King Ahasuerus became even more great, imposing tribute on the land and on the islands of the sea. In his kingdom, Mordecai became second in command to Ahasuerus, great among the Jews. He sought the good of his people, and spoke peace to all his countrymen. Just think, a few days before Mordecai seemed destined … Continue reading The Rise of Mordecai (Esther 10:1 – 3)
The Feast of Purim (Esther 9:18 – 32)
The Jews at Shushan got together on the thirteenth of Adar, one day after the decree of Haman declared that all the Jews should be killed, having defended themselves strongly and having wiped out their enemies. By the fifteenth of Adar, they celebrated a feast as a holiday, and sent presents to one another. Mordecai … Continue reading The Feast of Purim (Esther 9:18 – 32)
The Jews Saved (Esther 8:1 – 9:17)
After the hanging of Haman, the king gave Esther all the house of Haman, and gave Mordecai the signet ring that had been in Haman's possession. When Esther asked for the order to kill all the Jews to be revoked, the king reminded her that no law of the Medes and Persians could be revoked. … Continue reading The Jews Saved (Esther 8:1 – 9:17)
Backfire (Esther 7:1 – 10)
When Haman and Ahasuerus were at the banquet with Queen Esther, the king again asked what Esther desired, up to half his kingdom. She asked that her life and the life of her people be spared, for a plot had been laid against them. When the king asked who would do such a thing, she … Continue reading Backfire (Esther 7:1 – 10)
The King Honors Mordecai (Esther 6:1 – 14)
The night after Haman built the gallows, the king could not sleep. He asked for the records to be brought, and they were read before the king. It was read that Mordecai had warned the king of two eunuchs' plot to kill the king. He asked what honor had been bestowed on him, and none … Continue reading The King Honors Mordecai (Esther 6:1 – 14)
Haman’s Hateful Plot Against Mordecai (Esther 5:9 – 14)
Haman was happy to have been invited to the banquet with the king and queen, but was infuriated by Mordecai's refusal to bow or tremble before him. Haman went home and called in his friends and his wife. He bragged about how he was rich and how the king had advanced him above all other … Continue reading Haman’s Hateful Plot Against Mordecai (Esther 5:9 – 14)
Here I Go! (Esther 5:1 – 8)
Esther dressed up in her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the king's palace, across from the king's house, as he sat on his throne. As said in yesterday's blog, no one could approach the king without being invited. If you did, he must extend his scepter toward you or you would … Continue reading Here I Go! (Esther 5:1 – 8)
Haman’s Plot and Esther’s Intercession (Esther 3:1 – 4:17)
Haman was promoted by King Ahasuerus, and received homage from everyone per the king's order. Everyone bowed before him, except Mordecai. When asked why, Mordecai would not bow, for he was a Jew. When Haman found out that Mordecai would not bow, he was furious. Haman deceived the king into decreeing that all Jews would … Continue reading Haman’s Plot and Esther’s Intercession (Esther 3:1 – 4:17)
Esther is Chosen as Queen in Persia (Esther 2:1 – 23)
When the king calmed down over the actions of Vashti, he thought about how to proceed. His servants suggested seeking out beautiful virgins for the king, and bringing them to the citadel, or palace, to allow the king to choose a new queen. Mordecai, a Jew, had a cousin named Hadassah, also known as Esther, … Continue reading Esther is Chosen as Queen in Persia (Esther 2:1 – 23)
There’s an Opening (Esther 1:1 – 22)
The story of Esther is one of the most read and preached stories in the Bible. A Jewish girl, a captive in Ahasuerus' kingdom, is given a powerful opportunity to save her people. In the days of Ahasuerus, king over Persia and Media stretching from India to Ethiopia, he had a great feast for his … Continue reading There’s an Opening (Esther 1:1 – 22)
Devoted To You 