Esther 8-10
God Makes Things Right – Esther 8
King Xerxes gave Haman’s estate to Queen Esther. She told the king how Mordecai was related to her. Then the king elevated Mordecai to royalty and gave him his signet ring which had been previously given to Haman. Mordecai was appointed over Haman’s estate.
Esther wept and pleaded with the king to stop with Haman’s plan to annihilate the Jews. She asked him to issue an official order on behalf of the Jews. Again Esther used wise judgment when she approached the king. She showed restraint and sensitivity by humbling herself before the king. She was a true intercessor for God’s people.
You’ve heard the old saying ‘you catch more flies with honey than vinegar’ and ‘kill them with kindness’. That’s exactly what she did.
A new decree was written and went out to all the provinces stating that the Jew were not to be harmed. It also allowed the Jews to arm themselves and defend themselves against any hostile group that tried to harm them. The people rejoiced and held feasts to celebrate the reversal of their fate. Some of the people of Persia were afraid and declared themselves Jews.
There are parallels between Esther and Jesus:
Principle: In the end God always makes things right.
The Jews Fight Off Their Enemies – Esther 9
Those who hated the Jews hoped to get the advantage over them, but the opposite happened. The Jews defended themselves against their enemies. They gathered together with aid of government officials. They struck down all their enemies by killing and destroying them. They destroyed 500 including the 10 sons of Haman and later 75,000, but they didn’t take any plunder. This was not an attack of aggression but of self-defense.
Principle: We need to trust in God’s providence even when we can’t see it working.
They celebrated with a feast called Purim. This feast is to remind the Jews that God is in control of history and He is faithful to protect His people. Haman had selected this day for the destruction of the Jews, but this turned out to be the day for the Jews’ salvation. It was to remind them of God’s protection, deliverance, rest and peace, provision, joy, faithfulness, righteousness and justice.
We should always be joyful no matter what life brings. Phil. 4:4-6 – “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” 1 Thess. 5:16-18 – “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Mordecai Honored – Esther 10
Mordecai became 2nd in rank to the king. He demonstrated great leadership and used his power to benefit his people. He was faithful to God and his people. He was held in high esteem by the Jews. He continually worked for the good of the Jewish people.
This book of Esther is a story of coincidences and reversals that forces us to see God’s purpose at work behind every scene. It teaches us to trust in God’s providence even when we can’t see it working. It reminds us that even in our very worst moments there is always hope because Jesus is alive.
Principle: Always work for the good of others and speak up on their behalf.
Next week we will continue our study in the book of Haggai. -- I encourage you to trust in Jesus.
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