Feasting And Gladness

Show Notes

SCRIPTURE: Esther 4:1-17

SHOW NOTES: As you turn the page to chapter four in the book of Esther, you quickly recognize a pivotal point in this story. Haman has initiated a plan to exact his revenge – not just on Mordecai but a plan that will bring destruction to every Jew in the empire. Mordecai learns of the decree that has been written, signed, and sent to every province and his immediate reaction is to tear his clothes, put on sackcloth and mourn with a loud and bitter cry.

In fact, there was great mourning among the Jews. Across the empire, the Jewish people were fasting and weeping and lamenting. Mordecai sent word by Hathach the eunuch to Queen Esther saying, “Command her to go to the king to beg his favor and plead with him on behalf of her people.”

The Queen’s reply, “All the king’s servants and the people of the king’s provinces know that if any man or woman goes to the king inside the inner court without being called, there is but one law—to be put to death, except the one to whom the king holds out the golden scepter so that he may live.”

Mordecai sends this message back to Esther, “For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

Show Notes

SCRIPTURE: Esther 5:1-14

SHOW NOTES: Queen Esther has appealed to her uncle, Mordecai. “Gather all the Jews in Susa and fast with me for three days and three nights. Then, I will go to the king, and if I perish, I perish.”

What happened during those three days of fasting? Remember there was great fear – weeping, mourning, and lamenting when the Jews learned of the king’s decree. While prayer is not specifically mentioned, when people fast, they typically turn their focus and time toward God. These are Jewish people and they have heard the history of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Remember the mighty deeds of the Lord. He rescued His people from Egypt and brought them into the Land of Promise. For three days, Queen Esther prepared herself and we believe she was seeking wisdom, guidance, and direction. How would she address the king? Esther’s example is set before us – to prepare her mind and her heart. Stand with strength and dignity. Then, walk in wisdom as she prepared to make her request known to the king.

Show Notes

SCRIPTURE: Esther 6:1-13 / 1 Chronicles 29:11-13

SHOW NOTES: The book of Esther is complicated – filled with twists and turns, intrigue, plays for power in the palace including assassination plots! One night King Ahasuerus is unable to sleep and he calls for his attendants to read the court history book to him – it’s a day-to-day journal. The king learns Mordecai uncovered a plot by two eunuchs to murder him.

He’s troubled and asks, “Was this man ever honored?” When the king learns that Haman is in the palace, he seeks his advice. Haman presents his suggestions on how to best honor the man whom the king delights to honor in an eloquent manner. However, what follows is a shocking directive that takes everyone, especially Haman, by surprise!

Honor and blessing come from the hand of God – according to His plan and purpose and, in His time.

“For You bless the righteous, O Lord; You cover him with favor as with a shield.” (Psalm 5:12)

Show Notes

SCRIPTURE: Esther 6:14 – 7:10

SHOW NOTES: Do we wait for the Lord or are we prone to run ahead, devising our own plans to “fix” the problem? As we reach this point in the story of Esther, she could have revealed her request either in the throne room or at the first feast with the king and Haman. While she entertained them at this first feast, Esther extended yet another invitation for a second feast.

Once again, King Ahasuerus asks Esther, “What is your wish, Queen Esther? It shall be granted you. And what is your request?” The Queen had prepared herself and waited to present her case to the king. Now, she humbly asks him to grant mercy for herself and her people from a wicked foe and enemy!

“Then you will know that I am the Lord; those who wait for me shall not be put to shame.” (Isa. 49:23)

Show Notes

SCRIPTURE: Esther 8:1-17

SHOW NOTES: Following Haman’s death, the king gave Queen Esther the house of Haman. Mordecai is given the authority and signet ring Haman used to issue the decree of death to the Jews. A major role reversal has occurred between Haman and Mordecai. But the story is not over. Haman’s royal decree had been written and declared throughout the entire kingdom calling for the destruction of the Jewish people.

Queen Esther pleaded with the king to avert the evil plan of Haman and the plot that he had devised against the Jews. The king gives permission for the queen and Mordecai to write a new edict with regard to the Jews and seal it with the king’s ring. They have been given full permission to destroy and kill those who would seek to destroy or kill them. The Jews were allowed to protect themselves, children, women, and their property against attacks from others in the kingdom.

And in every province and in every city, wherever the king’s command and his edict reached, there was gladness and joy among the Jews, a feast and a holiday.

Show Notes

SCRIPTURE: Esther 9:1-19

SHOW NOTES: The book of Esther is filled with many twists and turns – people in positions of power, and others who are wicked and evil. Where is God? Has He forgotten the Jewish people spread through the 127 provinces of the Persian kingdom? “On this day the enemies of the Jews had hoped to overpower them, but now the tables were turned, and the Jews got the upper hand over those who hated them.” Haman’s edict had given others the legal authority to kill the Jews and take all their property. The second edict, written by Mordecai and Queen Esther, allowed the Jews to gather and defend themselves against these violent attacks on their families. God is at work in this story.

Remember, the details of our lives are part of God’s beautiful purpose. It’s a tapestry, woven according to His design and plan. “The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me; Your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.” (Psalm 138:8)