Esther: Week 6

Apr 12

Written By Christie Browning

WEEK 6 READING PLAN

DAY 1: Esther 9:4-12

optional reading: Genesis 14

DAY 2: Esther 9:13-17

optional reading: Deuteronomy 25:17-19

DAY 3: Esther 9:8-24

optional reading: Leviticus 23

DAY 4: Esther 9:25-32

optional reading: Nehemiah 8

DAY 5: Esther 10

BACKGROUND FOR REFERENCE

As Haman's plan is undone and the Jewish people celebrate their freedom, a new feast is started... Purim. "Pur" meaning "lot" for the casting of lots that Haman did to decide the fate of the people. Purim is still celebrated today and while the Jewish people have many feasts, Purim is the only one that was started not as a commandment of God but because of spontaneous joy.

Purim has many aspects.... some celebrate by wearing costumes and masks to signify God's veiled movements in this circumstance. Some hold parades to signify Mordecai's parade through town at the king's request.

Regardless of these nuances, all those who observe Purim attend a reading of Esther in their synagogue where they make loud noises with different gadgets or boo and hiss at the mention of Haman's name. This is to hold true to the scripture to "block out the name of the wicked." There is much cheering at Mordecai's name. The celebration also includes a feast, food gifts to one another and giving to the poor.

WEEK 6 OVERVIEW

With the new decree in effect, the Jews can release a sigh of relief. Mordecai now holds a prominent position in the palace and has a reputation known throughout the people. Chapter 9:4 describes Mordecai as becoming more and more powerful. However, I imagine Mordecai handled his newfound fame and fortune with grace and humility. I believe that's why he was there... God rewarded his faithfulness and obedience.

While the decree was issued to protect the Jews, it did not erase the possible harm that might fall on the people. On the day of the decrees, the Jews defended their homes and families. They killed 500 men and Haman's 10 sons. And although they were given the freedom to take any of their possessions, the Jewish people did not plunder their enemies once they were defeated.

When the day was done, word of the number killed made it back to the king who then asked Esther what her petition might be now. She asked the king to allow the decree to be carried out again the next day and to also hang Haman's sons from the gallows.

The king granted Esther's request and on the second day, the Jews killed 300 men but did not lay a hand on their plunder. In the outlying areas of the kingdom, 75,000 were killed, and once again… no one took the plunder. When it was all said and done, the people rested and had a day of feasting and joy... what is called Purim.

This becomes an official holiday with its required observances when Queen Esther puts her okay on Purim. And today, the feast is still held annually among the Jewish people.

In Chapter 10 the book concludes with a tribute to Mordecai. The tribute was a special recording of a full account of the greatness of Mordecai. The last sentence in this book deems Mordecai in high esteem, that he worked for his people and spoke up for the welfare of the Jews.

SOME GENEALOGY TO NOTE

Esther's great-grandfather is Jesse, from the tribe of Judah. Jesse had 7 sons - the first born was Eliab. Eliab's daughter was Abihail who was Esther's mother.

Jesse's last-born son was David who would become King David, an ancestor of Jesus. David was Esther's great uncle.

While Esther is a relation to Jesus, her choice to protect the Jewish people preserved the lineage of Christ and kept prophecy about that lineage intact. Had the people been destroyed, the lineage of Christ would have unraveled, and all those Old Testament prophecies of the coming Messiah would not have held true.

Haman is from the line of Esau, of Jacob and Esau in the Old Testament. Esau was the one who gave up his birthright for a bowl of stew. Amalek was Esau's grandson and rejected God, growing up corrupt and leading all his people far away from God, spurring the hatred between the Amalekites and the Jews.

Study Plan

DAY 1: Esther 9:4-12 Optional Reading: Genesis 14

Do you think Haman’s sons were killed out of revenge? Why or why not?

Why did the Jews not “lay their hands on the plunder?”

What stands out most to you in this group of scripture