Category Archives: Esther

Esther 10 — Working for the good of the people

Posted on April 20, 2013 by

The book of Esther finishes with a brief passage talking about Xerxes’ greatness and of Mordecai’s. What strikes me here is the last verse where it says,  Mordecai the Jew was second in rank to King Xerxes, preeminent among the … Continue reading →

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Esther 9 — Celebrating God’s goodness

Posted on April 19, 2013 by

Feasting.  Joy.  Celebration.  These are words you see again and again in this chapter.  After the Jews succeeded in defending themselves against their enemies, they celebrated their salvation. Not only that, but Mordecai and Esther started the first annual celebration … Continue reading →

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Esther 7-9 — The God who defends us

Posted on April 18, 2013 by

Now we come to the dramatic scene in which Esther reveals her identity and makes her plea for her people before Xerxes.  I’m guessing that by this time, most of her fears are gone, as Xerxes has by this point … Continue reading →

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Esther 5-6 — The God who controls chance

Posted on April 17, 2013 by

Haman threw his lot to determine the day that he would destroy the Jews.  Then God threw his own lot into the picture. After Haman returned from his banquet with Xerxes and the queen, he was on top of the … Continue reading →

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Esther 4-5 — Courage

Posted on April 16, 2013 by

If there was one quality that both Mordecai and Esther had, it was courage.  Whether you agree or not with Mordecai’s decision not to bow to Haman, it did require courage not to do so, especially in the face of … Continue reading →

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Esther 3 — Two proud men

Posted on April 15, 2013 by

It’s very interesting to me that one chapter after I praise Mordecai for honoring the king, I have to criticize him for his pride and stubbornness in not doing so for Haman. The Bible is silent on why Mordecai refused … Continue reading →

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Esther 2:21-23 — Honoring those in authority

Posted on April 14, 2013 by

Having said what I did about Esther and Mordecai yesterday, some of you may think that I have little respect for them. Nothing could be further from the truth.  While I’m not sure I can agree with all of their … Continue reading →

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Esther 2 — Working because of us or in spite of us?

Posted on April 13, 2013 by

As I was looking through one of my commentaries getting background for the book of Esther, one of them mentioned some of the moral issues people have had as they studied this book. It also noted that the name of … Continue reading →

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Esther 1 – Honoring your wife

Posted on April 12, 2013 by

We are now hitting the book of Esther.  I must admit it took me by surprise that assuming, as many people do, that the Xerxes mentioned in Esther is Xerxes I, that these events happened during the time Ezra.  Somehow, … Continue reading →

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