Sunday, May 9, 2010

Esther 5-10: Celebration of Purim

Esther ends her response to Mordecai with a request that the Jews who are in Susa fast day and night for three days.  "When this is done, she tells Mordecai.  "I will go to the king, even though it is against the law.  And if I perish, I perish" - Esther 4:16

So while Haman hatches his plot for killing the Jews, Esther hatches her plot as well.  Both are dangerous, but only one has the Lord God and a lot of fasting and praying behind it.  As a result of those petitions to God on behalf of the Jews, the king finds himself unable to sleep.  He has the chronicles of his reign brought in and discovers the record of Mordecai exposing the threat against him and thus saving his life. 

Haman's plot is foiled even before Esther can put her plan into place.  The king finally honors Mordecai for his actions and Haman realizes that he is doomed.  The gallows built for Mordecai become Haman's death sentence. 

Finally, the edict that Haman had issued to kill all of the Jews is reversed and a new edict grants the Jews the right to assemble and protect themselves.  Mordecai, who had been dressed in sackcloth and ashes left the kings presence in royal garments of blue and white, a large crown of gold and a purple robe of fine linen. 

On the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, when the Jews were to be killed, instead they were able with the permission that had been granted, to kill their enemies instead.  They killed seventy-five thousand men and established the custom of celebrating for two days each year which is called Purim. Because Haman had plotted against the Jews to destroy them and had cast the pur (that is, the lot) for their ruin and destruction. - 1 Chron 9:24  NIV

Once again, what man meant for evil God uses for good.

No comments:

Post a Comment