Mordecai left the king's presence 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. For the Jews it was a
time of happiness and joy, gladness and honor. In every province and in every
city, wherever the edict of the king went, there was joy and gladness among the
Jews, with feasting and celebrating. And many people of other nationalities
became Jews because fear of the Jews had seized them.
8:15-17
Footnote: Everyone wants to be a hero and receive praise,
honor, and wealth. But few are willing to pay the price. Mordecai served the
government faithfully for years, bore Haman's hatred and oppression, and risked
his life for his people. The price to be paid by God's heroes is long-term
commitment. Are you ready and willing to pay the price?
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. 9:5
Footnote for 9:5-16: Haman had decreed that on the 13th
day of the 12th month anyone could kill the Jews and take their property.
Mordecai's decree could not reverse Haman's because no law signed by the king
could be repealed. Instead, Mordecai had the king sign a new law giving Jews
the right to fight back. When the dreaded day arrived, there was much fighting,
but the Jews killed only those who wanted to kill them, and they did not take
their enemies' possessions, even though they could have. There were no
additional riots after the two-day slaughter, so obviously selfish gain or
revenge were not primary motives of the Jews. They simply wanted to defend
themselves and their families from those who hated them.
Mordecai the Jew was second in rank to King
Xerxes, preeminent among the Jews, and held in high esteem by his many fellow
Jews, because he worked for the good of his people and spoke up for the welfare
of all the Jews. 10:3
Footnote: In the book of Esther, we clearly see God at
work in the lives of individuals and in the affairs of a nation. Even when it
looks as if the world is in the hands of evil people, God is still in control,
protecting those who are his. Although we may not understand everything
happening around us, we must trust in God's protection and retain our integrity
by doing what we know is right. Esther, who risked her life appearing before
the king, became a hero. Mordecai, who was effectively condemned to death, rose
to become the second highest ranking official in the nation. No matter how
hopeless our condition, or how much we would like to give up, we need not
despair. God is in control of our world.
Keep reading -- 90 days left!
All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV
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