People of the Promise: Exile & Return – Lesson 15

 

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:

Both were Jews.

Both served others.

Both were unique, Esther was one-in-a-million picked out of the Persian empire, Jesus was the one unique sinless man.

Both were royals, Esther a queen and Jesus a king.

Both accepted a responsibility that they alone could fill.

Both sacrificed to save their people.

Both defeated a murderous accuser, Esther defeated Haman and Jesus defeated Satan.

Both saved their people from death.

Both stories were orchestrated by God.

Both stories ended with God winning.

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 2^nd 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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People of the Promise: Exile & Return – Lesson 14

 

Esther 3-7

The Plot – Esther 3

King Xerxes honored a noble named Haman by giving him a seat higher than the other nobles.  The king commanded everyone to kneel before Haman to pay him honor, but Mordecai who was a Jew refused.  Haman was told Mordecai was a Jew so Haman looked for a way to destroy all of Mordecai’s people in the kingdom.

Haman told the king that there were people in the land who didn’t follow the customs of the land and the king should make a decree that all people should obey the king’s laws.  If they didn’t obey, they should be destroyed.  If the king would do this, Haman would give 10,000 talents of silver to the royal treasury.  The king went along with Haman and issued a decree that all the Jews were to be destroyed, killed and annihilated both young and old.  This was to be done on 13th day of the 12th month.

Hamon was motivated by jealousy, pride and his hatred for the Mordecai and the Jews.  The king was self-centered in how he looked in front of his people.  He was also out of touch with what’s going on in his kingdom and what kind of men he had in his high offices.

Haman and the king were controlled by Satan who leads the world astray as prophesied in John 8:44 and Revelation 12:9.  Human’s pride and selfish motives can make people do crazy evil things.  It can make us think only of ourselves and our needs instead of others.  What we can do about it is we can submit ourselves to God and resist the devil.  We can come near to God and He will come near to us by praying and studying His Word.  We can purify our hearts and be humble.  (James 4:7-10).

Principle:  Pride leads to destruction, but humility leads to wisdom and blessings.

Help From Esther – Esther 4

Esther was concerned for Mordecai and sent one of the king’s eunuchs to him to find out what was wrong.  Mordecai told him everything that had happened and urged Esther to plead with the king for the people.  He then reported back to Esther.

Esther was afraid to go to the king and responded by saying if anyone enters the king’s inter court without being summoned, they will be put to death.  Mordecai said if she remained silent she and her whole family would perish and that she had been put in the king’s palace for such a purpose as this.  She decided to intervene and asked Mordecai and others to fast and pray for her.

Principle:  God places individuals in specific places for divine reasons.

Esther Steps Out in Faith – Esther 5

Esther boldly went to the king who was pleased to see her.  He asked what was her request.  She chose the right time and place to make her important request.  She proposed a banquet for him and Hamon then she would tell him her request.  She acted calmly and with respect.  Her actions showed wisdom, restraint, and sensitivity to God’s leading.  She didn’t barge in with her request right away.  She made the king and Hamon feel special.  Haman boasted to his friends about his wealth, sons, and all the ways the king had honored him.  He boasted that he was the only person Queen Esther invited to accompany the king to the banquet.  Haman was so confident that he went out and had gallows built for Mordecai.

Principle:  There is value in thorough preparation and patience in the face of adversity.

The Tables Turn – Esther 6-7

We see God’s sovereignty at the banquet.  The king again asked what was Ester’s request.  She humbly asked that the king spare her and her people’s lives, because she and her people had been sold for destruction and annihilation.  The king was shocked and ask what man would do such a thing.  She told him it was Haman.  The king left the room.  Haman knew what the king was going to do so he begged Esther for his life.  When the king returned he found Haman falling on the couch where Esther was and thought he was trying to molest her.  Harbona, one of the king’s eunuchs said the gallows 70 feet high stands by that Haman had made for Mordecai.  The king was furious and said to hang Haman on it.  Haman was hanged and Esther and all the Jews were spared.

Nothing can change God’s plans for His people.  He is sovereign and in control of all people and all things.  God reversed and frustrated the plans of His enemies.  Using Esther’s courageous actions Haman’s true nature was exposed.  He reversed the wicked plans against Mordecai and the Jewish people by hanging Haman instead of Mordecai. God saved the Jews from being destroyed and annihilated. 

God’s people experience other grand reversals.  God send Jesus to die for all our sins.  He redeemed us and reversed death and gives eternal life for all who believe in Him (John 3:36; 11:25-26; Gal. 3:13).

Principles: 

Believers are to have confidence that God is working in their lives and will ultimately work all things for good.

God reversed death and gave eternal life for all who believe in Jesus.

Next week we will continue our study of Esther.  Hope to see you here.  -- I encourage you to trust in Jesus.

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People of the Promise: Exile & Return – Lesson 13

 

For the next few studies we will be studying the book of Esther.  Who was Ester?  She was a beautiful Jewish girl whom King Xerxes of Persia chose to be his queen.  She saved her people by risking her own life when she appealed to the king and rescued the Jews.  The mention of God doesn’t appear in the book, but His care for His chosen people is clearly shown.  Her story is celebrated annually during the Feast of Purim. 

Esther 1-2

Three Royal Feasts – Esther 1

Xerxes or Ahasuerus, the king of Persia inherited the Persian Empire from his father, Darius I.  He  ruled over 127 provinces from India to Cush.  In His third year of reign he gave a feast for all the military leaders, princes, and nobles that lasted 6 months.  At the end of the feast he gave a second feast for all the people of Susa that lasted 7 days.  The feast was held in the garden of the palace and was decorated lavishly. 

This feasts were probably done to show off his power and wealth to those under him.  People like to show off today with all they’ve accomplished and all the wealth they have with big houses, nice cars, and expensive jewelry.  They want the center of attention by running for office or being in charge of committees and projects.  Then they boast about themselves and all they have.  They are trying to validate themselves by comparing themselves to others.

The only approval we need is God’s approval.  All we need to remember is that we are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 129:14).  God loves us unconditionally and doesn’t base His love on the opinions of others.  We are made in His image and He loves us even when we sin.  He’s always on our side no matter what we do or have.  So find value in yourself .

Principle:  God finds value in us when we love, trust, obey and fulfill His purposes.

The 3^rd feast was given by Queen Vashti for the women.  On the 7^th day of the king’s feast, the king was merry with wine.  He ordered the queen to come to him.  She refused to appear before the drunken king.  The king became furious and burned with anger.  He asked his advisors what to do to her for refusing his direct order.  They advised him to expel her and replace her with another woman.

The queen probably didn’t want to be put on display in from on the king’s drunken guests.  It could put her in a dangerous situation being with many drunken men.  She knew this was something she shouldn’t do and she stood by her convictions.  The officials reacted by telling the king that she was setting a bad example.  The other women would be influenced by her refusal and would show disrespect to the king, his officials, and their husbands. 

The officials were embarrassed by the situation and one of the officials, Memucan suggested that the king should send out a decree that all women should show respect to their husbands and all men should rule over their households.  The king approved of his idea and ruled that all women will respect their husbands.

Principle:  Never compromise your convictions with ungodly authority.

Esther Selected as Queen – Esther 2

When it was time to find a new queen all young virgin women were gathered from across the kingdom as candidates for the king.  They were sent to Susa and put in the king’s harem under the charge of Hegai.  Then the women the king liked would be chosen.  One of the women was Esther, an orphaned Jew raised by her cousin Mordecai.

Mordecai instructed Esther to keep her Jewish heritage a secret.  This was done perhaps because it was part of a larger divine plan to save the Jewish people.  Also concealing her identity would help her gain trust of the king and influence decisions.  The king was pleased with her and provided her with beauty treatments, special food, maids, and moved her to the best place in the palace harem.  Esther found favor with everyone.  The king loved Esther and chose her to be his queen and gave a great banquet for her.

While at the kings table, Mordecai overheard a plot by 2 officials to assassinate the king.  He told Queen Esther of the plot and she in turn told the king.  The plot was investigated and found to be true so both men were hanged and the king was saved.

Principle:  God prepares solutions even before problems exists; Jesus was the solution to the world’s sin before the world was created.

The course of events in Esther’s life was not by accident; it was God’s plan.  We too have a place in God’s plan.  Whatever your situation, God has a purpose for it.  Have you noticed this book doesn’t mention God?  But it shows that God works behind the scenes and He is active throughout the book of Esther.

Principle:  When is seems God is silent, He is working behind the scenes.

Next week we will continue our study in Esther. -- I encourage you to trust in Jesus.

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People of the Promise: Exile & Return – Lesson 12

 

Ezra 9-10

Unfaithfulness Exposed – Ezra 9

After returning to Judah, Ezra learned that some of the Jews were doing detestable practices like that of their neighbors. They were ignoring God’s instructions and intermarrying with the idol worshiping women of the land.  God told His people in Deuteronomy 7 they should not imitate the detestable ways of the other nations living in the land - things like intermarriage, sacrificing their children, practicing divination and sorcery, interpreting omens, or engaging in witchcraft.  They were not separating themselves and therefore got caught up in these sins.

They were committing the same sins that they had done before.  It’s easy to repeat the mistakes of the past.  Human nature seems to work in a cycle and we repeat the same sins of our ancestors.  

In Deuteronomy 7 God told them He would drive out the other nations from Israel’s land.  He said to not make a treaty with them and to not let their sons and daughters intermarry because they will turn them from following the Lord and serve other gods.  God knew they would be easily influenced by pagan idolatry.  They should break down their altars and burn their idols.  God has concern and purposes for His people.  He has set them apart and doesn’t want them to be corrupted by sin.  God gives us commands, too because He wants us to be free from sin’s danger.  His commands are given to protect His people.  There had to be a clear separation from of God’s people or they would be drawn into pagan practices.

Ezra prays for the people.  His response to their sin was mourning.  He felt ashamed and disgraced not because he sinned but because the people had sinned.  This should be a Christian’s response to sin.  We should all be sorry for the sins of our fellow man.  Ezra prayed a prayer of confession for the people.  He affirms God’s righteousness.  He doesn’t complain that God was unfair in the past.  He asks for God’s mercy without excuse.  His prayer should challenge us as we approach God and address sin through prayer.

God was faithful to the Israelites despite their sin, because He chose this unique nation setting them apart from all others.  He loved them and had a purpose for them.  He had made a covenant with Abraham in Genesis 17. 

Principles: 

God gives us commands because he wants us to be free from the dangers of sin.

As Christians, we have a unique identity in Christ.

Confession – Ezra 10

As Ezra prayed, confessed, and wept a large crowd of Israelites gathered around him.  They were moved and also wept and confessed their sins.  Shecaniah showed courageous leadership and acknowledged that they had been unfaithful and proposed a solution.  He proposed a solution.  He said they should make a covenant to send away all these foreign women and their children.  They came up with a plan to take each case separately.  After dealing with each man they found those who had married foreign women.

Breaking up these marriages meant separating father from their wives and children.  Ezra probably believed this would restore purity to the nations and be the lesser evil.  This doesn’t mean marriages between believers and non-believers should end in divorce.  I think the believer should live in a godly manner and be a testimony to the unbelieving partner.

Principle:  Genuine repentance involves heartfelt sorrow before God.

Ezra listed those guilty of intermarriage.  Why would he make this list?  This is a list of men who were forgiven much.  They dealt with their sin even though it was hard.  This list encourages us to deal with our sin by these men’s example.  The Lamb’s Book of Life will contain a much bigger list of all who are forgiven.  Will you name be on that list?

2 Cor. 6:14-18 tells us to not be unequally yoked together.  1 Cor. 7:12-17 tells if a believer is already married to an unbeliever they are to stay married, because through the believer the spouse is  sanctified meaning they might be saved through the witness of the Christian spouse.  Scripture clearly teaches that each individual must come to faith on their own.

The most important lesson from this passage is that holiness must be demonstrated in marriage. Notice that the offenders are on every level – even the priests and their relatives.  Sin of a few can have serious consequences in the life of the community.

Principles: 

God reveals our sins to lead us to repentance.

Holiness must be demonstrated in marriage.

Next week we will continue our study in the book of Esther.  -- I encourage you to trust in Jesus.

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People of the Promise: Exile & Return – Lesson 11

 

 

Ezra 7-8

God Provided for Ezra to Lead – Ezra 7

We learn in verse 10 that Ezra was a priest who devoted himself to the study and observance of the Low of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.  Ezra brought with him priests, Levites, singers, gate keepers and temple servants.  This would be important because the people had not been serving the Lord and they needed to be awakened and challenged in order to restore proper worship and temple practices. 

God provided for His people by putting into the King Artaxerxes’ heart to honor the house of the Lord.  So the king authorized the giving of many silver and gold gifts to the temple and told Ezra he could have anything else he needed for the temple.

Ezra responded to the king’s decree and praised the Lord because He put all these things in the king’s heart.  God extended favor to him before the king, his advisors, and the king’s officials. (Ezra 7:27-28)

We should stop, acknowledge and praise God.  We should always be thankful to God because it enables us to sense His presence and in His presence there is joy.  We’re commanded to give thanks and God blesses us for it.  It shifts our focus off ourselves and our troubles and puts it on Jesus where it belongs.  It keeps us spiritually healthy – we don’t put ourselves in God’s place.  We are made to worship and give thanks, because all things are created by Him.

Principles: 

An effective leader must have faith in God and His Word and also love God’s people.

God uses all kinds of people to accomplish His work.

Ezra Assembled and Led the Exiles – Ezra 8

Ezra recorded the families and lineage of those returning from exile.  Like the list made in Ezra 2, it was made to legitimize land rights after they returned, it distinguished true Israelites from the others in the land, and showed authorization for their return.  It shows each person and their contribution were valued by God.

In verse 15-16 Ezra found when he assembled those for the return, there were no Levites found.  This was a problem since Ezra’s whole mission was based on teaching the Law of God to the people already in Jerusalem.  He couldn’t do this alone; he needed help.  Also their journey needed protection and the Levites were the ones who interceded for the people.

Ezra solved the problem.  He found some key leaders who were to ask others to serve and work in the temple.  They found 2o who brought 220 more who would serve.  Ezra demonstrated wise, godly leadership by asking for help.  

Before leaving for Jerusalem Ezra proclaimed a fast so they might be humbled before God and ask Him for a safe journey.  There were dangers from enemies on the road so this was a prayer asking for protection.  He didn’t want to ask the king for protection because he had told the king that the hand of God was upon everyone.  If he asked for help, it would look like they had no trust in God or that God wouldn’t protect them.

Ezra ensured faithful stewardship by praying and fasting before the journey and dividing the valuables among the leaders of the priests making each responsible for their portion.  They were to watch and deliver them to the leaders of the priest in Jerusalem.

Lessons/Principles:

God wants us to humble ourselves before Him and take everything to Him in prayer.

God is in the details and He knows us by name.

A good leader operates under God’s protection, delegates authority, and keeps good records. “But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way”. – 1 Cor. 14:40

We should always seek divine guidance when making decisions.

Thorough planning is essential for a successful outcome.

We are put in charge of our gifts and finances that God allows us to have and we need to take our offerings to God seriously and be good stewards. 

Good stewardship requires both faithful giving and wise usage of our gifts. “On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.” – 1 Cor. 16:2.  In 2 Cor. 8-9. 

We are to give generously to the Lord.

Next week we will continue our study of Ezra. -- I encourage you to trust in Jesus.

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People of the Promise: Exile & Return – Lesson 10

 

Ezra 3-6

Building the Altar – Ezra 3

The first priority of the people upon returning to Jerusalem after 70 years in exile was to rebuild the altar because it was the place for sacrifices and burnt offerings.  Burnt offerings were required by the law of Moses.  It was where sin was dealt with and where they could meet with God and worship Him for all He had done.  God was faithful to protect them during captivity and now He kept His promise and brought them back to their land.

The people demonstrated their faith in God by building the temple and replacing the gold and silver articles that had been taken from the temple and brought them to Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar.  The temple cost was paid for by the royal treasury. 

Specific steps were taken to reestablish worship.  They worshiped by celebrating the blowing of trumpets called the Feast of Trumpets.  This was done on the 1^st day of the 7^th month where they offered sacrifices.  The 10^th day of the 7^th month was a special fasting day of  rest.  They celebrated the Feast of Booth on the 15^th day of the 7^th month which lasted 7 days.  (Numbers 29)

Worship to us is usually going to church on Sunday morning and sometimes even during the week, reading and studying the Bible at home each day, praying a prayer of thanksgiving as well as praying for others.  It’s also being involved in some kind of ministry to help others.

Practical steps were taken to begin work on the temple.  The people gave money to the masons and carpenters, and food and drink and oil to the people of Sidon and Tyre so they would bring cedar logs by sea from Lebanon.  They appointed Levites twenty years old and older to supervise.

The people were overjoyed with what was taking place.  They shouted praises to God.  There was even weeping out of joy.  There must have been lots of dancing and singing.

Principle:  God’s people must stand united in faith to accomplish God’s work.

Persistent Opposition – Ezra 4-5

There was some opposition faced by the first returnees.  The enemies of Israel came to Zerubbabel and the rest of the heads of the families and wanted to help them to rebuild.  It was either to be partners in the work to ruin it or to influence it to their benefit.  The heads of the families refused their offer.  Then the enemy set out to discourage the people of Israel making the work of the temple come to a standstill until the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia.

God counteracted this opposition and intervened on behalf of His people:

Through His prophets - Ezra 5:1-2 – Prophets Haggai and Zechariah prophesied to the Jews and helped them rebuild the temple.

Through powerful kings, despite local resistance - Ezra 5:3 - 6:12 – King Darius issued a decree to let the temple be built.

Sometimes we all face challenges and opposition to God’s work, but remember God is in control and His work will continue.

Principle:  Satan uses discouragement, fear, deception, accusation, conspiracies, lies, and oppression to try to stop your work for Jesus.

Celebrating Temple Completion – Ezra 6

King Darius carried out the order of King Cyrus that the temple be rebuilt and no one was to interfere with the work.  The temple was completed and the people of Israel celebrated by dedicating the house of God.  They offered a 100 bulls, 200 rams, 400 lambs and as a sin offering, 12 goats, one for each tribe of Israel.  They installed the priests and Levites for the service of God.

They celebrated Passover in the 14^th day of the first month.  Remember the first Passover was when God spared His people when the angel of death passed over all the houses in Egypt, spared the Israelites but killed the first born of the Egyptians.  For 7 days they celebrated with joy the Feast of Unleavened Bread  (Ezra 6:22). 

Principles: 

God keeps His promises.

Trust is God’s ultimate authority and His ability to work through any situation to fulfill His purposes.

God is faithful and provides all our needs.

Celebrate the freedom and salvation we have in Christ.

Next week we will continue our study of Ezra.  -- I encourage you to trust in Jesus.

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