Facing Imminent Danger Part 4 Esther Chapters 6-10
Last week we left our story with Queen Esther inviting her husband, the King of Persia, and his second in command, Haman, a descendant of the Amalakites, to a second banquet. Here Queen Esther would make her request to the king. Haman did not have any idea that the queen was herself Jewish and related to Mordecai, the Jew.
Although the decree to kill all the Jews had been set for a certain date and Haman was invited to a second banquet with the queen and king, he could not be happy because of his hatred towards Mordecai. Haman’s wife and friends suggested he have gallows built specifically to hang Mordecai. They suggested that he ask the king if he could hang Mordecai the next morning. This would finally make Haman happy and he could enjoy the banquet with the king and queen later that evening.
That night before the day of the second banquet, the king could not sleep. He had one of his servants bring in the book of records and had it read to him aloud. The news that had been recorded gave an account of Mordecai saving the king’s life when he overheard two of the king’s personal servants’ plans to kill him. Mordecai reported what he had heard and after an investigation was done, it was found to be true. The king asked what reward or what honor had been given to Mordecai and the servants reported that nothing had been done.
As the king was thinking, Haman had entered the outer court and had planned to ask the king to hang Mordecai the next morning. When the king heard that Haman was in the outer court, he called for him to come into his chambers. He asked Haman to suggest an appropriate display of honor for someone that the king really wanted to honor. Haman immediately thought, “who else would the king want to honor other than me?” He proceeded to suggest that a royal robe that the king had worn be put on the person and let that person ride the king’s horse with the king’s royal crest on its head. One of the king’s princes would parade the person through the town square and proclaim to the people that he is the man that the king delights to honor.
The king loved Haman’s suggestion and told him to quickly go do it and be the person that parades Mordecai. What a shock and turn of events for Haman. He did as the king commanded and after he paraded Mordecai, he quickly went home with his head covered. He was humiliated and very upset. As he was discussing the matter at home with his wife and friends, the king’s servants came to take him to the banquet.
After the king had a great time at the banquet he asked Esther for her request. She could ask him for anything up to half of his kingdom. She asked that her life and the lives of her people be spared from being killed and annihilated. She said she would not have said anything if they had been sold as slaves, but being killed and destroyed was different. The king asked who was responsible and the queen said “the adversary and enemy is this wicked Haman!” The king was furious and he went out into the garden while Haman begged Esther to spare his life. When the king came back inside Haman had fallen across the couch where the queen was sitting and the king accused him of assaulting the queen. The guards told the king that Haman had prepared gallows to hand Mordecai who had saved the king’s life. The king ordered that Haman be hung on his own gallows. Mordecai later replaced Haman and became second in command to the King of Persia.
A new decree went out that allowed the Jews to protect themselves and fight against their enemies on the appointed day. They were given two days and were successful in defending themselves. Their enemies that came to kill them were defeated. After their success, the Jews celebrated by feasting and exchanging gifts with one another. Every year the Jews continue to remember how they were saved from genocide. They celebrate the Feast of Purim (the name comes from the root word pur which means to cast lots for the date of their execution) and they read the Book of Esther. They celebrate on the 14th day of their Jewish calendar month Adar (February or March).
As the Jewish people remember significant events such as Passover and Purim, we as Christians are to remember and celebrate the goodness of God. Every day is a significant event where we can be thankful to God for loving us, saving us, and making us His children. Jesus said to remember His death until He comes back again because His body was broken for you and His blood was shed for the forgiveness of your sins and the healing of your body. (Jeremiah 29:11; John 3:16; I Corinthians 11:24-25) We do this by taking Holy Communion which we can do at home as well. When you are anxious, worried, or feeling depressed, think of all the good things that God has done for you and speak the promises over your life. (Philippians 4:4-13;2 Corinthians 1:20)
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Personal Development Tip of the week:
This month I shared a YouTube video of my complete testimony that I would love for you to check out when you have the time to watch below!
Prayer for the week
Thank you Father for my family. I pray that each member will come to know You as their personal savior and experience the great love You have for them. As You have saved me, I claim total salvation for my household and family in Jesus name, Amen.
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Do you know Jesus?
If you have never asked Jesus to be the leader of your life and forgive you of all your sins, this is the right time to act. Pray this simple prayer and believe it in your heart: “Dear God, Your Word says that You loved me so much that You sent Your Son Jesus to die on the cross for me. I want to be saved and have all my sins forgiven, past, present, and future. Forgive me now as I receive Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior. You promised me salvation and an abundant life. I believe and receive Your free gift. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and help me grow stronger in You each day, in Jesus name I pray, Amen.” (John 3:16)
The Lord is gracious and full of compassion, Slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness.
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