Short Reflection from Esther 1-10

[Originally posted in a WhatsApp group (BRU) as a daily reading update (reflection) from each chapter of the Bible]

[7:22 am, 11/05/2022] S.R: 𝔼𝕤𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣 𝟙:𝟙𝟡

"If it pleases the king, let a royal edict be issued by him and let it be written in the laws of Persia and Media so that it cannot be repealed, that Vashti may no longer come into the presence of King Ahasuerus, and let the king give her royal position to another who is more worthy than she."

We aren't told why Vashti refused to come. But the wise men perceived it to be an act of contempt against the husband which wives must never do. And of course, in the providence of God, it was a way for Esther to be the Queen!

#Honor. #Providence

 

𝔼𝕤𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣 𝟚:𝟙𝟟

"The king loved Esther more than all the women, and she found favor and kindness with him more than all the virgins, so that he set the royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti."

Esther, a Jew marrying the king, a Gentile. The best option among the worst. Still, a very odd story!

 

𝔼𝕤𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣 𝟛:𝟙𝟙

"The king said to Haman, ‘The silver is yours, and the people also, to do with them as you please.’"

Did the king love money? Did the king hate rebellions in the kingdom? Was the kingdom in a financial crisis? No matter what the motive of the king was, the king didn't examine the complaint and the plan. He was quick to trust Haman.

Don't quickly listen to complaints and plans like king Ahasuerus. Do your homework. Don't be too dependent on others. Don't be lazy.

 

𝔼𝕤𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣 𝟜:𝟙𝟞

"Go, assemble all the Jews who are found in Susa, and fast for me; do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maidens also will fast in the same way. And thus I will go in to the king, which is not according to the law; and if I perish, I perish."

A necessary thing must be done even if it involves a great risk! That's why they are called heroes and heroines for their bravery, conviction, and execution!

 

𝔼𝕤𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣 𝟝:𝟙𝟚-𝟙𝟛

"Haman also said, ‘Even Esther the queen let no one but me come with the king to the banquet which she had prepared; and tomorrow also I am invited by her with the king. Yet all of this does not satisfy me every time I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king's gate.’"

Seeking self-glory at the expense of killing a person is so evil. And in this case, the whole community, the very people of God. That has to be paid for by his own life. And so, Haman would be hanged, later on.

 

𝔼𝕤𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣 𝟞:𝟛

"The king said, What honor or dignity has been bestowed on Mordecai for this? Then the king's servants who attended him said, ‘Nothing has been done for him.’"

Honor comes from the Lord. Learn to rest in God!

 

𝔼𝕤𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣 𝟟:𝟝

"Then King Ahasuerus asked Queen Esther, 'Who is he, and where is he, who would presume to do thus?'"

God did fight for His people. God did fight for those who put their trust in Him. God did fight for the oppressed people. God did fight for the victims!

But through people like Mordecai, Esther, and the King! Mordecai was a tough man, a man of principle, who would not bow to pressure or intimidation.

 

𝔼𝕤𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣 𝟠:𝟠

"Now you write to the Jews as you see fit, in the king's name, and seal it with the king's signet ring; for a decree which is written in the name of the king and sealed with the king's signet ring may not be revoked."

Permission for civil war, a community clash. It must happen!

 

𝔼𝕤𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣 𝟡:𝟚𝟝

"But when it came to the king's attention, he commanded by letter that his wicked scheme which he had devised against the Jews, should return on his own head and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows."

Thou shall not devise wicked schemes against your neighbors!

 

𝔼𝕤𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣 𝟙𝟘:𝟛

"For Mordecai the Jew was second only to King Ahasuerus, and great among the Jews and in favor with his many kinsmen, one who sought the good of his people and one who spoke for the welfare of his whole nation."

We need statesmen like Mordecai!