I’ve been working through the book of Esther but often accounts like this are best understood when we see the whole story together. Whilst we can preach sermon series on books like Esther, Ruth and Jonah, there’s benefit from time to time to getting that big picture view to understand the overall message. So, here’s… Continue reading For such a time as this
Tag: Esther
The victory of God’s people
The day comes which was meant to be the day of death and destruction. However, the Jews are ready and prepared. The enemy are still there but it is the Jews who go on the offensive, there is a sense in which victory has already been won, the ringleader has been dealt with and the… Continue reading The victory of God’s people
Intercession
With Haman out of the way, the king hands his estate over to Esther and she appoints Mordecai in charge of it. Mordecai also receives the signet ring given to Haman, he is being exalted to a high position of authority in the kingdom (Esther 8:1-2). However, Esther is not yet satisfied, the danger has… Continue reading Intercession
The enemy
When Esther goes to King Ahasuerus to plead for her people, he asks who is responsible for the planned atrocity against them. He will of course know about Haman’s law but perhaps hasn’t yet connected Esther with the Jews. Esther explains that the one responsible is: An adversary and enemy! This vile Haman!”[1] Earlier we… Continue reading The enemy
The Great Exchange
Jesus once asked “What benefit is there in gaining the world (prospering materially) if you lose your soul?” Esther understood this well. The king and Haman have come to her banquet and Ahasuerus offers her anything she desires, even half the kingdom (Esther 7:1-2) . She could have used this opportunity to benefit herself, to… Continue reading The Great Exchange
Bad timing
The King is restless and unable to sleep. This is a little bit of a theme in books describing the exile. Think of how Darius is restless whilst Daniel faces his ordeal in the lions’ den. To keep him occupied, and perhaps to read in a rhythm, that will help him drift off, the chronicles… Continue reading Bad timing
Haman oversteps
Haman returns from the palace in high spirits. It seems to him that he has not only won the king’s favour but the Queen’s too (Esther 5:9). However, he notices en-route that Mordecai is still defying him and refusing to bow down (5:10). This fills him with rage but he just about manages to restrain… Continue reading Haman oversteps
Esther and the King
Esther goes to see the king (Esther 5:1). Remember that this was potentially dangerous. It was possible that he would not welcome her and if so, this could lead to punishment by death. It’s funny isn’t it that we tend to report and gloss over these facts in a matter of fact way. Of course,… Continue reading Esther and the King
For this moment
Mordecai has asked Esther to go to the king and intercede for God’s people, the Jews who are threatened by Haman’s planned genoci in NJde. Esther responds by pointing out to Mordecai that this would put her own life at risk. She cannot simply go into the king as she pleases but must wait to… Continue reading For this moment
Deliver us from evil
News reaches Mordecai of Haman’s orders. His response is to go into public mourning, tearing his clothes, putting on sackcloth and covering his head with ash. As news spreads, other Jews do the same. This was a cry to God for mercy and deliverance. It is important not to treat Mordecai as somehow to blame.… Continue reading Deliver us from evil
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