Good morning,
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.
Things to remember as you read Esther. The Jews were captives and living in Babylon. The story takes place in Shushan. Woman, whether Jew or Gentile, did not have any rights. They were required to submit to men. The Babylonians did not worship Jehovah God.
Esther 7-8 reveals who perpetrated the wickedness against the Queen, Mordecai, and the Jews, the sentence of the perpetrator, and a new letter being sent.
How clearly God is seen.
Chapter 8
Mordecai Honored and the People Rejoice (8:15)
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.
Jews Rejoice (8:16-17)
16 The Jews had light, and gladness, and joy, and honour.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.
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT
Why were the Jews rejoicing? They would still be under attack.
They rejoiced in the work of God. They realized that apart from God’s intervention, they had no hope. Now Haman was dead, they were given ability to defend themselves, and many of their enemies became their friends. Only God could have done all that and they knew it and rejoiced.
Their enemies saw the power of God and feared.
Do we fear God’s power? Do we take our relationship with God for granted? Does it bother us when we do things contrary to God’s word? Do we repent of our sin? Do we believe that God is still judging His saints?
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001
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