Will (much like how He moved Rebekah at the well)? Amaleq also was discussed, and as Amaleq tries to destroy those who are weak of faith, it is in these times where although YHWH seems as if to be an uninterested, distant God, the fact may very well be that He is much nearer than we think, so near that He is almost within. It seems to me that maybe this is indeed purposeful, for we see how Haman and Esther and the other Jews were indeed compliant to the Will of YHWH, as if YHWH was directing their every move, and the 10 chapters in Torah that I mention are during Yoseph's slavery in Egypt. The last time YHWH is mentioned is where both Potipher and the captian of the prison recognize that YHWH is with Yoseph, and The Name is not mentioned again until the blessings in Genesis 49. And it is quite clear that YHWH was indeed with Yoseph, guiding his actions as he was used to save not only his family, but the whole of Egypt from the famine.

I don't know, just thought I should share, especially if it was received thought, rather than thought conjured up in my own little brain.

I certainly hope you all enjoyed this Shabbat as much as I and my wife did :-)

Sincerely,
Tom