Thought for the Week

When Haman cast the lot (Pur) I expect he was frustrated it would be a whole year until his vengeance was satisfied. But it is certainly a good thing from Mordecai’s perspective. He has almost nine months to get things fixed up for the Jews to at least defend themselves. Two things need to happen: The message must get into the hands of everyone. Those who hear this new decree must believe it is true. Getting it out works this way. The messengers were well mounted. They had horses (for flat plains) Mules (for mountain treks) Camels (for desert crossings.) We must remember that a messenger was not limited to one animal. He had a whole series of mounts. As the Pony Express (privately owned) in our country and the Volney (government owned) in Russia, a rider had many of the best steeds available and could make excellent time getting the message delivered. Would people believe the change? They could see the Queen was a Jew. The Prime Minister was a Jew. The King had made liberal and generous offers to please the Queen. Sentiment had shifted from indifference or hatred of the Jews, to support, appreciation, and even joining and becoming a Jews. So, the new message is believable. Mordecai is quite an astute politician. He has basically reversed the law without touching it. Now the Jews can gather to defend themselves. Governmental soldiers will no longer assist their enemies. As noted last time, loss of life is great and terrible, with at least 75,800 enemies of the Jews were killed when they attacked. But that number is almost minuscule when compared to the potential of 15,000,000 Jews whose lives were on the chopping block. Certainly the Jews celebrated and since many bystanders had brought allegiance to the Jews, they too would have celebrated. It became perpetual and universal celebration. People rejoiced, feasted, and celebrated. Something good is added. The poor received gifts of food and necessities from the Jews. We can believe God indeed had a good plan when Esther became Queen. Mordecai did much good for his people but he was also a careful and beneficial leader with the welfare of all people in mind. In just a little note we find Xerxes found a way to impose new taxes on the people. Scripture basically closes here but we do note there is a record in the annals of Media-Persian history to confirm these things and the quality of Mordecai’s leadership. We do find truth in the words of other Scripture Jeremiah’s writing concerning the end of the Babylonian captivity confirmed in the Book of Esther: (See Jeremiah 29:10-14) The words of (Galatians 6:7-10) are confirmed in the lives of Haman and Mordecai. I think we can find them true for people today as well. Most certainly God’s Promise to Abram (Abraham) found in (Genesis 12:3) proves true as well whether it concerns individuals or nations. Israel (The children of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob), are the apple of God’s eye (Deuteronomy 32:10) I recently heard a commentary I do not particularly like but it is not because of the Jews aggressiveness but because of those who choose to be their enemies: “The Jews have stood at the graveside of every nation that has chosen and attempted to destroy them.” Hopefully, you have enjoyed our study of Esther. I pray lessons were clear.

Scriptures to Read

Esther 9:1-10

Esther 9:11-16

Esther 9:17-22

Esther 9:23-28

Esther 9:29-32

Esther 10:1-3

Genesis 12:3