Esther 8:15 When Mordecai left the king’s presence, he was wearing royal garments of blue and white, a large crown of gold and a purple robe of fine linen. And the city of Susa held a joyous celebration.
Isaiah 43:19 is a verse I cling to, especially in difficult times when I see no solution to the problems at hand: “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness….” The idea that God is at work, that He is making a way in my wilderness, even though I can’t yet perceive it, brings me incredible comfort and peace.
Esther 8:16 For the Jews it was a time of happiness and joy, gladness and honor.
This chapter, to me, seems an embodiment of Isaiah 43:19. Haman was bent on destroying Mordecai. He ended up causing his own death instead. Haman’s decree against the Jews, endorsed by the king, cannot be undone. But God made a legal way for the Jews to protect themselves and fight back.
Esther 8:17a In every province and in every city to which the edict of the king came, there was joy and gladness among the Jews, with feasting and celebrating….
Lord, Thank You for this day and this scripture. Thank You for the reminder that You are with us, even when we can’t feel Your presence, that You are making a way in the wilderness, even when we can’t yet perceive it. Help us to trust You for the next breath, the next step, knowing that You will never leave us nor forsake us. Thank You for Your fierce love and unending mercy. Amen.
Esther 8:17b …And many people of other nationalities became Jews because fear of the Jews had seized them.
Have a blessed day.