Bible with Brandi – Week 4 – Esther Chapters 8-10
This week we come to the conclusion of the book of Esther. We’ve watched a young woman grow into a queen, and we’ve seen Haman descend from demanded glory to death. Now the text turns our attention to the salvation of the Jews and the rise of Mordecai.
At the king’s command, Haman’s estate was given to Esther, who then appointed Mordecai to oversee it. Haman’s position—and the honor of the signet ring—were also given to Mordecai. This authority allowed Mordecai to write a new decree “as seem[ed] best to [him],” granting the Jews the right to defend themselves against the coming attacks. (Esther 8:8)
Two months and ten days had passed since Haman’s original order of annihilation, leaving about seven and a half months for the Jews to arm themselves and prepare. Both the attack and the defense were to take place on the same day—the thirteenth of Adar.
Mordecai’s new attire, “royal garments of blue and white, a large crown of gold, and a purple robe of fine linen,” reflects more than a change in status within a foreign kingdom. It points to his true royal allegiance (Esther 8:15). Mordecai belonged to the Kingdom of God. And God’s favor on Mordecai and the Jews did not go unnoticed. “[M]any people of other nationalities became Jews because fear of the Jews had seized them.” (Esther 8:17) This moment foreshadows passages like 1 Peter 2:12, where believers are urged to live such good lives among the pagans that, though accused of wrongdoing, others may see their deeds and glorify God.
Then the day finally came when “the Jews themselves overpowered those who hated them” (Esther 9:1). We are told that “all the officials of the provinces, the satraps, the governors, and all those doing the king’s work, helped the Jews, because the fear of Mordecai fell upon them. For Mordecai was great in the king’s palace, and his fame spread throughout all the provinces; for this man Mordecai became increasingly prominent.” (Esther 9:3–4) Isn’t that striking? God used the very people assigned to destroy the Jews to protect them. The despised became favored.
Perhaps most astonishing is that God’s original command to Saul—to “[g]o and utterly destroy the sinners, the Amalekites, and fight against them until they are exterminated” (1 Samuel 15:18) left unfinished in 1 Samuel 15—was finally carried out! And unlike then, Israel did not keep anything for themselves, nor did they spare the house of Agag! Instead, “the ten sons of Haman son of Hammedatha, the enemy of the Jews, they killed; but they did not lay a hand on the plunder.” (Esther 9:10)Amazing, isn’t it! Not only where God’s people saved, promoted, and added to, but their hearts were ones of obedience to the Lord to such a degree that they corrected an error from long ago in their family line. It’s absolutely beautiful!
Now that we have finished reading and discussing chapters 8-10, take a few moments to answer the reflection questions and let God talk to you about the text in relation to your own life. You may not be a queen in the earthly realm, but you are no doubt one in the Kingdom of Heaven!
REFLECTIVE QUESTIONS:
1. Esther’s story unfolds overtime, not all at once. Looking back, where can you see God working patiently behind the scenes in your own life, setting the stage for His good purposes to come about?
2. Mordecai is given authority for the sake of others, not himself. What responsibilities or influence has God placed in your care, and how are you using them to serve rather than to advance yourself?
3. The Jews were given time to prepare before the day of conflict. What has God already given you to prepare you for what lies ahead? Are you staying focused on the task at hand?
4. Mordecai’s clothing changes, but his identity does not. He was always an honored citizen of God’s Kingdom. What in your life reveals your true citizenship?
5. In Esther, as many times throughout the history of mankind, others were drawn to God’s people when they saw His favor and faithfulness rest upon them. How might the favor in your life quietly point others to the Lord?
6. God used the same officials who once enforced injustice to bring about deliverance. Where might God be redeeming people or situations you once thought were beyond repair?Take a moment to pray for those involved in the situations that just came to mind.
7. The Jews chose obedience over personal gain by refusing the plunder. Where might God be inviting you to choose faithfulness over advantage?
8. What was left unfinished in 1 Samuel 15 is completed in the book of Esther. Are there areas in your own family line or history where obedience has been partial or delayed?How are you cooperating with God in full obedience to His will?
