Good morning, 

We have come to the conclusion of our study of the Book of Esther. 

The festival of Purim celebrates God’s deliverance from a plot to destroy all the Jews. This year the celebration begins on the evening of 23 March and ends on the evening of 24 March. 

This week we will look at chapters 8-10. The plot of Haman is revealed to the King. Haman is judged. Mordecai is promoted. A new letter is sent. The feast of Purim is inaugurated.  

Today is provided the highlights of chapters 8-10, with a challenge for each chapter.  

Chapter 9 

Feast of Purim established (9:20-26)

“And Mordecai wrote these things, and sent letters unto all the Jews that were in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, both nigh and far,21 To stablish this among them, that they should keep the fourteenth day of the month Adar, and the fifteenth day of the same, yearly,22 As the days wherein the Jews rested from their enemies, and the month which was turned unto them from sorrow to joy, and from mourning into a good day: that they should make them days of feasting and joy, and of sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor. And the Jews undertook to do as they had begun, and as Mordecai had written unto them;24 Because Haman the son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, the enemy of all the Jews, had devised against the Jews to destroy them, and had cast Pur, that is, the lot, to consume them, and to destroy them;25 But when Esther came before the king, he commanded by letters that his wicked device, which he devised against the Jews, should return upon his own head, and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows.26 Wherefore they called these days Purim after the name of Pur. Therefore for all the words of this letter, and of that which they had seen concerning this matter, and which had come unto them,” 

Feast of Purim commanded to be kept every year (9:27-32)

“The Jews ordained, and took upon them, and upon their seed, and upon all such as joined themselves unto them, so as it should not fail, that they would keep these two days according to their writing, and according to their appointed time every year;28 And that these days should be remembered and kept throughout every generation, every family, every province, and every city; and that these days of Purim should not fail from among the Jews, nor the memorial of them perish from their seed.29 Then Esther the queen, the daughter of Abihail, and Mordecai the Jew, wrote with all authority, to confirm this second letter of Purim.30 And he sent the letters unto all the Jews, to the hundred twenty and seven provinces of the kingdom of Ahasuerus, with words of peace and truth,31 To confirm these days of Purim in their times appointed, according as Mordecai the Jew and Esther the queen had enjoined them, and as they had decreed for themselves and for their seed, the matters of the fastings and their cry.32 And the decree of Esther confirmed these matters of Purim; and it was written in the book.”

The Jews defeated their enemies. To commemorate this event the festival of Purim was initiated.  It has been celebrated from that time till today.  

“O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens.²Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger. ³When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; ⁴What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?” (Psalm 8:1-4) 

God avenges the enemies of the Jews. 

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning, 

We have come to the conclusion of our study of the Book of Esther. 

The festival of Purim celebrates God’s deliverance from a plot to destroy all the Jews. This year the celebration begins on the evening of 23 March and ends on the evening of 24 March. 

This week we will look at chapters 8-10. The plot of Haman is revealed to the King. Haman is judged. Mordecai is promoted. A new letter is sent. The feast of Purim is inaugurated.  

Today is provided the highlights of chapters 8-10, with a challenge for each chapter.  

Chapter 8

Mordecai’s promotion and new decree 

Mordecai’s promotion (8:1-2)

“On that day did the king Ahasuerus give the house of Haman the Jews’ enemy unto Esther the queen. And Mordecai came before the king; for Esther had told what he was unto her.2 And the king took off his ring, which he had taken from Haman, and gave it unto Mordecai. And Esther set Mordecai over the house of Haman.” 

Esther’s plea to the king to reverse Haman’s wicked plot (8:3-6)

“And Esther spake yet again before the king, and fell down at his feet, and besought him with tears to put away the mischief of Haman the Agagite, and his device that he had devised against the Jews.4 Then the king held out the golden scepter toward Esther. So Esther arose, and stood before the king,5 And said, If it please the king, and if I have favor in his sight, and the thing seem right before the king, and I be pleasing in his eyes, let it be written to reverse the letters devised by Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, which he wrote to destroy the Jews which are in all the king’s provinces:6 For how can I endure to see the evil that shall come unto my people? or how can I endure to see the destruction of my kindred?”

King Ahasuerus’ reply (8:7-8)

“ Then the king Ahasuerus said unto Esther the queen and to Mordecai the Jew, Behold, I have given Esther the house of Haman, and him they have hanged upon the gallows, because he laid his hand upon the Jews. Write ye also for the Jews, as it liketh you, in the king’s name, and seal it with the king’s ring: for the writing which is written in the king’s name, and sealed with the king’s ring, may no man reverse.” 

New decree (8:9-12)

“Then were the king’s scribes called at that time in the third month, that is, the month Sivan, on the three and twentieth day thereof; and it was written according to all that Mordecai commanded unto the Jews, and to the lieutenants, and the deputies and rulers of the provinces which are from India unto Ethiopia, an hundred twenty and seven provinces, unto every province according to the writing thereof, and unto every people after their language, and to the Jews according to their writing, and according to their language. And he wrote in the king Ahasuerus’ name, and sealed it with the king’s ring, and sent letters by posts on horseback, and riders on mules, camels, and young dromedaries:11 Wherein the king granted the Jews which were in every city to gather themselves together, and to stand for their life, to destroy, to slay and to cause to perish, all the power of the people and province that would assault them, both little ones and women, and to take the spoil of them for a prey, Upon one day in all the provinces of king Ahasuerus, namely, upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar.” 

Decree sent (8:13-17)

“The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province was published unto all people, and that the Jews should be ready against that day to avenge themselves on their enemies.14 So the posts that rode upon mules and camels went out, being hastened and pressed on by the king’s commandment. And the decree was given at Shushan the palace.15 And Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal apparel of blue and white, and with a great crown of gold, and with a garment of fine linen and purple: and the city of Shushan rejoiced and was glad.16 The Jews had light, and gladness, and joy, and honor.  17 And in every province, and in every city, whithersoever the king’s commandment and his decree came, the Jews had joy and gladness, a feast and a good day. And many of the people of the land became Jews; for the fear of the Jews fell upon them.”

The problem still exists, what will become of the Jews? The king’s decree could not be revoked.  

The king promotes Mordecai to Haman’s position. He suggests that Haman write a new decree. He does. Verses 10-11 above tell us what Mordecai wrote. Basically, he gave the Jews the ability to defend themselves, to destroy, to slay and cause to perish, all those that would try to destroy them.  

The anti-Semites of that day were about to understand the power of God. 

“Know therefore that the Lord thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations; ¹⁰And repayeth them that hate him to their face, to destroy them: he will not be slack to him that hateth him, he will repay him to his face. (Deuteronomy 7:9-10) 

He did! 

Chapter 9 

Jews destroy their enemies and Purim instituted 

Jews defend themselves successfully in the provinces(9:1-5)

“Now in the twelfth month, that is, the month Adar, on the thirteenth day of the same, when the king’s commandment and his decree drew near to be put in execution, in the day that the enemies of the Jews hoped to have power over them, (though it was turned to the contrary, that the Jews had rule over them that hated them;)2 The Jews gathered themselves together in their cities throughout all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, to lay hand on such as sought their hurt: and no man could withstand them; for the fear of them fell upon all people.3 And all the rulers of the provinces, and the lieutenants, and the deputies, and officers of the king, helped the Jews; because the fear of Mordecai fell upon them.4 For Mordecai was great in the king’s house, and his fame went out throughout all the provinces: for this man Mordecai waxed greater and greater. Thus the Jews smote all their enemies with the stroke of the sword, and slaughter, and destruction, and did what they would unto those that hated them.” 

Jews defend themselves successfully in the Shushan (9:6-17)

“And in Shushan the palace the Jews slew and destroyed five hundred men.7 And Parshandatha, and Dalphon, and Aspatha,8 And Poratha, and Adalia, and Aridatha,9 And Parmashta, and Arisai, and Aridai, and Vajezatha,10 The ten sons of Haman the son of Hammedatha, the enemy of the Jews, slew they; but on the spoil laid they not their hand.11 On that day the number of those that were slain in Shushan the palace was brought before the king.12 And the king said unto Esther the queen, The Jews have slain and destroyed five hundred men in Shushan the palace, and the ten sons of Haman; what have they done in the rest of the king’s provinces? now what is thy petition? and it shall be granted thee: or what is thy request further? and it shall be done.13 Then said Esther, If it please the king, let it be granted to the Jews which are in Shushan to do tomorrow also according unto this day’s decree, and let Haman’s ten sons be hanged upon the gallows.14 And the king commanded it so to be done: and the decree was given at Shushan; and they hanged Haman’s ten sons.15 For the Jews that were in Shushan gathered themselves together on the fourteenth day also of the month Adar, and slew three hundred men at Shushan; but on the prey they laid not their hand.16 But the other Jews that were in the king’s provinces gathered themselves together, and stood for their lives, and had rest from their enemies, and slew of their foes seventy and five thousand, but they laid not their hands on the prey,17 On the thirteenth day of the month Adar; and on the fourteenth day of the same rested they, and made it a day of feasting and gladness.

Feast of Purim established (9:20-26)

“And Mordecai wrote these things, and sent letters unto all the Jews that were in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, both nigh and far,21 To stablish this among them, that they should keep the fourteenth day of the month Adar, and the fifteenth day of the same, yearly,22 As the days wherein the Jews rested from their enemies, and the month which was turned unto them from sorrow to joy, and from mourning into a good day: that they should make them days of feasting and joy, and of sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor. And the Jews undertook to do as they had begun, and as Mordecai had written unto them;24 Because Haman the son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, the enemy of all the Jews, had devised against the Jews to destroy them, and had cast Pur, that is, the lot, to consume them, and to destroy them;25 But when Esther came before the king, he commanded by letters that his wicked device, which he devised against the Jews, should return upon his own head, and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows.26 Wherefore they called these days Purim after the name of Pur. Therefore for all the words of this letter, and of that which they had seen concerning this matter, and which had come unto them,” 

Feast of Purim commanded to be kept every year (9:27-32)

“The Jews ordained, and took upon them, and upon their seed, and upon all such as joined themselves unto them, so as it should not fail, that they would keep these two days according to their writing, and according to their appointed time every year;28 And that these days should be remembered and kept throughout every generation, every family, every province, and every city; and that these days of Purim should not fail from among the Jews, nor the memorial of them perish from their seed.29 Then Esther the queen, the daughter of Abihail, and Mordecai the Jew, wrote with all authority, to confirm this second letter of Purim.30 And he sent the letters unto all the Jews, to the hundred twenty and seven provinces of the kingdom of Ahasuerus, with words of peace and truth,31 To confirm these days of Purim in their times appointed, according as Mordecai the Jew and Esther the queen had enjoined them, and as they had decreed for themselves and for their seed, the matters of the fastings and their cry.32 And the decree of Esther confirmed these matters of Purim; and it was written in the book.”

The Jews defeated their enemies. To commemorate this event the festival of Purim was initiated.  It has been celebrated from that time till today.  

“O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens.²Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger. ³When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; ⁴What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?” (Psalm 8:1-4) 

God avenges the enemies of the Jews. 

Chapter 10

Mordecai’s greatness (10:1-3)

“And the king Ahasuerus laid a tribute upon the land, and upon the isles of the sea.2 And all the acts of his power and of his might, and the declaration of the greatness of Mordecai, whereunto the king advanced him, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Media and Persia? For Mordecai the Jew was next unto king Ahasuerus, and great among the Jews, and accepted of the multitude of his brethren, seeking the wealth of his people, and speaking peace to all his seed.” 

Mordecai is second to the king. More importantly, he is accepted by the Jews as a great benevolent leader.  

So the story has a happy ending.  

God orchestrated each event. He was in every circumstance that Mordecai, Esther, and Haman encountered. 

“The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.” (Proverbs 15:3) 

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning, 

We have come to the conclusion of our study of the Book of Esther. 

The festival of Purim celebrates God’s deliverance from a plot to destroy all the Jews. This year the celebration begins on the evening of 23 March and ends on the evening of 24 March. 

This week we will look at chapters 8-10. The plot of Haman is revealed to the King. Haman is judged. Mordecai is promoted. A new letter is sent. The feast of Purim is inaugurated.  

Today is provided the highlights of chapters 8-10, with a challenge for each chapter.  

Chapter 9 

Jews destroy their enemies and Purim instituted 

Jews defend themselves successfully in the provinces(9:1-5)

“Now in the twelfth month, that is, the month Adar, on the thirteenth day of the same, when the king’s commandment and his decree drew near to be put in execution, in the day that the enemies of the Jews hoped to have power over them, (though it was turned to the contrary, that the Jews had rule over them that hated them;)2 The Jews gathered themselves together in their cities throughout all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, to lay hand on such as sought their hurt: and no man could withstand them; for the fear of them fell upon all people.3 And all the rulers of the provinces, and the lieutenants, and the deputies, and officers of the king, helped the Jews; because the fear of Mordecai fell upon them.4 For Mordecai was great in the king’s house, and his fame went out throughout all the provinces: for this man Mordecai waxed greater and greater. Thus the Jews smote all their enemies with the stroke of the sword, and slaughter, and destruction, and did what they would unto those that hated them.” 

Jews defend themselves successfully in the Shushan (9:6-17)

“And in Shushan the palace the Jews slew and destroyed five hundred men.7 And Parshandatha, and Dalphon, and Aspatha,8 And Poratha, and Adalia, and Aridatha,9 And Parmashta, and Arisai, and Aridai, and Vajezatha,10 The ten sons of Haman the son of Hammedatha, the enemy of the Jews, slew they; but on the spoil laid they not their hand.11 On that day the number of those that were slain in Shushan the palace was brought before the king.12 And the king said unto Esther the queen, The Jews have slain and destroyed five hundred men in Shushan the palace, and the ten sons of Haman; what have they done in the rest of the king’s provinces? now what is thy petition? and it shall be granted thee: or what is thy request further? and it shall be done.13 Then said Esther, If it please the king, let it be granted to the Jews which are in Shushan to do tomorrow also according unto this day’s decree, and let Haman’s ten sons be hanged upon the gallows.14 And the king commanded it so to be done: and the decree was given at Shushan; and they hanged Haman’s ten sons.15 For the Jews that were in Shushan gathered themselves together on the fourteenth day also of the month Adar, and slew three hundred men at Shushan; but on the prey they laid not their hand.16 But the other Jews that were in the king’s provinces gathered themselves together, and stood for their lives, and had rest from their enemies, and slew of their foes seventy and five thousand, but they laid not their hands on the prey,17 On the thirteenth day of the month Adar; and on the fourteenth day of the same rested they, and made it a day of feasting and gladness.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning, 

We have come to the conclusion of our study of the Book of Esther. 

The festival of Purim celebrates God’s deliverance from a plot to destroy all the Jews. This year the celebration begins on the evening of 23 March and ends on the evening of 24 March. 

This week we will look at chapters 8-10. The plot of Haman is revealed to the King. Haman is judged. Mordecai is promoted. A new letter is sent. The feast of Purim is inaugurated.  

Today is provided the highlights of chapters 8-10, with a challenge for each chapter.  

Chapter 8

Mordecai’s promotion and new decree 

Mordecai’s promotion (8:1-2)

“On that day did the king Ahasuerus give the house of Haman the Jews’ enemy unto Esther the queen. And Mordecai came before the king; for Esther had told what he was unto her.2 And the king took off his ring, which he had taken from Haman, and gave it unto Mordecai. And Esther set Mordecai over the house of Haman.” 

Esther’s plea to the king to reverse Haman’s wicked plot (8:3-6)

“And Esther spake yet again before the king, and fell down at his feet, and besought him with tears to put away the mischief of Haman the Agagite, and his device that he had devised against the Jews.4 Then the king held out the golden scepter toward Esther. So Esther arose, and stood before the king,5 And said, If it please the king, and if I have favor in his sight, and the thing seem right before the king, and I be pleasing in his eyes, let it be written to reverse the letters devised by Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, which he wrote to destroy the Jews which are in all the king’s provinces:6 For how can I endure to see the evil that shall come unto my people? or how can I endure to see the destruction of my kindred?”

King Ahasuerus’ reply (8:7-8)

“ Then the king Ahasuerus said unto Esther the queen and to Mordecai the Jew, Behold, I have given Esther the house of Haman, and him they have hanged upon the gallows, because he laid his hand upon the Jews. Write ye also for the Jews, as it liketh you, in the king’s name, and seal it with the king’s ring: for the writing which is written in the king’s name, and sealed with the king’s ring, may no man reverse.” 

New decree (8:9-12)

“Then were the king’s scribes called at that time in the third month, that is, the month Sivan, on the three and twentieth day thereof; and it was written according to all that Mordecai commanded unto the Jews, and to the lieutenants, and the deputies and rulers of the provinces which are from India unto Ethiopia, an hundred twenty and seven provinces, unto every province according to the writing thereof, and unto every people after their language, and to the Jews according to their writing, and according to their language. And he wrote in the king Ahasuerus’ name, and sealed it with the king’s ring, and sent letters by posts on horseback, and riders on mules, camels, and young dromedaries:11 Wherein the king granted the Jews which were in every city to gather themselves together, and to stand for their life, to destroy, to slay and to cause to perish, all the power of the people and province that would assault them, both little ones and women, and to take the spoil of them for a prey, Upon one day in all the provinces of king Ahasuerus, namely, upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar.” 

Decree sent (8:13-17)

“The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province was published unto all people, and that the Jews should be ready against that day to avenge themselves on their enemies.14 So the posts that rode upon mules and camels went out, being hastened and pressed on by the king’s commandment. And the decree was given at Shushan the palace.15 And Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal apparel of blue and white, and with a great crown of gold, and with a garment of fine linen and purple: and the city of Shushan rejoiced and was glad.16 The Jews had light, and gladness, and joy, and honor.      17 And in every province, and in every city, whithersoever the king’s commandment and his decree came, the Jews had joy and gladness, a feast and a good day. And many of the people of the land became Jews; for the fear of the Jews fell upon them.”

The problem still exists, what will become of the Jews? The king’s decree could not be revoked.  

The king promotes Mordecai to Haman’s position. He suggests that Haman write a new decree. He does. Verses 10-11 above tell us what Mordecai wrote. Basically, he gave the Jews the ability to defend themselves, to destroy, to slay and cause to perish, all those that would try to destroy them.  

The anti-Semites of that day were about to understand the power of God. 

“Know therefore that the Lord thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations; ¹⁰And repayeth them that hate him to their face, to destroy them: he will not be slack to him that hateth him, he will repay him to his face. (Deuteronomy 7:9-10) 

He did! 

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

This devotion by Charles Simeon is filled with practical spiritual wisdom. Read it once and then read it again. There is also a link to listen to an audio presentation.

We are apt to measure His wisdom, by the faulty line of our own reason!

(Charles Simeon)  LISTEN to Audio!  Download Audio

In the Scriptures, Jehovah is represented as ordering and overruling all things for His own glory, and the good of His redeemed people!

There is nothing in the whole universe which did not derive its existence from His all-creating hand; nor is anything left to its own operations without His sovereign control.

Be it either prosperity or calamity–all things only come to pass according to God’s sovereign plan! As God Himself has told us,
“I am the Lord, and there is no other.
 I form the light and create darkness,
 I bring prosperity and create disaster!
 I, the Lord, do all these things!”
    Isaiah 45:7

Just because God does not exert His Almighty power for us at the first moment that we implore His aid–we might suppose that our way is hidden from Him, or that He does not care about us. But we forget that He has gracious designs to accomplish; and that He accomplishes them in ways we have no conception of. We are apt to measure His wisdom, by the faulty line of our own reason! We forget that His sovereign  thoughts and ways and paths are unfathomable!

Now let God’s almighty power and unerring wisdom be considered. Let the afflicted saint contemplate Jehovah as ordering and overruling everything for the good of His people and for the glory of His own name. Let us say, “I have cried to Him for a very long time, and have not been heard–but perhaps the purposes of Jehovah are not yet ripe for accomplishment. Perhaps I must remain longer in His purifying furnace in order to a more glorious exaltation.”

Let us recollect the ways in which Joseph’s dreams were realized; and bear in mind, that the same God sits at the helm, and directs our vessel amidst all the storms–the very storms and winds all fulfilling his sovereign will and pleasure!

This would be abundantly sufficient to compose our minds under the most afflictive circumstances that can be imagined. For where there is unerring wisdom to direct, and Almighty power to execute–no difficulty can exist, which shall not be overruled for our ultimate good and God’s glory!

Hence, we must leave everything to His all-wise disposal, in a way of humble dependence and meek submission to His holy will!

“We know that God causes all things to work together for good–to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose!” Romans 8:28

“So do not fear, for I am with you;
 do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
 I will strengthen you and help you;
 I will uphold you with My righteous right hand!”
    Isaiah 41:10

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

The Book of Esther shows us how God keeps His promises, how God saves the Jews from annihilation, and the sovereignty of God. Did I mention the name of God is not mentioned in the whole book? God is in every circumstance that happens to save God’s people.

Chapter 7 

Second Banquet (7:1-2)

So the king and Haman came to banquet with Esther the queen.² And the king said again unto Esther on the second day at the banquet of wine, What is thy petition, queen Esther? and it shall be granted thee: and what is thy request? and it shall be performed, even to the half of the kingdom.

Esther’s Request (7:3-4)

³ Then Esther the queen answered and said, If I have found favor in thy sight, O king, and if it please the king, let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request:⁴ For we are sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be slain, and to perish. But if we had been sold for bondmen and bondwomen, I had held my tongue, although the enemy could not countervail the king’s damage.

The King Asks “Who is he…”  and Esther’s Reply (7:5-6)

⁵ Then the king Ahasuerus answered and said unto Esther the queen, Who is he, and where is he, that durst presume in his heart to do so?⁶ And Esther said, The adversary and enemy is this wicked Haman. Then Haman was afraid before the king and the queen.

Haman’s Request to Queen Esther (7:7)

⁷ And the king arising from the banquet of wine in his wrath went into the palace garden: and Haman stood up to make request for his life to Esther the queen; for he saw that there was evil determined against him by the king.

Haman Sentenced to Die on the Gallows Built for Mordecai (7:8-10)

⁸ Then the king returned out of the palace garden into the place of the banquet of wine; and Haman was fallen upon the bed whereon Esther was. Then said the king, Will he force the queen also before me in the house? As the word went out of king’s mouth, they covered Haman’s face.⁹ And Harbonah, one of the chamberlains, said before the king, Behold also, the gallows fifty cubits high, which Haman had made for Mordecai, who spoken good for the king, standeth in the house of Haman. Then the king said, Hang him thereon.¹⁰ So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then was the king’s wrath pacified.

What did we learn?

God is faithful-Esther found favor in the sight of the King

Pride destroys

God has a sense of humor

Righteousness triumphs over wickedness

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

The Book of Esther shows us how God keeps His promises, how God saves the Jews from annihilation, and the sovereignty of God. Did I mention the name of God is not mentioned in the whole book? God is in every circumstance that happens to save God’s people.

Chapter 5

Esther’s invitation (1-2)

Now it came to pass on the third day, that Esther put on her royal apparel, and stood in the inner court of the king’s house, over against the king’s house: and the king sat upon his royal throne in the royal house, over against the gate of the house. ² And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained favor in his sight: and the king held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the scepter.

Esther’s Request (3-5)

³ Then said the king unto her, What wilt thou, queen Esther? and what is thy request? it shall be even given thee to the half of the kingdom. ⁴ And Esther answered, If it seem good unto the king, let the king and Haman come this day unto the banquet that I have prepared for him. ⁵ Then the king said, Cause Haman to make haste, that he may do as Esther hath said. So the king and Haman came to the banquet that Esther had prepared.

Esther’s Banquet #1 (6-8)

⁶ And the king said unto Esther at the banquet of wine, What is thy petition? and it shall be granted thee: and what is thy request? even to the half of the kingdom it shall be performed. ⁷ Then answered Esther, and said, My petition and my request is; ⁸ If I have found favor in the sight of the king, and if it please the king to grant my petition, and to perform my request, let the king and Haman come to the banquet that I shall prepare for them, and I will do tomorrow as the king hath said.

Haman’s Pride (9-12)

⁹ Then went Haman forth that day joyful and with a glad heart: but when Haman saw Mordecai in the king’s gate, that he stood not up, nor moved for him, he was full of indignation against Mordecai. ¹⁰ Nevertheless Haman refrained himself: and when he came home, he sent and called for his friends, and Zeresh his wife. ¹¹ And Haman told them of the glory of his riches, and the multitude of his children, and all the things wherein the king had promoted him, and how he had advanced him above the princes and servants of the king. ¹² Haman said moreover, Yea, Esther the queen did let no man come in with the king unto the banquet that she had prepared but myself; and tomorrow am I invited unto her also with the king.

Gallows for Mordecai (13-14)

¹³ Yet all this availeth me nothing, so long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king’s gate. ¹⁴ Then said Zeresh his wife and all his friends unto him, Let a gallows be made of fifty cubits high, and tomorrow speak thou unto the king that Mordecai may be hanged thereon: then go thou in merrily with the king unto the banquet. And the thing pleased Haman; and he caused the gallows to be made.

Chapter 6

King’s Insomnia (1)

On that night could not the king sleep, and he commanded to bring the book of records of the chronicles; and they were read before the king.

Mordecai Saves the King’s Life (2-3)

² And it was found written, that Mordecai had told of Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king’s chamberlains, the keepers of the door, who sought to lay hand on the king Ahasuerus. ³ And the king said, What honor and dignity hath been done to Mordecai for this? Then said the king’s servants that ministered unto him, There is nothing done for him.

Haman’s Pride Turned to Mourning (4-11)

⁴ And the king said, Who is in the court? Now Haman was come into the outward court of the king’s house, to speak unto the king to hang Mordecai on the gallows that he had prepared for him. ⁵ And the king’s servants said unto him, Behold, Haman standeth in the court. And the king said, Let him come in .⁶ So Haman came in. And the king said unto him, What shall be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honor? Now Haman thought in his heart, To whom would the king delight to do honor more than to myself? ⁷ And Haman answered the king, For the man whom the king delighteth to honor, ⁸ Let the royal apparel be brought which the king useth to wear, and the horse that the king rideth upon, and the crown royal which is set upon his head: ⁹ And let this apparel and horse be delivered to the hand of one of the king’s most noble princes, that they may array the man withal whom the king delighteth to honor, and bring him on horseback through the street of the city, and proclaim before him, Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delighteth to honor.

¹⁰ Then the king said to Haman, Make haste, and take the apparel and the horse, as thou hast said, and do even so to Mordecai the Jew, that sitteth at the king’s gate: let nothing fail of all that thou hast spoken. ¹¹ Then took Haman the apparel and the horse, and arrayed Mordecai, and brought him on horseback through the street of the city, and proclaimed before him, Thus shall it be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honor.

Haman’s Shame and Wife’s Prophetic Proclamation (12-14)

¹² And Mordecai came again to the king’s gate. But Haman hasted to his house mourning, and having his head covered. ¹³ And Haman told Zeresh his wife and all his friends every thing that had befallen him. Then said his wise men and Zeresh his wife unto him, If Mordecai be of the seed of the Jews, before whom thou hast begun to fall, thou shalt not prevail against him, but shalt surely fall before him. ¹⁴ And while they were yet talking with him, came the king’s chamberlains, and hasted to bring Haman unto the banquet that Esther had prepared.

Chapter 7 

Second Banquet (7:1-2)

So the king and Haman came to banquet with Esther the queen.² And the king said again unto Esther on the second day at the banquet of wine, What is thy petition, queen Esther? and it shall be granted thee: and what is thy request? and it shall be performed, even to the half of the kingdom.

Esther’s Request (7:3-4)

³ Then Esther the queen answered and said, If I have found favor in thy sight, O king, and if it please the king, let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request:⁴ For we are sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be slain, and to perish. But if we had been sold for bondmen and bondwomen, I had held my tongue, although the enemy could not countervail the king’s damage.

The King Asks “Who is he…”  and Esther’s Reply (7:5-6)

⁵ Then the king Ahasuerus answered and said unto Esther the queen, Who is he, and where is he, that durst presume in his heart to do so?⁶ And Esther said, The adversary and enemy is this wicked Haman. Then Haman was afraid before the king and the queen.

Haman’s Request to Queen Esther (7:7)

⁷ And the king arising from the banquet of wine in his wrath went into the palace garden: and Haman stood up to make request for his life to Esther the queen; for he saw that there was evil determined against him by the king.

Haman Sentenced to Die on the Gallows Built for Mordecai (7:8-10)

⁸ Then the king returned out of the palace garden into the place of the banquet of wine; and Haman was fallen upon the bed whereon Esther was. Then said the king, Will he force the queen also before me in the house? As the word went out of king’s mouth, they covered Haman’s face.⁹ And Harbonah, one of the chamberlains, said before the king, Behold also, the gallows fifty cubits high, which Haman had made for Mordecai, who spoken good for the king, standeth in the house of Haman. Then the king said, Hang him thereon.¹⁰ So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then was the king’s wrath pacified.

What did we learn?

God is faithful-Esther found favor in the sight of the King

Pride destroys

God has a sense of humor

Righteousness triumphs over wickedness

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

The Book of Esther shows us how God keeps His promises, how God saves the Jews from annihilation, and the sovereignty of God. Did I mention the name of God is not mentioned in the whole book? God is in every circumstance that happens to save God’s people.

Chapter 6

King’s Insomnia (1)

On that night could not the king sleep, and he commanded to bring the book of records of the chronicles; and they were read before the king.

Mordecai Saves the King’s Life (2-3)

² And it was found written, that Mordecai had told of Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king’s chamberlains, the keepers of the door, who sought to lay hand on the king Ahasuerus. ³ And the king said, What honor and dignity hath been done to Mordecai for this? Then said the king’s servants that ministered unto him, There is nothing done for him.

Haman’s Pride Turned to Mourning (4-11)

⁴ And the king said, Who is in the court? Now Haman was come into the outward court of the king’s house, to speak unto the king to hang Mordecai on the gallows that he had prepared for him. ⁵ And the king’s servants said unto him, Behold, Haman standeth in the court. And the king said, Let him come in .⁶ So Haman came in. And the king said unto him, What shall be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honor? Now Haman thought in his heart, To whom would the king delight to do honor more than to myself? ⁷ And Haman answered the king, For the man whom the king delighteth to honor, ⁸ Let the royal apparel be brought which the king useth to wear, and the horse that the king rideth upon, and the crown royal which is set upon his head: ⁹ And let this apparel and horse be delivered to the hand of one of the king’s most noble princes, that they may array the man withal whom the king delighteth to honor, and bring him on horseback through the street of the city, and proclaim before him, Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delighteth to honor.

¹⁰ Then the king said to Haman, Make haste, and take the apparel and the horse, as thou hast said, and do even so to Mordecai the Jew, that sitteth at the king’s gate: let nothing fail of all that thou hast spoken. ¹¹ Then took Haman the apparel and the horse, and arrayed Mordecai, and brought him on horseback through the street of the city, and proclaimed before him, Thus shall it be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honor.

Haman’s Shame and Wife’s Prophetic Proclamation (12-14)

¹² And Mordecai came again to the king’s gate. But Haman hasted to his house mourning, and having his head covered. ¹³ And Haman told Zeresh his wife and all his friends every thing that had befallen him. Then said his wise men and Zeresh his wife unto him, If Mordecai be of the seed of the Jews, before whom thou hast begun to fall, thou shalt not prevail against him, but shalt surely fall before him. ¹⁴ And while they were yet talking with him, came the king’s chamberlains, and hasted to bring Haman unto the banquet that Esther had prepared.

What we learned:

Good deeds do not go unrewarded

Pride has its consequences

God has a tremendous sense of humor

Haman’s pride turned to mourning

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

The Book of Esther shows us how God keeps His promises, how God saves the Jews from annihilation, and the sovereignty of God. Did I mention the name of God is not mentioned in the whole book? God is in every circumstance that happens to save God’s people.

Chapter 5

Esther’s invitation (1-2)

Now it came to pass on the third day, that Esther put on her royal apparel, and stood in the inner court of the king’s house, over against the king’s house: and the king sat upon his royal throne in the royal house, over against the gate of the house. ² And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained favor in his sight: and the king held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the scepter.

Esther’s Request (3-5)

³ Then said the king unto her, What wilt thou, queen Esther? and what is thy request? it shall be even given thee to the half of the kingdom. ⁴ And Esther answered, If it seem good unto the king, let the king and Haman come this day unto the banquet that I have prepared for him. ⁵ Then the king said, Cause Haman to make haste, that he may do as Esther hath said. So the king and Haman came to the banquet that Esther had prepared.

Esther’s Banquet #1 (6-8)

⁶ And the king said unto Esther at the banquet of wine, What is thy petition? and it shall be granted thee: and what is thy request? even to the half of the kingdom it shall be performed. ⁷ Then answered Esther, and said, My petition and my request is; ⁸ If I have found favor in the sight of the king, and if it please the king to grant my petition, and to perform my request, let the king and Haman come to the banquet that I shall prepare for them, and I will do tomorrow as the king hath said.

Haman’s Pride (9-12)

⁹ Then went Haman forth that day joyful and with a glad heart: but when Haman saw Mordecai in the king’s gate, that he stood not up, nor moved for him, he was full of indignation against Mordecai. ¹⁰ Nevertheless Haman refrained himself: and when he came home, he sent and called for his friends, and Zeresh his wife. ¹¹ And Haman told them of the glory of his riches, and the multitude of his children, and all the things wherein the king had promoted him, and how he had advanced him above the princes and servants of the king. ¹² Haman said moreover, Yea, Esther the queen did let no man come in with the king unto the banquet that she had prepared but myself; and tomorrow am I invited unto her also with the king.

Gallows for Mordecai (13-14)

¹³ Yet all this availeth me nothing, so long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king’s gate. ¹⁴ Then said Zeresh his wife and all his friends unto him, Let a gallows be made of fifty cubits high, and tomorrow speak thou unto the king that Mordecai may be hanged thereon: then go thou in merrily with the king unto the banquet. And the thing pleased Haman; and he caused the gallows to be made.

What we learned:

Esther found favor in the eyes of the king

Haman’s pride is going before his destruction: Proverbs 16:18

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Chapter 4

For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father’s house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this? (4:14)

Mordecai’s Response (4:1-3)

When Mordecai perceived all that was done, Mordecai rent his clothes, and put on sackcloth with ashes, and went out into the midst of the city, and cried with a loud and a bitter cry;² And came even before the king’s gate: for none might enter into the king’s gate clothed with sackcloth.³ And in every province, whithersoever the king’s commandment and his decree came, there was great mourning among the Jews, and fasting, and weeping, and wailing; and many lay in sackcloth and ashes.

Esther’s response (4:4-6)

⁴ So Esther’s maids and her chamberlains came and told it her. Then was the queen exceedingly grieved; and she sent raiment to clothe Mordecai, and to take away his sackcloth from him: but he received it not.⁵ Then called Esther for Hatach, one of the king’s chamberlains, whom he had appointed to attend upon her, and gave him a commandment to Mordecai, to know what it was, and why it was.⁶ So Hatach went forth to Mordecai unto the street of the city, which was before the king’s gate.

Mordecai Responds to Esther (4:7-9)

⁷ And Mordecai told him of all that had happened unto him, and of the sum of the money that Haman had promised to pay to the king’s treasuries for the Jews, to destroy them.⁸ Also he gave him the copy of the writing of the decree that was given at Shushan to destroy them, to shew it unto Esther, and to declare it unto her, and to charge her that she should go in unto the king, to make supplication unto him, and to make request before him for her people.⁹ And Hatach came and told Esther the words of Mordecai.

Esther Makes an Excuse (4:10-11)

¹⁰ Again Esther spake unto Hatach, and gave him commandment unto Mordecai;¹¹ All the king’s servants, and the people of the king’s provinces, do know, that whosoever, whether man or women, shall come unto the king into the inner court, who is not called, there is one law of his to put him to death, except such to whom the king shall hold out the golden scepter, that he may live: but I have not been called to come in unto the king these thirty days.

Mordecai Forceful and Impassioned Reply (4:12-14)

¹² And they told to Mordecai Esther’s words.¹³ Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king’s house, more than all the Jews.¹⁴ For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father’s house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?

Esther Requests the Jews in Shushan to Fast (4:15-17)

¹⁵ Then Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer,¹⁶ Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.¹⁷ So Mordecai went his way, and did according to all that Esther had commanded him.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com