Now the king was attracted to Esther more than to
any of the other women, and she won his favor and approval more than any of the
other virgins. So he set a royal crown on her head and made her queen instead
of Vashti. 2:17
Footnote: God placed Esther on the throne even before the
Jews faced the possibility of complete destruction, so that when trouble came, a
person would already be in the position to help. No human effort could thwart
God's plan to send the Messiah to earth as a Jew. If you are changing jobs,
position, or location and can't see God's purpose in your situation, understand
that God is in control. He may be placing you in a position so you can help
when the need arises.
When Haman saw that Mordecai would not kneel down
or pay him honor, he was enraged. Yet having learned who Mordecai's people
were, he scorned the idea of killing only Mordecai. Instead Haman looked for a
way to destroy all Mordecai's people, the Jews, throughout the whole kingdom of
Xerxes. 3:5,6
Footnote: Why did Haman want to destroy all Jews just
because of one man's action? 1. Haman was an Agagite (3:1), a descendant of
Agag, king of the Amalekites (1 Samuel 15:20). The Amalekites were ancient
enemies of the Israelites (see Exodus 17:16; Deuteronomy 25:17-19). Haman's
hatred was directed not just at Mordecai, but at all the Jews. 2. As
second-in-command in the Persian empire (3:1), Haman loved his power and
authority and the reverence shown him. The Jews, however, looked to God as
their final authority, not to any man. Haman realized that the only way to
fulfill his self-centered desires was to kill all those who disregarded his
authority. His quest for personal power and his hatred of the Jewish race
consumed him.
Keep reading -- 92 days left!
All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV
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