05/12/2021 – Day 360 – Esther 6 – 10 // “The wicked plans against the just, And gnashes at him with his teeth. The Lord laughs at him, For He sees that his day is coming.” Psalm 37: 12-13
What a story, no? But it is not an imaginative fictional story, but clear evidence of God’s plan and sovereignty, that always carries the day. If it is delayed , it is so that the victory is all the more glorious, for God has been glorified. As, Matthew Henry points out in his commentary: Chapter 6 , verses 1-3: “When Satan put it into the heart of Haman to contrive Modecai’s death, God put it in the heart of the king to contrive Mordecai’s honour.”
Did Satan see the cross as a great ultimate victory, when it was the direct opposite through the most unfathomable turn of events? The cross meant the death of death and Christ glorified, overturning Satan’s earthly kingdom. When we review the movie: “XL: Tempation of Christ” we can review these points and the battle of Good vs. evil that has been non-stop from the garden.
Check out these points in Matthew Henry’s commentary:
Chapter 7 – Verses 7 – 10: “How mean Haman looks, when he stands up first and then falls down at Esther’s feet, to beg she would save his life and take all he had. How great Esther looks, who of late had been neglected and doomed! Now her sworn enemy owns that he lies at her mercy, and begs his life at her hand. The day is coming when those that hate and persecute God’s chosen ones would gladly be beholden to them.“
Chapter 8:8 – Halley’s Bible Handbook points out : “Since a Persian king’s decree could not be changed, the decree for the Jew’s massacre could not be reversed. (see also Danie 6:15) But Esther did persuade the king to make another decree authorizing the Jews to resist and slay all who would attack them, which they did. Thus Esther saved the Jewish race from annihilation.
Esther was no only beautiful but wise. We admire her for patriotism and bravery and tact. This was the origin of the Feast of Purim, which Jews still observe.”
8: 15 – 17 , Henry comments: “One good effect of this deliverance was that many of the people of the land, that were considerate , sober, and well inclined, became Jews, were proselyted to the Jewish religion, renounced idolatry, and worshipped the true God only. We will go with you , for we have heard, we have seen, that God is with you, the shield of your help, and sword of your excellency, Deuternomy 33: 29.”
And just as the beleagured remnant Christian, will come out victorious by His grace, Henry notes on the Jewish underdog conquerors: “Had they acted separately, each family apart, they would have been easy prey to their enemies; but acting in concert, and gathering together in their cities, they strengthened one another, and durst face their enemies.”
Finally , verses 20-32: “A festival was instituted , to be observed yearly from generation to geneation by the Jews, in remembrance of this wonderful work which God wrought for them, that the children who should be born might know it, and declare it to their children, that they might set their hope on God. (Psalm 78: 6-7)
Soli Deo Gloria! Always connected by His Grace!
Love,
Jimmy