Thought for the Week

Haman is dead. In a short while, all ten of his sons will also be dead. But the problem is not resolved. Haman’s decree still stands. Haman is not here to enforce it, but it cannot be reversed, altered, or changed. On the immediate and personal level the king has done something. He has confiscated Haman’s property and given it to Esther. He has taken back his signet ring, given it to Mordecai, and actually made him the new Prime Minister. But when Esther in her great sorrow, again pleads for the lives of her people, the king basically says, “There is nothing I can do. Once a law is written, signed, and sealed, it is unchangeable. The king basically turns the issue over to Mordecai. He now has assumed great responsibility: Esther has turned over her newly inherited vast estate to Mordecai to manage. The king has made Mordecai his Prime Minister and given him tremendous responsibility. Mordecai now wears regal clothing and has technically become the king’s father-in-law. He is developing a plan. Remember Haman’s decree was written in the first month but will not have impact until the twelfth month. We are now in the third month. Mordecai has another eight plus months to work out a solution. Remember we said Haman, the Agagite, was descended from Amalakite royalty. Israel’s King Saul had warrant from God to exterminate all the Amalekites 550 years ago. He did not and as a result lost his crown. Haman was a cruel man. His decree brought much sorrow. Mordecai’s decree brought much joy. Haman’s decree called for the extermination of absolutely all Jews and the seizure of their property. They could not even defend themselves. The king’s forces would side with their enemies. Mordecai’s decree would allow the Jews to defend themselves. The king’s forces could stand with them. Now, it is not clear but sounds like the Jews could destroy all their enemies, including women, and children. But the report given after it was over only lists the deaths of men no women and children and no property was seized. Because Mordecai and Esther were Jews, and had such great power and authority, it seems many people observed their religion and many also converted, became “God-Fearers” or “God-Followers.” This fulfills God’s promise to Abraham: “Those who bless you, I will bless. Those who curse you, I will curse.” I earlier lamented prayer is not mentioned in this Book. But I remind us there were many who prayed for Israel: Moses (Exodus 32) Paul (Romans 9) Elijah (I Kings 18) (Nehemiah (1) Ezra (9) Daniel (9) many others and we are called to (Psalm 122:6) Under Haman’s decree it is estimated that 15,000,000 Jews would have perished. According to the reports, under Mordecai’s decree, 75,800 men perished throughout the 127 provinces in one day and in the capital city in two days. The king inherited all their property. That sounds like a lot of death but keep in mind the Jews did not attack, they only defended themselves. The Jews continue to celebrate God’s deliverance by reading the Book of Esther. Whenever Haman’s name is read, they hiss, boo, or stomp their feet. God also stands ready to deliver us from sin’s deadly curse and the death it brings if we will accept His gift and believe and trust in His love. Many are praying for us too.

Scriptures to Read

Esther 8:1-6

Esther 8:7-8

Esther 8:9-11

Esther 8:12-17

Exodus 32:11-17

Romans 9:1-8

Psalm 122:1-123:4