Good morning,

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 16 March and ends on the evening of 17 March.

Today we will look at Chapter 4 Mordecai informs Esther about Haman’s plot to destroy the Jews.

Esther 4

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.

Synopsis

Mordecai gets a copy of the king’s commandment to destroy the Jews. He cried with a loud and bitter cry. The Jews of the provinces were in great mourning, fasting, weeping, and wailing.

Mordecai challenges Queen Esther to go to the king for deliverance. Initially she hesitated. However, Mordecai made a convincing argument and she decided she would go.

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

ESTHER 4-6

Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. (Proverbs 16:18)

Chapter 4

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.

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 (4-10)

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.

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

Good morning,

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 16 March and ends on the evening of 17 March. Today we will look at chapter 3 of the Book of Esther, the rise of Haman.

Esther 3

Haman’s Promotion (3:1-2)

After these things did king Ahasuerus promote Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, and advanced him, and set his seat above all the princes that were with him. ² And all the king’s servants, that were in the king’s gate, bowed, and reverenced Haman: for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence.

Mordecai’s Refusal to Bow to Haman (3:3-5)

³ Then the king’s servants, which were in the king’s gate, said unto Mordecai, Why transgressest thou the king’s commandment?⁴ Now it came to pass, when they spake daily unto him, and he hearkened not unto them, that they told Haman, to see whether Mordecai’s matters would stand: for he had told them that he was a Jew.⁵ And when Haman saw that Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence, then was Haman full of wrath.

Haman Seeks to Destroy All the Jews (3:6)

⁶ And he thought scorn to lay hands on Mordecai alone; for they had shewed him the people of Mordecai: wherefore Haman sought to destroy all the Jews that were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus, even the people of Mordecai.

Haman’s Plan (3:7-9)

⁷ In the first month, that is, the month Nisan, in the twelfth year of king Ahasuerus, they cast Pur, that is, the lot, before Haman from day to day, and from month to month, to the twelfth month, that is, the month Adar. ⁸ And Haman said unto king Ahasuerus, There is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among the people in all the provinces of thy kingdom; and their laws are diverse from all people; neither keep they the king’s laws: therefore it is not for the king’s profit to suffer them.⁹ If it please the king, let it be written that they may be destroyed: and I will pay ten thousand talents of silver to the hands of those that have the charge of the business, to bring it into the king’s treasuries.

King’s Reply (3:10-11)

¹⁰ And the king took his ring from his hand, and gave it unto Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, the Jews’ enemy.¹¹ And the king said unto Haman, The silver is given to thee, the people also, to do with them as it seemeth good to thee.

Haman’s Decree Sent (3:12-15)

¹² Then were the king’s scribes called on the thirteenth day of the first month, and there was written according to all that Haman had commanded unto the king’s lieutenants, and to the governors that were over every province, and to the rulers of every people of every province according to the writing thereof, and to every people after their language; in the name of king Ahasuerus was it written, and sealed with the king’s ring.¹³ And the letters were sent by posts into all the king’s provinces, to destroy, to kill, and to cause to perish, all Jews, both young and old, little children and women, in one day, even upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar, and to take the spoil of them for a prey.¹⁴ The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province was published unto all people, that they should be ready against that day.¹⁵ The posts went out, being hastened by the king’s commandment, and the decree was given in Shushan the palace. And the king and Haman sat down to drink; but the city Shushan was perplexed.

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

Good morning,

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 16 March and ends on the evening of 17 March. Today we will look at chapter 2 of the Book of Esther.

CHAPTER 2

Search for Vashti’s Replacement (1-4)

After these things, when the wrath of king Ahasuerus was appeased, he remembered Vashti, and what she had done, and what was decreed against her.² Then said the king’s servants that ministered unto him, Let there be fair young virgins sought for the king:³ And let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom, that they may gather together all the fair young virgins unto Shushan the palace, to the house of the women, unto the custody of Hege the king’s chamberlain, keeper of the women; and let their things for purification be given them:⁴ And let the maiden which pleaseth the king be queen instead of Vashti. And the thing pleased the king; and he did so.

Mordecai and Esther Introduced (5-7)

 Now in Shushan the palace there was a certain Jew, whose name was Mordecai, the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite; ⁶ Who had been carried away from Jerusalem with the captivity which had been carried away with Jeconiah king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away.⁷ And he brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle’s daughter: for she had neither father nor mother, and the maid was fair and beautiful; whom Mordecai, when her father and mother were dead, took for his own daughter.

Selection Process (8-15)

 So it came to pass, when the king’s commandment and his decree was heard, and when many maidens were gathered together unto Shushan the palace, to the custody of Hegai, that Esther was brought also unto the king’s house, to the custody of Hegai, keeper of the women.⁹ And the maiden pleased him, and she obtained kindness of him; and he speedily gave her her things for purification, with such things as belonged to her, and seven maidens, which were meet to be given her, out of the king’s house: and he preferred her and her maids unto the best place of the house of the women.¹⁰ Esther had not shewed her people nor her kindred: for Mordecai had charged her that she should not shew it.¹¹ And Mordecai walked every day before the court of the women’s house, to know how Esther did, and what should become of her.¹² Now when every maid’s turn was come to go in to king Ahasuerus, after that she had been twelve months, according to the manner of the women, (for so were the days of their purifications accomplished, to wit, six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with sweet odors, and with other things for the purifying of the women;)¹³ Then thus came every maiden unto the king; whatsoever she desired was given her to go with her out of the house of the women unto the king’s house.¹⁴ In the evening she went, and on the morrow she returned into the second house of the women, to the custody of Shaashgaz, the king’s chamberlain, which kept the concubines: she came in unto the king no more, except the king delighted in her, and that she were called by name.¹⁵ Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, was come to go in unto the king, she required nothing but what Hegai the king’s chamberlain, the keeper of the women, appointed. And Esther obtained favor in the sight of all them that looked upon her.

Esther Selected (16-20)

So Esther was taken unto king Ahasuerus into his house royal in the tenth month, which is the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign.¹⁷ And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favor in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti.¹⁸ Then the king made a great feast unto all his princes and his servants, even Esther’s feast; and he made a release to the provinces, and gave gifts, according to the state of the king.¹⁹ And when the virgins were gathered together the second time, then Mordecai sat in the king’s gate.²⁰ Esther had not yet shewed her kindred nor her people; as Mordecai had charged her: for Esther did the commandment of Mordecai, like as when she was brought up with him.

Mordecai Saves the King’s Life (21-23)

 In those days, while Mordecai sat in the king’s gate, two of the king’s chamberlains, Bigthan and Teresh, of those which kept the door, were wroth, and sought to lay hands on the king Ahasuerus.²² And the thing was known to Mordecai, who told it unto Esther the queen; and Esther certified the king thereof in Mordecai’s name.²³ And when inquisition was made of the matter, it was found out; therefore they were both hanged on a tree: and it was written in the book of the chronicles before the king.

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

Good morning,

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 16 March and ends on the evening of 17 March.

This week we will look at Chapters 1-3. The fall of Vashti, the rise of Esther, and the promotion and wicked plan of Haman. Please read these chapters for the full story.

Chapter Outline for Book of Esther

Chapter 1 The Fall of Queen Vashti

“But the queen Vashti refused to come at the king’s commandment by his chamberlains: therefore was the king very wroth, and his anger burned in him.” (1:12)

“If it please the king, let there go a royal commandment from him, and let it be written among the laws of the Persians and the Medes, that it be not altered, That Vashti come no more before king Ahasuerus; and let the king give her royal estate unto another that is better than she.²⁰ And when the king’s decree which he shall make shall be published throughout all his empire, (for it is great,) all the wives shall give to their husbands honor, both to great and small.²¹ And the saying pleased the king and the princes; and the king did according to the word of Memucan:” (1:19-21)

Chapter 2 The Rise of Esther

“Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, was come to go in unto the king, she required nothing but what Hegai the king’s chamberlain, the keeper of the women, appointed. And Esther obtained favor in the sight of all them that looked upon her.16 So Esther was taken unto king Ahasuerus into his house royal in the tenth month, which is the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign.17 And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favor in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti. (2:15-17)

Chapter 3 The rise of Haman and his wicked plot to destroy the Jews

“After these things did king Ahasuerus promote Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, and advanced him, and set his seat above all the princes that were with him.2 And all the king’s servants, that were in the king’s gate, bowed, and reverenced Haman: for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence.” (3:1-2)

“And when Haman saw that Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence, then was Haman full of wrath.6 And he thought scorn to lay hands on Mordecai alone; for they had shewed him the people of Mordecai: wherefore Haman sought to destroy all the Jews that were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus, even the people of Mordecai.” (3:5-6)

These three chapters give us the, who, what, when, where, and why for the Book of Esther.

So far we know that the king is easily swayed by his advisors, that his new queen is a Jew, that Mordecai will not bow down or worship anything but the one true God, and Haman hates Jews.

The rest of the book tells us what happens to the Jews, Haman, and Esther.

Come back next week to find out what happens next.

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

Good morning,

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 16 March and ends on the evening of 17 March.

Today we will look at Chapter 1. The fall of Vashti.

CHAPTER 1

Ahasuerus’ Banquet (1-8)

Now it came to pass in the days of Ahasuerus, (this is Ahasuerus which reigned, from India even unto Ethiopia, over an hundred and seven and twenty provinces:)² That in those days, when the king Ahasuerus sat on the throne of his kingdom, which was in Shushan the palace,³ In the third year of his reign, he made a feast unto all his princes and his servants; the power of Persia and Media, the nobles and princes of the provinces, being before him:⁴ When he shewed the riches of his glorious kingdom and the honor of his excellent majesty many days, even an hundred and fourscore days.⁵ And when these days were expired, the king made a feast unto all the people that were present in Shushan the palace, both unto great and small, seven days, in the court of the garden of the king’s palace;⁶ Where were white, green, and blue, hangings, fastened with cords of fine linen and purple to silver rings and pillars of marble: the beds were of gold and silver, upon a pavement of red, and blue, and white, and black, marble.⁷ And they gave them drink in vessels of gold, (the vessels being diverse one from another,) and royal wine in abundance, according to the state of the king.⁸ And the drinking was according to the law; none did compel: for so the king had appointed to all the officers of his house, that they should do according to every man’s pleasure.

Vashti’s Banquet (9)

Also Vashti the queen made a feast for the women in the royal house which belonged to king Ahasuerus.

Vashti’s Refusal to Come at the King’s Command and its Consequences (10-22)

 On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, and Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas, the seven chamberlains that served in the presence of Ahasuerus the king,¹¹ To bring Vashti the queen before the king with the crown royal, to shew the people and the princes her beauty: for she was fair to look on. ¹² But the queen Vashti refused to come at the king’s commandment by his chamberlains: therefore was the king very wroth, and his anger burned in him.¹³ Then the king said to the wise men, which knew the times, (for so was the king’s manner toward all that knew law and judgment:¹⁴ And the next unto him was Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media, which saw the king’s face, and which sat the first in the kingdom;)¹⁵ What shall we do unto the queen Vashti according to law, because she hath not performed the commandment of the king Ahasuerus by the chamberlains?¹⁶ And Memucan answered before the king and the princes, Vashti the queen hath not done wrong to the king only, but also to all the princes, and to all the people that are in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus.¹⁷ For this deed of the queen shall come abroad unto all women, so that they shall despise their husbands in their eyes, when it shall be reported, The king Ahasuerus commanded Vashti the queen to be brought in before him, but she came not.¹⁸ Likewise shall the ladies of Persia and Media say this day unto all the king’s princes, which have heard of the deed of the queen. Thus shall there arise too much contempt and wrath.¹⁹ If it please the king, let there go a royal commandment from him, and let it be written among the laws of the Persians and the Medes, that it be not altered, That Vashti come no more before king Ahasuerus; and let the king give her royal estate unto another that is better than she.²⁰ And when the king’s decree which he shall make shall be published throughout all his empire, (for it is great,) all the wives shall give to their husbands honor, both to great and small.²¹ And the saying pleased the king and the princes; and the king did according to the word of Memucan:²² For he sent letters into all the king’s provinces, into every province according to the writing thereof, and to every people after their language, that every man should bear rule in his own house, and that it should be published according to the language of every people.

The lesson here is that Vashti disobeyed the King’s command. The result is that she would no longer be queen. To obey or disobey always have consequences.

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

Good morning,

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 16 March and ends on the evening of 17 March. Today we will look at the key players in the Book of Esther.

The Book of Esther

The Festival of Purim

Key players:

Ahasuerus: King of Persia. He reigned from 485-465 BC. The book of Esther portrays him as ruling a vast empire, being very wealthy, being sensual, continually giving feasts, and being cruel and acutely lacking in foresight (1:13-22). Ahasuerus banished his queen, Vashti, taking two years to find a replacement. (The Liberty Annotated Study Bible, 1988)

Vashti: Queen to King Ahasuerus. Refused the King’s command to appear before the King. She is removed as queen.

Mordecai: The hero of the Book of Esther. He was a resident of Susa (Shushan), the Persian capital during the reign of Ahasuerus, king of Persia. Mordecai took his orphaned cousin, Hadassah (Esther), into his home as her adoptive father (2:7). Later, Mordecai uncovered a plot to murder the king and saved his life (2:21-22). This good deed was recorded in the royal chronicles of Persia (2:23). Mordecai refused to bow to Haman, and as a result, Haman introduced a plan to kill all the Jews in the Persian Empire (3:6). Mordecai then exhorted Queen Esther to approach the king and save her people (3:1-4:17). Haman was hanged on the very gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai (7:10), and Mordecai became second in command, succeeding Haman. (The Liberty Annotated Study Bible, 1988)

Esther: The Jewish queen of the Persian king, Ahasuerus. She saved her people, the Jews, from a plot to annihilate them. Esther was a daughter of Abihail (2:15, 9:29) and cousin of Mordecai (2:7-15). After her father and mother died, Mordecai raised her as his own daughter. Her Jewish name was Hadassah, which means “Myrtle” (2:7). The story of Esther’s rise from an unknown Jewish girl to queen of a mighty empire illustrates how God uses events and people to fulfill His promise to His chosen people. Ahasuerus appointed Esther to replace Queen Vashti (2:17) Esther exposed Haman’s sinister plot to slay all the Jews. As a result, Ahasuerus granted the Jews the right to defend themselves and destroy their enemies. (The Liberty Annotated Study Bible, 1988)

Haman: The king’s vizier (chief adviser). Haman wants everyone in the kingdom to bow down to him, but Mordechai refuses. This leads Haman to decide to kill all the Jews, and he convinces the king to allow the plan. Only the intervention of Esther prevents Haman from carrying out his plan, and Haman is instead hung on the gallows he had erected for Mordechai.

Haman is one of the most villainous characters in Jewish history. A greedy, vengeful, and vicious advisor to King Ahasuerus, he only seeks to increase his own wealth, power and influence (generally at the expense of everyone else around him). Haman is also said to be a direct descendant of Agag, king of the Amalekites. The Amalekites attacked the Israelites as they were leaving Egypt and have become symbolic of all the enemies of the Jewish people, so for Haman to be related to Agag connects him directly to centuries of violence and persecution of the Jews. (ReformJudaism.org)

The Book of Esther tells the tale of the rich and powerful, the weak and powerless, and the sovereignty of God. It gives us a clear picture of an anti-Semite, Haman, bent on destroying the Jews. It shows the courage of a young Jewish girl, Esther, who gave up everything to save her people the Jews. It shines a light on the wise Counsel of Mordecai.

What a great story. Although God is not named in the text, God is in every event. God allows all the plot lines to fit His will and purposes. We serve a great God!

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

Good morning,

This week we will recap the Sermon on the Mount series. Jesus taught on 32 different topics. He challenged His disciples thinking and ours. He wants us to take what we have learned and apply it to our lives.

Sermon On the Mount Recap

History

“The Jews in Jesus’ day were living in hard times. They were facing a national crisis. Roman rulers controlled their land, took their money, and raped their women. Many of the Jewish priests and local leaders were assassinated and replaced by handpicked appointments from Rome or Herod. Thousands of Jews who tried to resist Roman rule quickly paid the severe price of death.  

This oppressive environment created numerous challenges for those who were striving to remain loyal to God’s covenant. According to the Torah, God alone was king and He would rule His people through a descendant of King David. No foreigner was to rule over the Jews (Deut 17:15). So what was a good Jew to do? Was it okay to go along with the Roman authorities, or would submitting to Caesar, Pilate, and Herod betray Yahweh’s lordship?”

Matthew 7

Judge not

Judge not (1)

The golden rule

…whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them

The strait gate

Enter ye in at the strait gate (13)

False prophets

Beware of false prophets (15)

I never knew you

… I never knew you (23)

Two foundations

…built his house upon a rock: built his house upon the sand (24,26)

Jesus taught with authority

… he taught them as one having authority (29)

“The crowds were astonished by Jesus’ teaching because He taught with authority. Rather than speaking in half-measures, or referring to the wisdom of others, Christ speaks as One who absolutely knows the truth, first-hand. Not only is the character of Jesus’ life different from that of Israel’s religious leaders (Matthew 5:20), both the style and substance of His teaching are unique, as well (Matthew 7:28–29).” (BibleRef.com/Matthew/7/Matthew-chapter-7.htm)

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

Good morning,

This week we will recap the Sermon on the Mount series. Jesus taught on 32 different topics. He challenged His disciples thinking and ours. He wants us to take what we have learned and apply it to our lives.

Sermon On the Mount Recap

History

“The Jews in Jesus’ day were living in hard times. They were facing a national crisis. Roman rulers controlled their land, took their money, and raped their women. Many of the Jewish priests and local leaders were assassinated and replaced by handpicked appointments from Rome or Herod. Thousands of Jews who tried to resist Roman rule quickly paid the severe price of death.  

This oppressive environment created numerous challenges for those who were striving to remain loyal to God’s covenant. According to the Torah, God alone was king and He would rule His people through a descendant of King David. No foreigner was to rule over the Jews (Deut 17:15). So what was a good Jew to do? Was it okay to go along with the Roman authorities, or would submitting to Caesar, Pilate, and Herod betray Yahweh’s lordship?”

Matthew 6

Almsgiving

…do not your alms before men (1)

Prayer

… pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly (6)

Fasting

…appear not unto men to fast (18)

Treasures in heaven

Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth (19)

Light of the body

The light of the body is the eye (22)

Trusting one master

No man can serve two masters (24)

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

Good morning,

This week we will recap the Sermon on the Mount series. Jesus taught on 32 different topics. He challenged His disciples thinking and ours. He wants us to take what we have learned and apply it to our lives.

Sermon On the Mount Recap

History

“The Jews in Jesus’ day were living in hard times. They were facing a national crisis. Roman rulers controlled their land, took their money, and raped their women. Many of the Jewish priests and local leaders were assassinated and replaced by handpicked appointments from Rome or Herod. Thousands of Jews who tried to resist Roman rule quickly paid the severe price of death.  

This oppressive environment created numerous challenges for those who were striving to remain loyal to God’s covenant. According to the Torah, God alone was king and He would rule His people through a descendant of King David. No foreigner was to rule over the Jews (Deut 17:15). So what was a good Jew to do? Was it okay to go along with the Roman authorities, or would submitting to Caesar, Pilate, and Herod betray Yahweh’s lordship?”

Matthew 5

Beatitudes

Blessed are:

…the poor in spirit (3)

…they that mourn (4)

…the meek (5)

… they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness (6)

…the merciful (7)

…the pure in heart (8)

…the peacemakers (9)

… they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake (10)

…when men revile you (11)

Rejoice, and be exceeding glad (12)

Character traits

Salt (13)

Light (14-16)

Law

Think not that I am come to destroy the law, …but to fulfill (17)

Anger

Thou shalt not kill; That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: (21-22)

Adultery

Thou shalt not commit adultery: That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. (27-28)

Divorce

Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement: That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: (31-32)

Oaths

Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths: Swear not at all; (33-34)

Retaliation

An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. (38-39)

Love thy enemies

Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy. Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; (43-44)

Matthew 6

Almsgiving

…do not your alms before men (1)

Prayer

… pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly (6)

Fasting

…appear not unto men to fast (18)

Treasures in heaven

Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth (19)

Light of the body

The light of the body is the eye (22)

Trusting one master

No man can serve two masters (24)

Matthew 7

Judge not

Judge not (1)

The golden rule

…whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them

The strait gate

Enter ye in at the strait gate (13)

False prophets

Beware of false prophets (15)

I never knew you

… I never knew you (23)

Two foundations

…built his house upon a rock: built his house upon the sand (24,26)

Jesus taught with authority

… he taught them as one having authority (29)

“The crowds were astonished by Jesus’ teaching because He taught with authority. Rather than speaking in half-measures, or referring to the wisdom of others, Christ speaks as One who absolutely knows the truth, first-hand. Not only is the character of Jesus’ life different from that of Israel’s religious leaders (Matthew 5:20), both the style and substance of His teaching are unique, as well (Matthew 7:28–29).” (BibleRef.com/Matthew/7/Matthew-chapter-7.htm)

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