Christian Living
“ALL OF THE BIBLE, GOD’S HOLY WORD, IS PROPHETIC OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST.”
PROPHETIC – ACCURATELY DESCRIBING OR PREDICTING WHAT WILL HAPPEN IN THE FUTURE. HAVING FORESIGHT.
PROPHECY – MESSAGE, PREDICTION.
PROPHESY– FORETELL THE FUTURE
PROMISE – ASSURANCE, WORD, HOPE
Prophet – GOD’S Spokesman, THE DIVINELY Called Minister Who Announced THE WILL OF GOD TO HIS People.
WORSHIP – The Feeling of AWE, RESPECT, PRAISE AND THANKFULNESS
“BLESSED AND HOLY IS Our MOST BEAUTIFUL AND RIGHTEOUS GREAT HIGH PRIEST THE LORD JESUS CHRIST, THE SON OF GOD COME DOWN FROM HEAVEN To Save Us From Our Sins.” Amen. An Adoration of Worship and Praise.
“SEEKING FOR Me”
“JESUS, My SAVIOUR, To Bethlehem Came, BORN IN A Manger To Sorrow And Shame SEEKING FOR Me.”
Introduction To The Book of Esther. KJV.
“Quest Study Bible”
Quest Study Bible – “Why read This Book?” Have you ever wondered if GOD Is Involved In The Circumstances of Your Life? If so, you may wonder why life is such a struggle. The Book of Esther, like much of THE BIBLE, TELLS THE STORY OF GOD’S INVOLVEMENT WITH HIS People. Unlike the rest of THE BIBLE, however, This Book Shows GOD’S WORK Indirectly. In fact, GOD’S NAME is not mentioned once, Though HIS INFLUENCE Permeates The Narrative. The Book Demonstrates How GOD WORKS In The Lives Of HIS People, Both Then And Now. Who Wrote This Book?” The Author is unknown, but it is clear, from the tone and details throughout, that the Author is a Devout Jew. Possibly Mordecai, Ezra or Nehemiah Wrote It. “Why Was It Written?” As a history, to record the events leading to the establishment of the Jewish Observance of Purim (It is remembrance of Esther and the deliverance of The Jews in Persia from the destruction planned by Hamman) (9:24–32), and as a way to assure the Jews of GOD’S PROTECTION. “When and where was It Written?” In Persia, sometime between 460 – 350 B.C. Esther became queen in 479 B.C. “What to look for in Esther:” A REVEALING OF GOD’S CHARACTER, HIS FAITHFULNESS, AND HOW HE PROVIDES FOR Those Who TRUST HIM, even through events most of us would see as tragic. Notice the indirect allusions To GOD’S INVOLVEMENT IN The Life Of HIS People (4:14, 16).
“Esther Made Queen” Esther 2:1–18. KJV.
Esther 2:1) After these things, when the wrath of king Ahasuerus was appeased, he remembered Vashti, and what she had done, and what was decreed against her. 2) Then said the king’s servants that ministered unto him, Let there be fair young virgins sought for the king: Genesis 12:14, 15. 3) And let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom, that they may gather together all the fair young virgins unto Shushan the palace, to the house of the women, unto the custody of Hege the king’s chamberlain, keeper of the women; and let their things for purification be given them: 4) And let the maiden which pleaseth the king be queen instead of Vashti. And the thing pleased the king; and he did so. 5) Now in Shushan the palace there was a certain Jew, whose name was Mordecai, the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite; 6) Who had been carried away from Jerusalem with the captivity which had been carried away with Jeconiah king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away. Or, Jehoiachin. 7) And he brought up Hadassah,, that is, Esther, his uncle’s daughter: for she had neither father nor mother, and the maid was fair and beautiful; whom Mordecai, when her father and mother were dead, took for his own daughter. 8) So it came to pass, when the king’s commandment and his decree was heard, and when many maidens were gathered together unto Shushan the palace, to the custody of Hegai, that Esther was brought also unto the king’s house, to the custody Hegai, keeper of the women. 9) And the maiden pleased him, and she obtained kindness of him, and he speedily gave her her things for purification, with such things as belonged to her, and seven maidens, which were meet to be given her, out of the king’s house: and he preferred her and her maids unto the best place of the house of the women. 10) Esther had not chewed her people nor her kindred: for Mordecai had charged her that she should not shew it. Leviticus 26:36. 11) And Mordecai walked every day before the court of the women’s house, to know how Esther did, and what should become of her. 12) Now when every maid’s turn was come to go in to king Ahasuerus, after that she had been twelve months, according to the manner of the women, (for so were the days of their purifications accomplished, to wit, six months with sweet odours, and with other things for the purifying of the women;) 13) Then thus came every maiden unto the king; whatsoever she desired was given her to go with her out of the house of the women unto the king’s house. 14) In the evening she went, and on the morrow she returned into the second house of the women, to the custody of Shaashgaz, the king’s chamberlain, which kept the concubines: she came into the king no more, except the king delighted in her, and that she were called by name. 15) Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, was come to go in unto the king, she required nothing but what Hegai the king’s chamberlain, the keeper of the women, appointed. And Esther obtained favour in the sight of all of them that looked upon her. 2 Timothy 4:18. 16) So Esther was taken unto king Ahasuerus into his house royal in the tenth month, which is the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign. 17) And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favour in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti. 18) Then the king made a great feast unto all his princes and his servants, even Esther’s feast; and he made a release to the provinces, and gave gifts, according to the state of the king.
Quest Study Bible – v5-6, “Why was Mordecai’s ancestry so important?” “Son of” did not necessarily mean an immediate descendant in Hebrew genealogies. Sometimes it linked names that were generations apart. In this case, the names of Shimei (see 2 Samuel 16:5–14) and Kish (see 1 Samuel 9:1) established Mordecai’s kinship with the tribe and family of King Saul. This was significant to the conflict between Mordecai and Haman, who was a descendant of Agag–an ancient enemy of Saul and Israel. (See “Agagite) 3:1). v7, “Why did Esther have two names?” Hadassah (meaning myrtle) was her Hebrew name: Esther was her Persian name. Some think her Persian name may have been related to the Persian stara (meaning star) or to Ishtar, the Babylonian goddess of love and fertility. Many Hebrew exiles had two such names, including Daniel (Daniel 1:7). In concealing her nationality and family background (2:10), Esther would also have kept her Hebrew name secret. It makes sense that the Author would use her Persian name since this is how she would have been known. even among the Jews. v8, “Did the girls selected for the harem have any choice in the matter?” Probably not. This decree demonstrated the prevailing attitudes toward women in ancient Persia. By abducting young virgins from all over the empire, Xerxes issued a painful reminder to all his subjects about the “proper” behavior of women—and the supremacy of his own will. v10, “Why did Mordecai forbid Esther to mention her nationality?” Mordecai was aware that Esther’s ethnic background could put her at an disadvantage, even in danger, because of potential anti-Jewish sentiment in the palace. The existence of this hostility throughout the empire is demonstrated by the large numbers of enemies slain by the Jews in Chapter 9. v12–16, “What was a Jewish girl doing in a harem?” It appears that she had no choice in the matter. In keeping with the royal edict, she was simply taken to the king’s palace (2:8) along with the other virgins to await Xerxes call for sexual pleasures. She made such an impression on the king, however, that she became more than a member of the harem and was named Queen. v17, “Why wasn’t Esther’s background investigated before she became Queen?” The king was apparently so impressed with her beauty that he did not inquire further about her background. Also Esther had won the favor of the king’s eunuch (v. 9) and of everyone else in the royal court (v. 15), so probably no one questioned her appointment as Queen.
Nelson’s Compact Bible Commentary – v1-3, It was customary for the virgins of the king’s harem to spend a year in beauty treatments and purification rites before going to see the king (see v. 12). Again we see the exaggerated sense of power of the king contrasted with the fragile status of women. Beautiful young virgins were seen to exist just to bring pleasure to the king. v4, 5, The name Mordecai is related to the name of Marduk, the principal Babylonian deity. The phrase a certain Jew, along with the genealogy and the tribal name Benjamite, prepares us for the upcoming conflict with Haman in Chapter 3. Shimei may refer to the man from the family of Saul who cursed David (see 2 Samuel 16:5–13). Kish may be the father of Saul (see 1 Samuel 9:1, 2). If these figures are the ones intended, they are Mordecai’s remote ancestors from the tribe of Benjamin. v6, This Verse is difficult to interpret, as the Hebrew Text does not indicate the subject of the verb had been carried away. The subject could not be Mordecai. If he been one of those carried away into captivity, he would not likely have lived until the time of Ahasuerus. The subject might be Mordecai’s ancestor Kish, understood to be a different person than the father of Saul. It is also possible that the original phrasing just means that Mordecai and his family were among those descended from the captives who were taken to Babylon in the days of Nebuchadnezzar. v7, Hadassah is a Hebrew name that means “Myrtle.” Esther is a Persian name meaning “Star.” Like the name of her cousin Mordecai, the name Esther was related to that of a local deity, the goddess Ishtar. Jewish people in antiquity customarily had two names when they when they lived in regions distant from Israel. One would be their secular name, a name understandable in their adopted culture, and the other would be their sacred name given in Hebrew. v8, We cannot determine whether Esther went willingly or reluctantly to the king’s palace. She was brought into the palace complex, but not yet into the living quarters of the king. v9, obtained his favor: The phrase characterizes Esther’s relationships with all who knew her, including the king (see v. 17). Esther found favor with many, as is demonstrated throughout The Chapter. her allowance: Hegai made certain that Esther received choice food in liberal portions. He also gave her seven personal attendants and the most desirable place to live within the quarters of the harem. v10-13, Many reasons have been suggested about Esther’s hesitation to reveal her national origin. The time does come when Esther would identify herself and her people (see Chapter 8). In fact, her self-disclosure would come at the point when the danger to her person was the highest. v14, concubines: These women lived unfortunate, though highly pampered, lives. If the king never called for them again, they were destined to live as though they were widows for the remainder of their years (see 2 Samuel 20:3). The point made here emphasizes how courageous Esther was when she later made her appearance before Ahasuerus (see 4:11; 5:1). v15, Again We See THE PROVIDENCE OF GODAT WORK. Esther found favor with everyone she encountered. v16, Esther became the principal wife of the king four years after Vashti was divorced. The month Tebeth corresponds to our December-January. v17, The king apparently was so delighted with Esther that he made her Queen right away. The nouns Grace and Favor together mean “Abundant Favor.” v18, 19, sat within the king’s gate: This phrase has a special significance; it means that Mordecai had an official position. Shortly after Esther became Queen, she gave Mordecai a position within the king’s gate where official business took place (see Deuteronomy 22:13-15). In Depth – “The Persian Empire. (500 B.C.)” By Esther’s time the Persian empire stretched from India in the east through Asia Minor to Greece in the west and included Egypt and some of coastal Africa to the south.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Bible Commentary – v1–20, We see to what absurd practices those came, who were destitute of DIVINE REVALATION, And What Need There Was For THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST, to purify men from the lusts of the flesh, and to bring them back to the original institution of marriage. Esther was preferred as Queen. Those who suggest that Esther committed sin to come at this dignity, do not consider the custom of those times and countries. Every one that the king took was married to him, and was his wife, though of a lower rank. But how low has human nature sunk, when such as these are the leading pursuits and highest worldly happiness of men! Disappointment and vexation must follow; and he most wisely consults his enjoyment, even in this present life, who most exactly obeys THE PRECEPTS (MORAL CONDUCT) OF THE DIVINE LAW. But let us turn to consider THE WISE AND MERCIFUL PROVIDENCE (WILL) OF GOD, CARRYING ON HIS DEEP BUT HOLY DESIGNS In The Midst Of All This. And let no change in our condition be a pretext for forgetting our Duties to parents, or the friends who have stood in their place.
“Mordecai Uncovers A Conspiracy” Esther 2:19-23. KJV.
Esther 2:19) And when the virgins were gathered together the second time, then Mordecai sat in the king’s gate. Esther 3:2. 20) Esther had not yet shewed her kindred nor her people; as Mordecai had charged her: for Esther did the commandment of Mordecai, lke as when she was brought up with him. 21) In those days, while Mordecai sat in the king’s gate, two of the king’s chamberlains, Bigthan and Teresh, of those which kept the door, were wroth, and sought to lay hand on the king Ahasuerus. 22) And the thing was known to Mordecai, who told it unto Esther the queen; and Esther certified the king thereof in Mordecai’s name. James 1:19, 20. 23) And when inquisition was made of the matter, it was found out; therefore they were both hanged on a tree: and it was written in the book of the chronicles before the king. Genesis 40:19.
Quest Study Bible – v19, “Why did Mordecai sit at the king’s gate?” The gate of an ancient city was its center of commercial and legal activity. It is likely that Mordecai had gained a position in the king’s service that kept him at the gate. This is supported by Mordecai’s association with court officials (see 3:2-4) and his knowledge of events transpiring within the palace (see 2:19-23; 4:6-8). Ancient records indicate a minor official of Xerxes’ administration with a similar name (Mardukaya).
Nelson’s Compact Bible Commentary – v18, 19, sat within the king’s gate: This phrase has a special significance; it means that Mordecai had an official position. Shortly after Esther became Queen, she gave Mordecai a position within the king’s gate where official business took place (see Deuteronomy 22:13-15). In Depth – “The Persian Empire. (500 B.C.)” By Esther’s time the Persian empire stretched from India in the east through Asia Minor to Greece in the west and included Egypt and some of coastal Africa to the south. v20-23, Mordecai learned of a plot by two angry eunuchs (chamberlains) to take the king’s life. Mordecai not only used this information to save the king, but eventually his own people.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Bible Commentary – v1–20, We see to what absurd practices those came, who were destitute of DIVINE REVALATION, And What Need There Was For THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST, to purify men from the lusts of the flesh, and to bring them back to the original institution of marriage. Esther was preferred as Queen. Those who suggest that Esther committed sin to come at this dignity, do not consider the custom of those times and countries. Every one that the king took was married to him, and was his wife, though of a lower rank. But how low has human nature sunk, when such as these are the leading pursuits and highest worldly happiness of men! Disappointment and vexation must follow; and he most wisely consults his enjoyment, even in this present life, who most exactly obeys THE PRECEPTS (MORAL CONDUCT) OF THE DIVINE LAW. But let us turn to consider THE WISE AND MERCIFUL PROVIDENCE (WILL) OF GOD, CARRYING ON HIS DEEP BUT HOLY DESIGNS In The Midst Of All This. And let no change in our condition be a pretext for forgetting our Duties to parents, or the friends who have stood in their place. v21-23, Good subjects (people) should not conceal any bad design (plan) they know of against the prince, or the public peace. Mordecai was not rewarded at the time, But A Remembrance Was Written. Thus, With Respect To Those Who Serve CHRIST, Though Their Recompence (Recompense) (Reward) Is Not Till The Resurrection of The Just, Yet An Account Is Kept of Their Work Of Faith and Labour Of Love, WHICH GOD IS NOT UNRIGHTEOUS TO FORGET. The Servant Of GOD Must Be Faithful To Every Trust, and watchful for those who employ him. If he appear to be neglected now, he Will Be Remembered Hereafter. None of our actions can be forgotten; even our most secret thoughts Are Written In LASTING REGISTERS, Revelation 20:12. Amen.
“GOD BLESS You!”
HE LIVES! 