Esther 1-5
The Hidden Hand
of God

Psalm 68:15-31 The Ascended King

15.“The mountains of Bashan are majestic mountains. The mountains of Bashan are rugged.16.Why do you look in envy, you rugged mountains, at the mountain where God chooses to reign? Yes, Yahweh will dwell there forever.17.The chariots of God are tens of thousands and thousands of thousands. The Lord is among them, from Sinai, into the sanctuary.18.You have ascended on high. You have led away captives. You have received gifts among men, yes, among the rebellious also, that Yah God might dwell there.19.Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burdens, even the God who is our salvation. Selah.20.God is to us a God of deliverance. To Yahweh, the Lord, belongs escape from death.21.But God will strike through the head of his enemies, the hairy scalp of such a one as still continues in his guiltiness.
22.The Lord said, "I will bring you again from Bashan, I will bring you again from the depths of the sea;23.That you may crush them, dipping your foot in blood, that the tongues of your dogs may have their portion from your enemies."24.They have seen your processions, God, even the processions of my God, my King, into the sanctuary.25.The singers went before, the minstrels followed after, in the midst of the ladies playing with tambourines,26."Bless God in the congregations, even the Lord in the assembly of Israel!"27.There is little Benjamin, their ruler, the princes of Judah, their council, the princes of Zebulun, and the princes of Naphtali.28.Your God has commanded your strength. Strengthen, God, that which you have done for us.29.Because of your temple at Jerusalem, kings shall bring presents to you.30.Rebuke the wild animal of the reeds, the multitude of the bulls, with the calves of the peoples. Being humbled, may it bring bars of silver. Scatter the nations that delight in war.31.Princes shall come out of Egypt. Ethiopia shall hurry to stretch out her hands to God.
32.Sing to God, you kingdoms of the earth! Sing praises to the Lord! Selah.33.To him who rides on the heaven of heavens, which are of old; behold, he utters his voice, a mighty voice.34.Ascribe strength to God! His excellency is over Israel, his strength is in the skies.35.You are awesome, God, in your sanctuaries. The God of Israel gives strength and power to his people. Praise be to God!"

Observation

68:22-35.

The nation is regathered (from Bashan, symbol of mighty nations, and the sea) and becomes strengthened to rule over the nations. Some see the wild bull as a reference to the anti-Christ, others a reference to Egypt or another foreign power. God's people and the kingdoms of the earth will sing praises to the Lord, whose awesome strength will be displayed not just over Israel, but all the skies. The God of Israel blesses His people with strength and power. 

Application

The awesome God who will rule over the earth has strength to bear our daily burdens, so trust Him to do so, by asking Him to strengthen you and carry the concerns you face today.

Prayer

Awesome and victorious God, thanks that You save and bless Your people, and offer to carry my burdens today; here are the things that concern me...... Amen.

Proverbs 18:1-5 Are You A Friendly Fountain?

1.“An unfriendly man pursues selfishness, and defies all sound judgment.2.A fool has no delight in understanding, but only in revealing his own opinion.3.When wickedness comes, contempt also comes, and with shame comes disgrace.4.The words of a man’s mouth are like deep waters. The fountain of wisdom is like a flowing brook.5.To be partial to the faces of the wicked is not good, nor to deprive the innocent of justice.”

Observations

18:1.

Unfriendly, selfish people have no relationship with God, in which He meets their needs. Therefore they think only of themselves, and not of loving (meeting the needs of) others. They wind up lonely and without friends. Crazy.

18:2.

A fool doesn't delight in understanding and knowing others, but can only shout “Look at me!” as a means of building a scrap heap of self-worth. Tragic.

18:4.

The words of the wise refresh and meet the needs of others.

18:5.

A worth-less person will sacrifice principle and purity for a pat on the back by equally worthless people. What they get is contempt, shame and disgrace. “Pity the fool.” - Mr. T.

Application

In order to be a friend of others, we must first be a friend of God. Summary of Biblical Friendships in TOYL, and Relationship/Friendship Series on Truthbase.net.

James 2:23 "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him as righteousness;" and he was called the friend of God. 4:4...don't you know that friendship with the world is hostility with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.

Prayer

Dear God, thanks that in knowing You my needs are met, and I'm free to meet the needs of others as a true friend. Amen.

Esther 1-5 The Hidden Hand of God

The Book of Esther is unique in that it doesn't mention the name of God, but His fingerprints are all over it. (See under Digging Deeper for the five times in the book God's name is hidden in an acrostic.) The nation had disobeyed God, and were reaping discipline in exile, yet God had not totally abandoned them. He protects them from Satan's attempt to exterminate them, and prospers them in the process. The book also gives insight into the world of the Ancient Near East, and provides a glimmer of the reign of the Messiah. From an historical perspective, many commentators think Esther occurs somewhere in the middle of the events described in Ezra. It gives the background to the Feast of Purim, which was instituted to commemorate the events of the book.

Esther 1 Reward of Rebellion

1."In the days of Ahasuerus (this is Ahasuerus who reigned from India even to Ethiopia, over one hundred twenty-seven provinces),2.when the King Ahasuerus sat on the throne of his kingdom, which was in Shushan the palace,3.in the third year of his reign, he made a feast for all his princes and his servants; the power of Persia and Media, the nobles and princes of the provinces, being before him.4.He displayed the riches of his glorious kingdom and the honor of his excellent majesty many days, even one hundred eighty days.5.When these days were fulfilled, the king made a seven day feast for all the people who were present in Shushan the palace, both great and small, in the court of the garden of the king’s palace.6.There were hangings of white, green, and blue material, fastened with cords of fine linen and purple to silver rings and marble pillars. The couches were of gold and silver, on a pavement of red, white, yellow, and black marble.7.They gave them drinks in golden vessels of various kinds, including royal wine in abundance, according to the bounty of the king.8.In accordance with the law, the drinking was not compulsory; for so the king had instructed all the officials of his house, that they should do according to every man’s pleasure.9.Also Vashti the queen made a feast for the women in the royal house which belonged to King Ahasuerus.
10.On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded...the seven eunuchs who served in the presence of Ahasuerus the king,11.to bring Vashti the queen before the king with the royal crown, to show the people and the princes her beauty; for she was beautiful.12.But the queen Vashti refused to come at the king’s commandment by the eunuchs. Therefore the king was very angry, and his anger burned in him.
13.Then the king said to the wise men, who knew the times, (for it was the king’s custom to consult those who knew law and judgment;14.and the next to him were Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media, who saw the king’s face, and sat first in the kingdom),15."What shall we do to the queen Vashti according to law, because she has not done the bidding of the King Ahasuerus by the eunuchs?"16.Memucan answered before the king and the princes, "Vashti the queen has not done wrong to just the king, but also to all the princes, and to all the people who are in all the provinces of the King Ahasuerus.17.For this deed of the queen will become known to all women, causing them to show contempt for their husbands, when it is reported, ‘King Ahasuerus commanded Vashti the queen to be brought in before him, but she didn’t come.’18.Today, the princesses of Persia and Media who have heard of the queen’s deed will tell all the king’s princes. This will cause much contempt and wrath.19."If it please the king, let a royal commandment go from him, and let it be written among the laws of the Persians and the Medes, so that it cannot be altered, that Vashti may never again come before King Ahasuerus; and let the king give her royal estate to another who is better than she.20.When the king’s decree which he shall make is published throughout all his kingdom (for it is great), all the wives will give their husbands honor, both great and small."21.This advice pleased the king and the princes, and the king did according to the word of Memucan:22.for he sent letters into all the king’s provinces, into every province according to its writing, and to every people in their language, that every man should rule his own house, speaking in the language of his own people."

Observations

1:1-3.

Welcome to the world of the Ancient Near East. Most folks are clueless about history and the real world outside their neighborhood. The Judeo-Christian ethic has been the historic champion of human rights, forming the impetus and basis for abolition of slavery, woman's suffrage, and civil rights. For understanding of the Biblical roles in a marriage relationship, see Truthbase.net: Marriage Feast or Famine gives the framework, and How to be the Wife of a Happy Husband gives some elaboration.

1:4-9.

The details of the banquet and rule of Ahasuerus give some insight into the future glorious reign of the Messiah.

1:10-12.

Like Israel, Queen Vashti exerted her independence and rebelled against her king, and the law.

1:13-22.

The King consults his counselors to determined the legal response, which was deprivation of her estates and banishment from the presence of the king. This is what Israel was experiencing, and what modern believers reap, who rebel against God's will.

Application

Enjoying the favor of our King is dependent upon doing whatever He wants.

Prayer

My King and my God, remind me that I exist to do Your will, and my enjoyment of Your presence is dependent upon so doing, so I won't live independently of Your desires. Amen.

Esther 2 Reward of Submission

1."After these things, when the wrath of King Ahasuerus was pacified, he remembered Vashti, and what she had done, and what was decreed against her.2.Then the king’s servants who served him said, "Let beautiful young virgins be sought for the king.3.Let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom, that they may gather together all the beautiful young virgins to the citadel of Susa...Let cosmetics be given them;4.and let the maiden who pleases the king be queen instead of Vashti." The thing pleased the king, and he did so.
5.There was a certain Jew in the citadel of Susa, whose name was Mordecai...a Benjamite,6....whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away.7.He brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle’s daughter; for she had neither father nor mother. The maiden was fair and beautiful; and when her father and mother were dead, Mordecai took her for his own daughter.8....Esther was taken into the king’s house, to the custody of Hegai, keeper of the women.9.The maiden pleased him, and she obtained hesed from him. He quickly gave her cosmetics and her portions of food, and the seven choice maidens who were to be given her out of the king’s house. He moved her and her maidens to the best place in the women’s house.10.Esther had not made known her people nor her relatives, because Mordecai had instructed her that she should not make it known.11.Mordecai walked every day in front of the court of the women’s house, to find out how Esther was doing, and what would become of her.12.Each young woman’s turn came to go in to King Ahasuerus after her purification for twelve months (for so were the days of their purification accomplished, six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with sweet fragrances and with preparations for beautifying women).13.The young woman then came to the king like this: whatever she desired was given her to go with her out of the women’s house to the king’s house.14.In the evening she went, and on the next day she returned into the second women’s house, to the custody of Shaashgaz, the king’s eunuch, who kept the concubines. She came in to the king no more, unless the king delighted in her, and she was called by name.15.Now when the turn of Esther...came to go in to the king, she required nothing but what Hegai the king’s eunuch, the keeper of the women, advised. Esther obtained favor in the sight of all those who looked at her.16.So Esther was taken to King Ahasuerus into his royal house...
17.The king loved Esther more than all the women, and she obtained favor and hesed in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown on her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti.18.Then the king made a great feast for all his princes and his servants, even Esther’s feast; and he proclaimed a holiday in the provinces, and gave gifts according to the king’s bounty.19.When the virgins were gathered together the second time, Mordecai was sitting in the king’s gate.20.Esther had not yet made known her relatives nor her people, as Mordecai had commanded her; for Esther obeyed Mordecai, like she did when she was brought up by him.
21.In those days, while Mordecai was sitting in the king’s gate, two of the king’s eunuchs, Bigthan and Teresh, who were doorkeepers, were angry, and sought to lay hands on the King Ahasuerus.22.This thing became known to Mordecai, who informed Esther the queen; and Esther informed the king in Mordecai’s name.23.When this matter was investigated, and it was found to be so, they were both hanged on a tree; and it was written in the book of the chronicles in the king’s presence."

Observations

2:1-4.

The king starts missing Vashti, but orders of Persian kings couldn't be rescinded, so his advisers start an empire wide search for Persia's Prettiest.

2:5-16.

Little orphan Esther follows the advise of her uncle Mordecai and that of Hegai, the keeper of women, and wins the “contest.” Listening to advice wasn't Israel's strong suit, nor Vashti's. The king chose Esther and called her by name.

Isaiah 43:1 But now thus says Yahweh who created you...who formed you, Israel: "Don’t be afraid, for I have redeemed you. I have called you by your name. You are Mine. 45:4...Israel My chosen, I have called you by your name...”

2:9.

Here is one of the few uses of hesed that doesn't specifically relate to loyalty to a specific covenant, but the favor and protection that one would show in a covenantal relationship, particularly in advancing the interests of the other party to the covenant. Esther 2:17 has another use of hesed, indicating the loyalty aspect as well.

2:17-23.

A great feast is thrown for the new “bride.” Her obedience to Mordecai is stressed, which saves the kings life when Mordecai tells her to tell the king “in Mordecai's name” of a plot against the king. Her exact obedience prevents fatal consequences for the nation.

Application

Following wise counsel results in exaltation.

Prayer

Lord may my ear be attuned to Your voice, both in Your word, and through those You've put in my life. Amen.

Esther 3 A Pernicious Plot

1."After these things King Ahasuerus promoted Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, and advanced him, and set his seat above all the princes who were with him.2.All the king’s servants who were in the king’s gate bowed down, and paid homage/worship to Haman; for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai didn't bow down nor worship him.3.Then the king’s servants, who were in the king’s gate, said to Mordecai, "Why do you disobey the king’s commandment?"4.Now it came to pass, when they spoke daily to him, and he didn't listen to them, that they told Haman, to see whether Mordecai’s reason would stand; for he had told them that he was a Jew.5.When Haman saw that Mordecai didn't bow down, nor pay him homage, Haman was full of wrath.6.But he scorned the thought of laying hands on Mordecai alone, for they had made known to him Mordecai’s people. Therefore Haman sought to destroy all the Jews who were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus, even Mordecai’s people.
7.In the first month, which is the month Nisan, in the twelfth year of King Ahasuerus, they cast Pur, that is, the lot, before Haman from day to day, and from month to month, and chose the twelfth month, which is the month Adar.8.Haman said to King Ahasuerus, "There is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among the peoples in all the provinces of your kingdom, and their laws are different than other people’s. They don’t keep the king’s laws. Therefore it is not for the king’s profit to allow them to remain.9.If it pleases the king, let it be written that they be destroyed; and I will pay ten thousand talents of silver into the hands of those who are in charge of the king’s business, to bring it into the king’s treasuries."10.The king took his ring from his hand, and gave it to Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, the Jews’ enemy.11.The king said to Haman, "The silver is given to you, the people also, to do with them as it seems good to you."12.Then the king’s scribes were called in and all that Haman commanded was written to...the princes of every people...in the name of King Ahasuerus, and it was sealed with the king’s ring.13.Letters were sent by couriers into all the king’s provinces, to destroy, to kill, and to cause to perish, all Jews, both young and old, little children and women, in one day...and to plunder their possessions.15.The couriers went forth in haste by the king’s commandment, and the decree was given out in the citadel of Susa. The king and Haman sat down to drink; but the city of Shushan was perplexed."

Observations

3:1-7.

Haman was a descendant of Agag, the king in 1 Samuel 15 of the Amalekites, who Israel was ordered to destroy because they had unjustly attacked Israel when they came out of Egypt (Exodus 17:14-18). Mordecai refused to bow down and “worship” which probably went beyond civil homage to religious worship. As a result, Haman sought to destroy all the seed of the Jews, a satanically inspired plot.

3:8-15.

Haman cast lots to determine an auspicious time to carry out his scheme, and offers silver to compensate the king's treasury for the economic loss resulting from eliminating the Jewish subjects.

Application

Standing up for what's right can cause problems (that God can turn to profit).

Prayer

God, may I stand for Your truth, regardless of the consequences, and trust You to protect me. Amen.

Esther 4 If I Perish, I Perish

1.Now when Mordecai found out all that was done, Mordecai tore his clothes, and put on sackcloth with ashes, and went out into the midst of the city, and wailed loudly and a bitterly.3.In every province, wherever the king’s commandment and his decree came, there was great mourning among the Jews, and fasting, and weeping, and wailing; and many lay in sackcloth and ashes.4.Esther’s maidens and her eunuchs came and told her this, and the queen was exceedingly grieved. She sent clothing to Mordecai, to replace his sackcloth; but he didn’t receive it.
5.Then Esther called for Hathach, one of the king’s eunuchs, whom he had appointed to attend her, and commanded him to go to Mordecai, to find out what this was, and why it was.6.So Hathach went out to Mordecai, to city square which was before the king’s gate.7.Mordecai told him of all that had happened to him, and the exact sum of the money that Haman had promised to pay to the king’s treasuries for the destruction of the Jews.8.He also gave him the copy of the writing of the decree that was given out in Shushan to destroy them, to show it to Esther, and to declare it to her, and to urge her to go in to the king, to make supplication to him, and to make request before him, for her people.
9.Hathach came and told Esther the words of Mordecai.
10.Then Esther spoke to Hathach, and gave him a message to Mordecai:11."All the king’s servants, and the people of the king’s provinces, know, that whoever, whether man or woman, comes to the king into the inner court without being called, there is one law for him, that he be put to death, except those to whom the king might hold out the golden sceptre, that he may live. I have not been called to come in to the king these thirty days."12.They told to Mordecai Esther’s words.13.Then Mordecai asked them return answer to Esther, "Don’t think to yourself that you will escape in the king’s house any more than all the Jews.14.For if you remain silent now, then relief and deliverance will come to the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Who knows if you haven’t come to the kingdom for such a time as this? "15.Then Esther asked them to answer Mordecai,
16."Go, gather together all the Jews who are present in Shushan, and fast for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day. I and my maidens will also fast the same way. Then I will go in to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish."17.So Mordecai went his way, and did according to all that Esther had commanded him.

Observations

4:1-9.

When word of Haman's plan is published, people lament.

4:10-15.

Mordecai asks Esther to appeal to the king, but she is concerned for her own safety for appearing uninvited. Mordecai warns her that she won't escape death, and God might have brought her into her position “for such a time as this.” If she doesn't use her position for the benefit of her people, help will come from another place, and she would not only have lost out on the opportunity to help, but her father's house would also be judged.

4:11-17.

Esther asks for the people to fast for her, prayer not being mentioned but seeking God's help was the purpose of fasting. She develops the correct perspective that her life is not for her preservation and pleasure. 

Application

Don't spend all your time building a platform/credibility, use it to speak for God's purposes.

Prayer

Gracious God, I acknowledge that all You've given me, from abilities to opportunities, are blessings to be used for Your purposes and Your glory; may I never hold onto them for my own selfish reasons. Amen.

Esther 5 Doomsday Dinner Invitation

1.Now it happened on the third day that Esther put on her royal clothing, and stood in the inner court of the king’s house, next to the king’s house. The king sat on his royal throne in the royal house, next to the entrance of the house.2.When the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, she obtained favor in his sight; and the king held out to Esther the golden sceptre that was in his hand. So Esther came near, and touched the top of the sceptre.3.Then the king asked her, "What would you like, queen Esther? What is your request? It shall be given you even to the half of the kingdom."4.Esther said, "If it seems good to the king, let the king and Haman come today to the banquet that I have prepared for him."5.Then the king said, "Bring Haman quickly, so that it may be done as Esther has said." So the king and Haman came to the banquet that Esther had prepared.6.The king said to Esther at the banquet of wine, "What is your petition? It shall be granted you. What is your request? Even to the half of the kingdom it shall be performed."7.Then Esther answered and said, "My petition and my request is this.8.If I have found favor in the sight of the king, and if it please the king to grant my petition and to perform my request, let the king and Haman come to the banquet that I will prepare for them, and I will do tomorrow as the king has said."9.Then Haman went out that day joyful and glad of heart, but when Haman saw Mordecai in the king’s gate, that he didn’t stand up nor move for him, he was filled with wrath against Mordecai.10.Nevertheless Haman restrained himself, and went home. There, he sent and called for his friends and Zeresh his wife.11.Haman recounted to them the glory of his riches, the multitude of his children, all the things in which the king had promoted him, and how he had advanced him above the princes and servants of the king.12.Haman also said, "Yes, Esther the queen let no man come in with the king to the banquet that she had prepared but myself; and tomorrow I am also invited by her together with the king.13.Yet all this avails me nothing, so long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king’s gate."14.Then Zeresh his wife and all his friends said to him, "Let a gallows be made fifty cubits high, and in the morning speak to the king about hanging Mordecai on it. Then go in merrily with the king to the banquet." This pleased Haman, so he had the gallows made.

Observations

5:1-8.

Esther risks her pretty neck to be seen by the king uninvited, but he is pleased to see her and offers to bless her. She refrains from asking outright, but instead invites him and Haman to a dinner at her place. The reason for the delay in asking her petition is not given, but the next chapter reveals it fits in perfectly with Somebody's plan.

5:4.

Verse 4 and 13 have Yahweh's name hidden in an acrostic. See Digging Deeper.

5:9-14.

Haman is thrilled to be invited to dinner with the two most significant people on earth, but can't enjoy it because he sees Mordecai and is reminded that he himself is a mere mortal. His wife, like Jezebel has a solution: Hang 'em high, and have a happy time. Haman is cheered by the thought and has the gallows made for Mordecai.

Application

Even those on the top of the world can have the enjoyment of their position ruined if they have a bitter and wicked heart.

Prayer

All wise and knowing God, please direct my steps and words for Your purposes. Amen.

Digging Deeper

In Deuteronomy 31:18 God said He would hide his face from His people if they broke His covenant. “And I will surely hide My face in that day because of all the evil which they have done, in that they have turned to other gods.” Just like the princes in submission to the king saw his face, and Vashti was banished from his presence, so the Jews in captivity are not seeing the face and experiencing the favor of God. Five times the God's name is hidden in an ACROSTIC, using the first or last letters of sequential words (in the original Hebrew). Those occurrences are 1:20; 5:4, 13; 7:5, 7.

Appendix 60 of Bullinger's Companion Bible gives an elaboration and analysis of the acrostics that is amazing, and demonstrates how much more one can find in the Scriptures by sweating and digging deeper in Bible Study. Bullinger's ability to see patterns might at first seem like Russell Crowe's portrayal of John Nash in “A Beautiful Mind,” but after you see them yourself, and their theological significance, you will have an other useful tool to consider in interpreting the Scriptures. Some of the scribes who copied the Scriptures first saw the patterns, using upper case or capital letters for the acrostic. If you want more information about how the scribes made marginal notes in the Hebrew text (like a Study Bible), Bullinger has an appendix for that too (The Massorah #30).

God in a nutshell: God superintends the events of our world for His purposes. He arranges the discipline or protection of His people (even when they are not fully obeying Him), using the personal choices of individuals who do and don't know Him. He lets the future look bleak so people will depend upon Him. He puts people in positions of influence so they can use their position for His purposes, not their pleasures. God blesses us, so we can use what He's given us to bless others.

Us in a nutshell: We reap the consequences of our actions, for good or bad. Submissive, dependent obedience yields better rewards than proud independence. Those who exalt themselves are setting themselves up for a fall. Those who render good, even to “enemies” do the right thing, and eventually reap reward. If we don't use what God has given us for the benefit of others, we will lose it. If we don't step up to serve when the occasion warrants it, God will find another to do His will, and we will not only miss out on the opportunity, but will lose what we sought to preserve.

Where to go for more

Truthbase.net
Marriage Feast or Famine gives the framework
How to be the Wife of a Happy Husband gives some elaboration