Esther 9:1 …On this day the enemies of the Jews had hoped to overpower them, but now the tables were turned and the Jews got the upper hand on those who hated them.
Isaiah 61:3 came to mind as I read this chapter, especially Esther 9:22. Isaiah 61:3 promises “…a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.” Haman’s massacre of the Jews was an edict from the king. Yet, because of the faithfulness of Esther and Mordecai, the Jews were granted not only redemption but retribution.
Esther 9:5 The Jews struck down all their enemies with the sword, killing and destroying them, and they did what they pleased to those who hated them.
As I typed the above, Romans 8:37 came to mind. “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” Perhaps that is the ultimate lesson of this chapter: no matter how devastating and irrevocable the proclamation against us, if we are faithful to “Him who loved us,” God can not only redeem us but can give us overwhelming victory. Thank You, Jesus.
Esther 9:13 “If it pleases the king,” Esther answered, “give the Jews in Susa permission to carry out this day’s edict tomorrow also, and let Haman’s ten sons be impaled on poles.”
Lord, Thank You for this day and this scripture. Thank You for this reminder that no matter our sin, no matter the heartache we face, You can and will redeem us if we come to You with a humble and repentant heart. Thank You for the assurance that no matter the opposition facing us, overwhelming victory is ours through You. Thank You for Your extraordinary grace and undeserved mercy. Draw us closer. Amen.
Esther 9:20-22 Mordecai recorded these events, and he sent letters to all the Jews throughout the provinces of King Xerxes…to have them celebrate annually [these two days] 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….
Have a blessed day.