Explore the Bible Series for February 25: God never abandons his people

Posted: 2/15/07

Explore the Bible Series for February 25

God never abandons his people

• Esther 8:3, 6-8, 11; 9:1-2, 20-22

By Howard Anderson

Diversified Spiritual Associates, San Antonio

It was customary for convicted criminals to have their property confiscated. The signet ring given to Mordecai signified his exaltation to Haman’s prime ministership.

Esther’s ability to handle the monarch was enviable. Mordecai was authorized to make a decree that the Jewish people could defend themselves. We see the vindication of the Jewish people’s enemies and the institution of the Feast of Purim held on the 14th and 15th days of Adar, the 12th month (February–March).

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Deliverance through legal means (Esther 8:3, 6-8, 11)

Esther, knowing danger still lurked ahead for her people, pleaded passionately for their lives before the king. The queen continued to receive the blessing of the monarch as he again extended the golden scepter to her. Courageously, Esther implored the king to revoke Haman’s hateful decree against all the Jews in the empire.

“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?” The questions reinforce Esther’s affecting and special plea to her king.

Mordecai had heard Esther’s entire presentation to the king. Ahasuerus, by reiterating what he already had done, communicated his support for Esther and her people.

In the Persian Empire, a royal decree could not be altered, but a second one could invalidate it; therefore, the king instructed Mordecai and Esther to write a second decree. The second decree would carry all the weight of the former one—but would reverse the expected results.

Verse 11 has occasioned controversy about whether the Jewish people were unethical toward their enemies. The Jewish people were given permission to slaughter even the wives and children of any people that would attack them; however, the Jewish people may not have carried out what was permitted, but killed only the men who attacked them (Esther 9:5, 6).

Christians in democratic societies have responsibility not only for obeying laws but also for doing what they can to influence just and equitable legislation.

Deliverance through victory (Esther 9:1-2)

On the 13th day of the 12th month (Adar, February-March) when the first decree was to be executed, and on the day the enemies of the Jewish people hoped to have power over them, they gathered in all the cities of the 127 provinces of the empire to “lay hands on” or kill their foes. The enemies of the Jewish people could not succeed in their assault against them due to a fear of them.

The officers of the king in all of the provinces helped the Jewish people. The fear of Mordecai, the new Grand Vizier, and his people fell upon all nations. As a result, the Jewish people were saved. Mordecai became great in the king’s house so that his fame went throughout all countries, and the Jewish people gained the victory over their enemies.

We can rely on the Lord to help his people take advantage of legitimate means of defeating those who would harm them.