It's crazy to think we're already through this study of Esther. The other day I was thinking about how many years (13) I've been writing verse-by-verse studies. Of course, some seasons have been more consistent than others, but each book I have loved in a new way, and this one was no exception.
If you have someone you think would benefit from reading through the Bible verse-by-verse, please encourage them to sign-up here. I'm not sure what book we'll take on next, but God always has something fun in store for us.
Now, onto the last two chapters of this book (chapter 10 is super short, so it's a two-for-one week!)
Chapter 9
1 Now in the twelfth month, that is, the month of Adar, on the thirteenth day, the time came for the king's command and his decree to be executed. On the day that the enemies of the Jews had hoped to overpower them, the opposite occurred, in that the Jews themselves overpowered those who hated them. 2 The Jews gathered together in their cities throughout all the provinces of King Ahasuerus to lay hands on those who sought their harm. And no one could withstand them, because fear of them fell upon all people. 3 And all the officials of the provinces, the satraps, the governors, and all those doing the king's work, helped the Jews, because the fear of Mordecai fell upon them.4 For Mordecai was great in the king's palace, and his fame spread throughout all the provinces; for this man Mordecai became increasingly prominent. 5 Thus the Jews defeated all their enemies with the stroke of the sword, with slaughter and destruction, and did what they pleased with those who hated them.
The day has arrived for the annihilation of the Jews, as decreed by Haman. Remember that in those days, an edict was an edict. Even though there was a new decree for the Jews, the previous one still existed.
The Jewish men were organized and ready for an attack. Note that they had the support from non-Jews, too, because "the fear of Mordecai fell upon them." God had placed Mordecai as second in command to the king – who would dare stand against God's appointed one? Yet, some did and, thankfully, were intensely overtaken by the Jews.
We must learn to stand ready for battle each day. We can learn from these Jews who were "gathered together in their cities." You were never meant to fight alone, which is one reason why God said in Hebrews 10:25 not to forsake being together. He knew we would need that power, accountability, and brother/sisterhood to fight the battles of darkness. Take heart! He has overcome the world (John 16:33).
6 And in Shushan the citadel the Jews killed and destroyed five hundred men. 7 Also Parshandatha, Dalphon, Aspatha, 8 Poratha, Adalia, Aridatha,9 Parmashta, Arisai, Aridai, and Vajezatha— 10 the ten sons of Haman the son of Hammedatha, the enemy of the Jews—they killed; but they did not lay a hand on the plunder. 11 On that day the number of those who were killed in Shushan the citadel was brought to the king. 12 And the king said to Queen Esther, "The Jews have killed and destroyed five hundred men in Shushan the citadel, and the ten sons of Haman. What have they done in the rest of the king's provinces? Now what is your petition? It shall be granted to you. Or what is your further request? It shall be done."
13 Then Esther said, "If it pleases the king, let it be granted to the Jews who are in Shushan to do again tomorrow according to today's decree, and let Haman's ten sons be hanged on the gallows." 14 So the king commanded this to be done; the decree was issued in Shushan, and they hanged Haman's ten sons.
15 And the Jews who were in Shushan gathered together again on the fourteenth day of the month of Adar and killed three hundred men at Shushan; but they did not lay a hand on the plunder. 16 The remainder of the Jews in the king's provinces gathered together and protected their lives, had rest from their enemies, and killed seventy-five thousand of their enemies; but they did not lay a hand on the plunder. 17 This was on the thirteenth day of the month of Adar. And on the fourteenth of the month they rested and made it a day of feasting and gladness.
From Esther and Mordecai's decree, the Jews were not allowed to be the attackers or aggressors. They were allowed to defend themselves. The number of people killed by the Jewish people – including the ten sons of Haman – would've been individuals who attacked them. The Jews didn't go out into the streets to slaughter others; they defended themselves against those who rose against them. Psalm 91 is a poetic reminder of how God is our refuge and fortress. As we dwell in His secret place and abide in His shadow, He offers His protection and security over us.
Three times it is recorded that the Jews didn't take any of the plunder. If you read 1 Samuel 15:12-23, there's a story of King Saul conquering the Amalekites (and Haman was an Amalekite!). He should have kept the Lord's commandment of destroying the plunder. How wise of the Jewish people not to repeat the mistake of the previous generations. They made an intentional point not to touch the wealth of the Persians.
The Feast of Purim
18 But the Jews who were at Shushan assembled together on the thirteenth day, as well as on the fourteenth; and on the fifteenth of the month they rested, and made it a day of feasting and gladness.19 Therefore the Jews of the villages who dwelt in the unwalled towns celebrated the fourteenth day of the month of Adar with gladness and feasting, as a holiday, and for sending presents to one another. 20 And Mordecai wrote these things and sent letters to all the Jews, near and far, who were in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, 21 to establish among them that they should celebrate yearly the fourteenth and fifteenth days of the month of Adar, 22 as the days on which the Jews had rest from their enemies, as the month which was turned from sorrow to joy for them, and from mourning to a holiday; that they should make them days of feasting and joy, of sending presents to one another and gifts to the poor. 23 So the Jews accepted the custom which they had begun, as Mordecai had written to them, 24 because Haman, the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, the enemy of all the Jews, had plotted against the Jews to annihilate them, and had cast Pur (that is, the lot), to consume them and destroy them; 25 but when Esther came before the king, he commanded by letter that this wicked plot which Haman had devised against the Jews should return on his own head, and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows. 26 So they called these days Purim, after the name Pur. Therefore, because of all the words of this letter, what they had seen concerning this matter, and what had happened to them, 27 the Jews established and imposed it upon themselves and their descendants and all who would join them, that without fail they should celebrate these two days every year, according to the written instructions and according to the prescribed time, 28 that these days should be remembered and kept throughout every generation, every family, every province, and every city, that these days of Purim should not fail to be observed among the Jews, and that the memory of them should not perish among their descendants. 29 Then Queen Esther, the daughter of Abihail, with Mordecai the Jew, wrote with full authority to confirm this second letter about Purim. 30 And Mordecai sent letters to all the Jews, to the one hundred and twenty-seven provinces of the kingdom of Ahasuerus, with words of peace and truth, 31 to confirm these days of Purim at their appointed time, as Mordecai the Jew and Queen Esther had prescribed for them, and as they had decreed for themselves and their descendants concerning matters of their fasting and lamenting. 32 So the decree of Esther confirmed these matters of Purim, and it was written in the book.
The Hebrew month of Adar is our March. On the 13th day of Adar, the Jews celebrate with a fast, commemorating the date on which Haman issued his evil decree. They go to the synagogue and hear the book of Esther publicly read. It's said that whenever the word Haman is mentioned, they cry out, "May he be accursed!" or "May his name perish!" Children bring a special Purim rattle called a "gregger" to make noise whenever they hear Haman's name read. On the morning of the 14th day of Adar, the Jews again go to the synagogue, where the Esther story is reread, and the congregation engages in prayer. The story about Moses and the Amalekites is also read. Then the celebrants go home to a festive holiday meal with gifts and special foods, and the celebrating continues the next day. They also send gifts and food to those who are in need so that everybody can rejoice together (Weirsbe).
Tradition is not bad as long as it has life and genuine meaning. Religion becomes a hindrance when routine sneaks in, steals the purpose, and replaces it with the mundane. As I learned about the Feast of Purim, I thought about its beauty and how moving it must be to fast, hear the Word, and then feast and give gifts to others. But yet, think of our Christmas and how this tradition is now commercialized, and there is noise instead of reverential peace.
Chapter 10
1 And King Ahasuerus imposed tribute on the land and on the islands of the sea. 2 Now all the acts of his power and his might, and the account of the greatness of Mordecai, to which the king advanced him, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Media and Persia? 3 For Mordecai the Jew was second to King Ahasuerus, and was great among the Jews and well received by the multitude of his brethren, seeking the good of his people and speaking peace to all his countrymen.
The book of Esther has been a beautiful journey. We began learning of King Xerxes and Queen Vashti. Then we followed the cord of redemption through to the rise of Esther, the demise of Haman, and the ascension of Mordecai. No man could construct such a powerful story! We undoubtedly see the mighty hand of God. Yet, the author never used His name, the word prayer, or any spiritual elements in the book. It goes to show that God is on His throne regardless of what we see, how we feel, or how life unfolds. Once again, God preserved the Jewish nation! Let us all be committed to doing the same.
Providential King, thank you for Your hand of grace that extends to each of us just as King Xerxes' scepter extended to Esther. Thank You for Your favor that perpetually goes before us, preserves us, and brings us hope even amid annihilation. We pray for Your continued blessing over the Jewish people and thank You for grafting us, the Gentile people, into Your eternal kingdom, too. Amen.