November in Daniel, Psalms, Ezra, Haggai, Zechariah, and Esther

NOVEMBER

1. Daniel 9
2. Daniel 10
3. Daniel 11 & 12
4. Ezra 1-2
5. Ezra 3 & Psalm 126
6. Psalm 92-93
7. Psalm 94
8. Psalm 95-96
9. Psalm 97-98
10. Psalm 99-100
11. Ezra 4
12. Haggai 1 & 2
13. Zech 1 & 2
14. Zech 3 & 4
15. Zech 5 & 6
16. Zech 7 & 8
17. Zech 9
18. Zech 10 & 11
19. Zech 12 & 13
20. Zech 14
21. Ezra 5 & 6
22. Psalm 129
23. Psalm 118
24. Psalm 148-150
25. Esther 1 & 2
26. Esther 3 & 4
27. Esther 5 & 6
28. Esther 7 & 8
29. Esther 9 & 10
30. Psalm 106

Put Esther Back on the Old Testament History Shelf

Esther 7-10: Haman Hanged and Purim Celebrated

LINK: Esther 7-10 (Read over the next two days)

BACKGROUND

At the fifth banquet mentioned in this book (1:3,5,9,5:4,8), Esther gets right to the point and pleas with the king on behalf of her people. The king would have no doubt that she was a Jew at this point (2:10, 20). Esther took such a risk in asking on behalf of her people, but the king was open and wanted to know who had done this thing. The climax of the book occurs when Esther cries:

"A foe and an enemy is this wicked Haman!"

Haman's lust for power and fame is undone as he is hung on the gallows that he had originally made for Mordecai, and Mordecai is honored and given the signet ring to authorize the reversal of the king's edict (3:1; 8:10). This was dispatched throughout the king's vast empire, being written in several languages. For more on how the Jews carried out the reversal of the edict, see the REFLECTION section. 

Blue (violet) and white were the royal colors of Persia (1:6), and Mordecai is exalted to a high position wearing these colors. 

Purim is celebrated on the fourteenth and fifteenth days of Adar (9:21). Traditionally, Jews fast on the thirteenth day as Esther had commanded in 4:15-16. It is called Purim because Haman had cast the "pur" for their ruin. Many people of that time cast lots for guidance. An Assyrian "cube-shaped dice" has been uncovered. It dates back to about 858-824 B.C. The word puru is inscribed within a sentence on it. 

Mordecai's acts were recorded in the Chronicles of the Kings of Media and Persia, but I could not find them. We do know that he only held this exalted position for eight years because secular history mentions another man in that place in 465 B.C. (Note for 10:3 in Ryrie Study Bible, p. 746).

REFLECTION

Now to the difficult question of "avenging"! 

Christians have often been uncomfortable with the Book of Esther because it celebrates an event when the Jews were enabled “to avenge themselves on their enemies” (8:13) by killing “seventy-five thousand of them” (9:16). Vengeance is considered unchristian, for we must “not repay anyone evil for evil” but instead “overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:17, 20). We must love our enemies, turn the other cheek, and let the thief take our tunic along with our cloak (Luke 6:27-31). Does Esther reflect an Old Testament Jewish vindictiveness that nonviolent Christians must reject? 

First, consider the word vengeance itself. It comes from the Latin vindicare which also gives us vindicate and vindictive. To vindicate oneself is to attain justice; no one would call that undesirable. But to be vindictive is to desire justice with hatred and condemnation. Christians reject that spirit (Luke 6:37-38; Romans 12:19-20; Ephesians 4:26, 32). Also, should a Christian even forgo earthly vindication if attaining justice requires violence? 

The Hebrew word in Esther 8:13 can mean both vengeance and vindication. In the former sense, the Old Testament forbids individuals to take vengeance or harbor vengeful feelings (Genesis 4:15; Leviticus 19:18; Deuteronomy 32:35-36; Proverbs 25:21-22), although Israelites often did take personal revenge against God’s will (Genesis 34). God insisted that He alone had the right to avenge wrongs, and He promised to avenge Himself impartially against Israel as well as its enemies (Leviticus 26:25; Isaiah 1:24-25; Jeremiah 5:9, 29). 

The author of Esther assumes we know that personal vengeance and vindictive feelings are forbidden. He stresses that the Jews killed only those who attacked them on one (two in Susa) prescribed day, and that they did not profit materially from the deaths (Esther 9:1-2, 5, 10, 16). “They did what they pleased to those who hated them” (Esther 9:5) does not suggest an orgy of cruelty, but only a free hand from the Persian authorities to defend themselves. The Jews acted to defend their nation against extinction; this was no private vendetta. The author implies that the edict allowing the Jews to fight was semi-miraculous, possible only by God’s intervention, and so was in effect His act of vengeance.  (Baldwin, Joyce G. Esther: An Introduction and Commentary, p.100-101). 

Where does this leave us as Christians? Both Old and New Testaments condemn private vengeance and vindictive desires, but the Old Testament seems to condone national defense.  Jesus, Paul, and the rest spoke to private persons, not nations, so Christians continue to disagree over whether nations and groups may use violence to defend themselves. (Life Change Series: Ruth and Esther, p. 94-96)

APPLICATION - PURIM!

The Feast of Purim is usually in late February or early March. So, you have plenty of time to prepare! Since Jews were persecuted right up through to the 20th Century, this festival is very dear to them. 

After the first star appears in the sky after the day of fasting, candles are lit and Esther is read in the synagogue. When Haman's name is mentioned, the crowd boos and congregations stamp the floor saying, "Let his name be blotted out. The wicked shall rot!" (We followers of Jesus do not go that far and just boo and hiss. See below for the whole "vengeance" issue.) Every time the names of Esther and "Good Guy Mordecai" are mentioned, there are cheers!

The Feast of Purim is a GREAT celebration to do with children. Find a reader to read the story of Esther while other actors act out the story. I was Esther once, George was the king, and our friend, Bill Donaldson, was a great WICKED Haman (he is usually so mild-mannered in real life. What a contrast!). The kids bring noisemakers and can make all the noise they want in church!  It is GREAT FUN.

It is a way to recall how God has protected and saved you too! I heartily recommend gathering a group together and celebrating!

Here is a recipe for a fun dessert called "Haman's hats":

Go to www.chabad.org for everything you need and a fun explanation of Purim for kids called "Purim is Awesome." 

PRAYER

Lord, thank You that You are sovereign over evil, and You will triumph in the end. Help us to trust in You and be willing to take risks as You use us for Your glory. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen. 

Esther 5 & 6 - Haman's Humiliation

LINK: Esther 5 & 6

BACKGROUND

On the third day of fasting, Esther executed her plan. She took a risk when she went to see the king, and he accepted her by extending the royal scepter. He was so pleased he was willing to give up to half of his kingdom to her. This was an idiom that meant that she could request whatever she desired. (Half of his kingdom would have been quite a bit since it was an area of more than 600,000 square miles extending from Greece (west) to India (east) and from southern Russia (north) to Saudi Arabia (south)!)

Wisely, Esther asked only that the king and Haman join her for a banquet in their honor and then a second one. Apparently, it was an unusual honor to be invited to a banquet with a queen since Persian kings were very protective of their wives. This swelled Haman's pride!

Esther's next request was also very simple: a second banquet. We do not know why Esther did not expose Haman at the first banquet. The Bible Knowledge Commentary states:

From a literary standpoint, this delay raises the tension level as the story moves to its climax. A person reading Esther for the first time would be in a high state of agitation as the tension increased. (p. 708)

We also see God's sovereign hand in delaying Haman's exposure until the second banquet because of the things that happened between the two.

We see Haman's pride and gloating because he was the guest of honor at a private banquet with the king and queen. His gloating was dampened by Mordecai's refusal to bow down to him. On the suggestion of his wife and friends, Haman built gallows to hang Mordecai (probably an impaling stake which was a common method of execution in the ancient world).

In the meantime, the king could not sleep and asked for chronicles to be read to him (that would certainly put me to sleep). Through this, the king discovered that Mordecai had been overlooked and gone unrewarded for saving his life when he uncovered the assassination plot against him! (By the way, extra-biblical sources confirm that the Persian kings were fastidious about keeping records.)

Haman went to the king that day thinking that he would be honored, but much to Haman's mortification, Mordecai was honored rather than impaled, and Haman was forced to watch Mordecai honored rather than himself! What a blow.

When Haman told his wife and friends about the turn of events, they told him he was DOOMED because Haman was a Jew. The ancient pagan world knew that no one could stand against the covenant-keeping God.

REFLECTION

"Pride is the deification of self." 

Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest

"Pride goes before destruction" (Proverbs 16:18). One of the supreme examples of this truth in the entire Bible is Haman. His ego is on a feeding frenzy. He has power, wealth, position, family, friends, and honor. Yet all of this fails to satisfy his ego. 

Mordecai´s unwillingness to bow down to him sticks like a bone in Haman´s throat. Haman´s wife reveals her character by suggesting a flamboyant display of vengeance: "Let a gallows be made, fifty cubits high [75 feet], and in the morning suggest to the king that Mordecai be hanged on it," she counsels (5:14). The same shadow is darkening both hearts. When pride is taken to this extreme, we see how exceedingly ugly it is. Beware of pride! (Quiet Walk Daily E-Devotional, Walk Thru the Bible, July 17, 2008)

APPLICATION

Christ could afford to be humble as He served upon this earth. After all, He was the Son of God. He had nothing to prove. Yet does His Word not also say that we are heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ?  

Do you know who you are?  

Then go ahead and wash a few feet. God's most liberated servants are those who also know they have nothing to prove. (Praying God's Word, p. 66)

It has been a while since we have had a "pride check-up" in the Bible Book Club. How are you doing in this area? Search your heart and pray through a selection of Scripturally based prayers below from the chapter "Overcoming Pride" in Praying God's Word by Beth Moore.

PRAYER

Lord God, Your Word clearly warns us that pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall (Prov. 16:18).

God, I know that a man's pride brings him low, but a man of lowly spirit gains honor (Prov. 29:23). Help me to understand what You mean by a lowly or humble spirit. I want to be a person who gains honor in Your sight. 

Father, it is not enough for me to humble myself for one day (Is. 58:5). You desire humility to be a lifestyle characteristic. 

My Father, how I thank You that the humble will rejoice in the Lord; the needy will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel (Isaiah 29:19). 

Father God, give me the courage to admit when I've entered into an unwise alliance. Help me to go and humble myself before the person and press my plea (Proverbs 6:3). 

Sovereign Lord, Your hand has made heaven and earth, and through You, they came into being. Your Word says, "This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at my word" (Isaiah 66:2). Father, I can hardly imagine being someone You esteem, but I sincerely want to be! Make me that kind of person through the power of Your Holy Spirit, Lord. (Praying God's Word, p. 61, 65) 

Esther 3 & 4 - "If I Perish, I Perish"

LINK: Esther 3 & 4

BACKGROUND 

Esther 1-4

The king was boastful. Eastern rulers often hosted elaborate banquets to impress their guests with their power and wealth. The Scriptures do not tell us the reason for this particular banquet. Herodotus in the Histories may be referring to it when he states that Ahasuerus was conferring with his leaders about a possible invasion of Greece. His father, Darius I, had invaded Greece but was defeated at Marathon in 490, and his son felt compelled to avenge his father and expand his kingdom. Herodotus speculates that Ahasuerus wanted to invade all of Europe and make "the whole earth into one empire." History tells us that his fleet did defeat the Greeks at Thermopylae but was defeated at the Battle of Salamis in 480 B.C. and Plataea in 479 B.C. He had to go home after this, and Esther came into the picture in 479 B.C. after these defeats.

It was important for Ahasuerus to impress his nobles and military leaders with these banquets that lasted 187 days! What a blow to his pride when his own Queen Vashti did not want to play the "impress game." By the seventh day of the celebration, the feast would have been a drunken party. Scripture does not tell us why Vashti refused, but there is some speculation that it may have been because she was pregnant with Artaxerxes, who was born in 483 B.C. Regardless, it was a tremendous insult to the king and his guests. Vashti was deposed to send a message to the whole kingdom that every man should be a ruler in his own household!

Enter Esther into the king's harem where she waited for at least 12 months. Mordecai (his Babylonian name is taken from the god Marduk) was a Jew of the tribe of Benjamin and hid the fact that he and his cousin, Esther, were Jews. Kish, Mordecai's great-grandfather, was deported by Nebuchadnezzar along with Jehoiachin in 597 B.C. The name Esther is a Persian name meaning "star." Her Hebrew name was Hadassah which means "myrtle."

According to the Mosaic Law, Esther was not to marry a pagan (Deuteronomy 7:1-4) or have sexual relations with a man who was not her husband (Exodus 20:14), and yet this was her purpose in the harem. She also ate the king's food (Esther 2:9). This is different from Daniel who refused to eat at the king's table (Daniel 1:5) because it was unclean according to Jewish Law.

Esther won the king's affection, but she was also being prepared for sexual relations with the king. Most of the king's concubines would go to the king only once and live the rest of their lives in the harem. Esther, however, pleased the king so much that she was made queen in place of Vashti in 478 B.C.

Mordecai was at the king's gate as a judiciary official and uncovered a plot to assassinate the king leading to the two men being hung on the gallows (the men were probably impaled on a stake or post - Ezra 6:11). Mordecai is not rewarded for his work.

Now, enter the antagonist in this great story: Haman. Haman was an Agagite. Agag was a province in the Persian Empire. He was elevated to the highest position by Xerxes and was due special respect by others kneeling down to him as an act of worship. Mordecai refused because he could not worship a man, and the climax is reached in the tension of this literary plot! Haman sets out to destroy ALL the Jews because of Mordecai's slight! This would mean the Jews of Palestine who had rebuilt the temple and were living according to the law (Ezra 1-6). Even though God is not mentioned in this book, God is present in this narrative!

In this part of the story, Haman used a "pur," a Babylonian word for the lot, to decide when to kill the Jews. Because of how the lot fell, the Jews had a year to prepare. "Pur" is the basis for the name of the Feast of Purim (9:26) which is celebrated every year by the Jews.

Following this, the king was persuaded by Haman to destroy the Jews, but he did not know that Esther was a Jew! The decree for their extermination was April 17, 474 B.C., and by this time, Esther had been queen for four years.

Mordecai mourned this news and Esther heard of it and inquired as to why he was mourning. Through her servants, she learned of the king's edict (Apparently, her position did not afford her access to the local news!). Mordecai urged her to go to the king on behalf of her people, but Esther reminded him that unless she was summoned, she could be put to death for coming to him unannounced. She had not been summoned by him for a month and did not know if his attitude was favorable.

Mordecai knew that if the entire nation were destroyed, God's promises to Abraham, Moses, and David would not be fulfilled, and this would break the Scarlet Thread of Redemption. Mordecai reminded her that she would also die if she did not act and perhaps she had attained royalty for "such a time as this." God is not mentioned, but His timing and control over events are so implied in this statement!

Esther replied with her courageous, classic statement: "If I perish, I perish." She acts by instructing all the Jews in Susa to fast for three days. Stay tuned!

REFLECTION

The key theme of this book is clearly expressed in 4:12-16, know them well! God often places us in a position where we must act. God is always sovereign, but He uses His people to accomplish His purposes, and we must exercise individual responsibility in responding to Him. 

Where have we seen another situation like this in our Bible Book Club reading? I'll give you some time to think. . .

JOSEPH! (Read Genesis 45:5-7 to refresh your memory.)

APPLICATION

Is God calling you to stand up and be courageous knowing that there might be personal costs involved? Let the courage of Esther encourage you and STAND UP!

PRAYER

Lord, help us to stand up to those things that oppose Your purposes. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.

Esther 1 & 2 - Esther Becomes a Queen

LINK: Esther 1 & 2

I love this story! It is a very good narration, and it FLIES by. At the Feast of Purim (we'll talk more about that later), the book of Esther is read in one sitting. Try it!

BACKGROUND

Esther occurs in the time period between Ezra 6 and 7. In a standard Bible, it is included after Ezra and Nehemiah because those books were, at one time, one book. (They were later separated by Origin in the 3rd century A.D.) 

Esther covers a period of ten years from 483-473 B.C. It was 103 years after Nebuchadnezzar had taken the Jews into captivity (2 Kings 25) and 54 years after Zerubbabel led the first group of exiles back to Jerusalem (Ezra 1-2), and 25 years before Ezra led the second group to Jerusalem in Ezra 7. This timeline is important when you think about the fact that there would have been no second group and no Ezra, for that matter, had it not been for the intervention of Esther. In fact, there would have been no Jews in Palestine either.

That is why Esther is such an important book in the Bible even though it is the only book that makes NO mention of GOD. We do not know who wrote it, but it was believed to be a Jew since the author knew Persian and Jewish culture. Some have suggested Ezra or Nehemiah, but there is no evidence of that fact.

Chronology of the Book of Esther (dates in B.C.):

• Xerxes 1 (Ahasuerus) becomes king - 486
• Xerxes holds his banquet, deposed Vashti (Esther 1:3) - 483
• Persia fights Greece and is defeated - 482-479
• Esther becomes queen (Esther 2:15-17) - December 479-January 478
• Haman plots against the Jews (Esther 3:7) - April-May 474
• Xerxes issues the edict against the Jews (Esther 3:12) - April 17, 474
• Xerxes issues the edicts to protect the Jews (Esther 8:9) - June 25, 474
• The day of destruction (Esther 3:13, 8:12) - March 7, 473
• The first Purim celebration (Esther 9:17-19) - March 8-9, 473 (Adapted from Life Change Series: Ruth and Esther, p. 63)

Xerxes was Darius' son. There are different names for Xerxes across all the historical accounts. Here are the different language variations of his name:

• Xerxes - Greek (pronounced "Zerk-ceez")
• Khshayarshan - Persian
• Ahasuerus - Hebrew (the Old Testament name) 

King Xerxes, called Ahasuerus, ruled the Persian Empire from 486-465 B.C. Persia was the dominant kingdom in the Middle East after the fall of Babylon in 539 B.C. Xerxes is mentioned in Ezra 4:6 and Daniel 9:1. Judah was one of the many provinces he ruled (Nehemiah 1:2). "India" is present-day West Pakistan; "Cush" was the upper Nile region that included present-day southern Egypt, Sudan, and northern Ethiopia. The Persian Kingdom stretched out over an area of more than 600,000 square miles from modern-day Greece (west) to India (east) and from southern Russia (north) to Saudi Arabia (south). The king was one of the richest men in the whole world!

This is the only biblical account of Jews who remained in Persia after the return led by Zerubbabel in 538 B.C. Even though many Israelites had returned from the Exile to the land of Palestine to rebuild the temple, MOST of the exiles remained behind and were assimilated into the Persian culture, The Jews had great freedom in Persia and were already very established there since it had been 103 years since the Exile. It would be similar to me having no desire to return to Sweden even though my ancestors immigrated from there in 1923. America has become my home, just as Persia had become their home. The major difference between me not returning to Sweden and the Israelites not returning to their land is that they had been urged to return by both Isaiah and Jeremiah (Isaiah 48:20; Jeremiah 50:8; 51:6) so that God could bless them under the covenantal promises (Deuteronomy 28).

I read Herodotus' Histories this year in hopes of seeing Esther's name! King Xerxes and Queen Vashti (Amestris) were mentioned, but there was no mention of Esther. This would not be unusual since women were not usually given much "press" unless they did something related to government and wars. Vashti is mentioned more because she is the Queen mother of the next king, Artaxerxes, who was born a year before Vashti was deposed in 482 B.C. 

Herodotus describes Xerxes as bold, ambitious, handsome, stately, and self-indulgent in every area. At one point, Xerxes was attracted to his brother Masistes' wife. When she rebuffed him, Xerxes married her daughter Artaynte to his son Darius, then seduced Artaynte himself. Xerxes allowed his wife to take revenge on Artaynte's mother, and when Masistes fought back, Xerxes had his own brother and nephews killed along with their army (Joyce Baldwin, Esther: An Introduction and Commentary, p. 19). 

This was the same king, "Who ordered a bridge to be built over the Hellespont, and who, on learning that the bridge had been destroyed by a tempest, just after its completion, was so blindly enraged that he commanded three hundred strokes of the scourge to be inflicted on the sea, and a pair of fetters to be thrown into it at the Hellespont, and then had the unhappy builders of the bridge beheaded. This is the king who, on being offered a sum equivalent to five and a half million sterling [about $11,000,000] by Pythius, the Lydian, towards the expenses of a military expedition, was so enraptured at such loyalty that he returned the money, accompanied by a handsome present: and then, on being requested by this same Pythius, shortly afterward, to spare him just one of his sons -- eldest -- from the expedition, as the sole support of his declining years, furiously ordered the son to be cut in two pieces, and the army to march between them" (Baxter, Explore the Book, volume 2, pages 262-263. Baxter refers to Herodotus, book 7, chapters 27-39) (Life Change Series: Ruth and Esther, p. 64-65)

This brief character study of Xerxes helps you understand, in historical context, what a risk Esther took in going to appeal to the king!

Since this was such a long background to the entire book, I will include background for chapters 1-4 tomorrow. Happy reading!

PRAYER

Lord, teach us from the life of Esther. Amen.

Esther 9 & 10 - Feast of Purim

LINK: Esther 9 & 10

BACKGROUND
The Jews had been given nine months to prepare for the attack of the Gentiles against them. They used that time to get themselves organized and armed, so when they were attacked on the specified date they were ready to defend themselves and their families. God had also been at work so that "the dread of them (the Jews) had fallen on all the peoples." God had done that before, when Israel prepared to enter the promised land (Deut 2:25). The people also feared Mordecai (Esther 9:3), because he was in a position of authority and would use that authority righteously.

So when the appointed day came, there were attacks against Jews all over the empire. But the Jews were able to defend themselves successfully against these attacks. Although they had been given permission to take the spoils of their attackers, they did not do it. They weren't out to gain wealth; they were only protecting themselves, their families, and their own property.

When the fighting ended, there was great rejoicing! Then Mordecai proclaimed an annual feast to celebrate the victory. The date was set for the 14th and 15th of Adar each year, and the feast was named Purim, which means lots, because Haman had cast lots to determine the date of the original attack against the Jews.

Today, the Jews begin their celebration on the 13th with a day of fasting to commemorate Haman's evil decree. They go to the synagogue where the entire book of Esther is read aloud. Whenever Haman's name is mentioned, they cry out, "May he be accursed!" or "May his name perish!" and children rattle their noisemakers.

Then on the 14th, they go to the synagogue again, and the entire book of Esther is read aloud again. The story of Moses and the Amalekites (Exodus 17:8-16) is also read on this day, and there is also a time of prayer.

After this time at the synagogue, families go home to celebrate the festive holiday meal with special foods and give gifts to each other. They send gifts and food to the poor as well (as Mordecai commanded), so they may also participate in the celebration.

REFLECTION
Mordecai and Esther saw God's hand in the events of their time, and they did not want the Jews to forget what happened. So they established the annual celebration of Purim for the Jewish people in all places, through all generations. We do tend to have short memories and can greatly benefit from reminders such as these. We celebrated Christmas last week, and although this celebration is never commanded by God, it serves as a good reminder to us of what Jesus did in order to obtain our salvation. We also commemorate specific events each year at Easter, as well as other holidays. These days of corporate celebration serve as great reminders of what God has done for us.

APPLICATION
We can also have personal or family celebrations to commemorate specific events in our lives. Some celebrate a second birthday each year, remembering the day they recognized Jesus as their personal savior. We can establish our own celebrations to remind us of how God brought us through difficult times or surprised us with some kind of provision for our physical or spiritual lives. What events in your life do/could you celebrate? Take some time to reflect and give honor and praise to God for what he has done at various points in your life or the life of your family.

PRAYER
Lord, you are worthy of much praise! You give us the strength to stand against our enemies. You provide for us and lead us in this life. We honor and praise you for what you have done. Amen.

Esther 7 & 8 - "This Wicked Haman!"

LINK: Esther 7 & 8

BACKGROUND
In chapter 7, Esther makes her request to the king. She reveals to him that someone has set out to destroy her and her people. This statement grabs the king's attention and probably puzzles him. He immediately wants to know who would presume to do such a thing. Esther identifies the enemy as Haman -- the king is enraged and Haman is terrified.

In his great anger, the king leaves the room to try to collect himself. While he is gone, Haman proceeds to beg for mercy from the queen -- his only chance for escape. While begging, he falls on the couch where Esther is reclined just in time for the king to reenter the room and accuse him of trying to molest the queen. Haman is doomed! The king orders him killed on the very gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai.

In chapter 8, the king gives all of Haman's land and possessions to Esther, and she turns the management of the property over to Mordecai. Then the king also gives Haman's position, similar to prime minister, to Mordecai. He becomes second in command over the entire empire.

But the Jewish people are all still at risk of annihilation. Esther falls at the king's feet and weeps and implores him to avert the evil plot against the Jews. The king can't change the edict he gave earlier, but he allows Mordecai to write a new one allowing the Jews to defend themselves. Mordecai takes action immediately and writes a new edict, has it translated into all the languages of the empire and dispatched to every province by couriers on the royal steeds.

When the new decree reaches the Jews scattered throughout the empire, there is much rejoicing and celebration. Many observers are stricken with fear of the Jews, and many pagans apparently converted to Judaism or at least sided with the Jews.

REFLECTION
Galatians 6:7 says, "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. Haman is an excellent picture of the principle "you reap what you sow" in life. Haman sowed hatred and violence and reaped the wrath of the king and a violent death for himself. Haman's pride led to his destruction, as Carol discussed yesterday. Haman is such a great example of what NOT to be in life.

We can look at the responses and actions of Mordecai and Esther and see the flip side of "you reap what you sow." They demonstrated humility and were thereby raised to positions of honor. They responded to Haman's edict with prayer and fasting before God, seeking His guidance and direction. Esther approached the king carefully, with great wisdom and perfect timing. I believe that was a direct answer to their prayers.

APPLICATION
The Galatians 6 passage goes on to say, "For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith." Let's meditate on that thought today.

PRAYERLord, you promise vengeance on your enemies, but you also promise blessing to those who love you. Teach us to trust your timing and to allow you to be God. Show us ways we can "sow to the Spirit" so we may reap the blessings of the Spirit. Let us see ways we can do good to others, not from impure motives but out of our love for you. Remind us to be humble before you and before men, so that all that we do may bring honor and glory to your holy name. In the name of Jesus, amen.