Today’s Reading: Esther 8-10; Psalm 56

After Esther’s second banquet, life changed drastically for both Esther and Mordecai. On that same day, King Xerxes gave Queen Esther the estate of Haman, which she handed over to Mordecai. When the king learned how Mordecai was related to Esther, Mordecai was brought into the presence of the king and given his signet ring.

But none of this mattered if the Jewish people were still scheduled for annihilation. Esther fell at the king’s feet in tears, begging him to put an end to the evil which Haman had set into motion. Once more, the king extended the gold scepter to Esther. The Lord was giving her favor with the one who had the authority to change the course of history.

King Xerxes replied to Queen Esther and to Mordecai the Jew, “Because Haman attacked the Jews, I have given his estate to Esther, and they have impaled him on the pole he set up. Now write another decree in the king’s name in behalf of the Jews as seems best to you, and seal it with the king’s signet ring—for no document written in the king’s name and sealed with his ring can be revoked.” – Esther 8:7-8

The king could not undo what he had sealed into being, but he could give Mordecai the authority to come up with a solution. The royal secretaries gathered around to write out all of the orders spoken by Mordecai. The orders were written in every language so that Jews and Gentiles together could understand the plan, and they were transported on horseback to all 127 provinces. And here was the plan:

On the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, every Jew in every city was given the right to assemble and protect themselves; they could destroy and kill any armed men who attacked them or their families. Then they could plunder the property of those who tried to kill them. The Jews were essentially given the right to fight back — to avenge themselves against their enemies.

Mordecai had entered the palace that day as a commoner; now he was walking out dressed in royal garments of blue and white. A large crown of gold sat on his head and he was clothed in a purple robe of fine linen. The city of Susa erupted in celebration! Their relief was cloaked in happiness, joy and gladness as they feasted together. Scripture says that many people of other nationalities joined the Jewish faith out of fear (8:17).

The Lord was doing IMMEASURABLY MORE than anyone could have imagined! On the same day, the Jewish people went from a death sentence to a powerful force to be reckoned with. The Jews now had the upper hand as even the nobles, satraps, governors, and administrators joined forces with the Jews. Why? Because they now feared Mordecai, the simple man who went from sitting at the palace gate to holding a prominent place in the palace.

On the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the Jews struck down their enemies, but they did not plunder their goods. The king turned to Queen Esther and invited her to make another request. She asked for the king to extend permission for one more day, for there were more enemies to conquer in Susa. Her wish was granted, and a celebration broke out across all the provinces.

Mordecai recorded these events, and he sent letters to all the Jews throughout the provinces of King Xerxes, near and far, to have them celebrate annually the fourteenth and fifteenth days of the month of Adar as the time when the Jews got relief from their enemies, and as the month when their sorrow was turned into joy and their mourning into a day of celebration. He wrote them to observe the days as days of feasting and joy and giving presents of food to one another and gifts to the poor. – Esther 9:20-22

Although the book of Esther does not mention Him, the Lord is the main character of this story. He was never unaware of what was happening to His people, and He was never without a plan to rescue them. In the same way, we can be confident that God is actively moving in our situations. He is aware of what we are facing and knows what we are feeling. And perhaps he is calling us to be a part of the solution; perhaps He has positioned us for such a time as this. Let’s trust the Lord to give us the wisdom and courage to do what He is asking us to do.

“Can a mother forget the baby at her breast
and have no compassion on the child she has borne?
Though she may forget,
I will not forget you!
See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands;
your walls are ever before me.” – Isaiah 49:15-16

You keep track of all my sorrows.
You have collected all my tears in your bottle.
You have recorded each one in your book.
My enemies will retreat when I call to you for help.
This I know: God is on my side!
I praise God for what he has promised;
yes, I praise the Lord for what he has promised.
I trust in God, so why should I be afraid?
What can mere mortals do to me?
I will fulfill my vows to you, O God,
and will offer a sacrifice of thanks for your help.
For you have rescued me from death;
you have kept my feet from slipping.
So now I can walk in your presence, O God,
in your life-giving light. – Psalm 56:8-13