At the time of the publishing of the irrevocable decree for the destruction of the 15 million Jews believed to resided throughout the Persian provinces Esther had been queen for 5 years and yet no one in the palace knew that she was a member of the Jewish race for she had followed the instruction which Mordecai gave her when she first entered the palace to tell no one her nationality.
When Mordecai and fellow Jews throughout the Persia empire heard the decree of the scheduled massacre, they rented their clothes, put on sackcloth with ashes, fasted, mourned and cried bitterly. Also, Mordecai took his display of irrepressible emotions before the king’s gate for according to the law people could not go into the king’s courtyard while mourning. Esther’s maids and chamberlains heard about Mordecai’s actions and told Esther, causing her to become very upset.
Esther attempted to send Mordecai clothes to cover himself; however, he rejected them. Thus, Esther sent Hatach to Mordecai to find out what was the problem. Mordecai told Hatach about the decree, about the monies Haman promised to give to the king’s treasuries to assist in destroying the Jews, and he sent Esther a copy of the decree which was published in Shushan. Plus, Mordecai asked Esther to intervene on behalf of her countrymen to King Ahasuerus.
Upon hearing the problem from Hatach Esther sent word to Mordecai reminding him of the protocol of the court which prevented anyone coming before the king unless they had received a summons to do so and anyone who disobeyed this rule was put to death unless they gained the kings favor whereby he would extend his golden scepter toward them. Esther also informed him that the king had not requested her presence in the last thirty days.
Mordecai responded to Ruth by telling her, her life was also in danger, if she did nothing her extended family would possibly be killed, and help might come to the Jews from an unexpected source. Furthermore, Mordecai suggested that her queenly position was divinely orchestrated for this particular time in Persian history.
The chapter ends with Esther sending this word to Mordecai, “Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish” and to which Mordecai complied.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT:
This chapter reveals a few key battle strategies that will help all believers if they are utilized during times of spiritual warfare. After receiving word of the future plight of her countrymen, Queen Esther probably was fearful; however, she did not repeat or continuously rehearse the plot of the enemy nor disclose her fears to people. Esther did not rush to a meeting with the king, but she first sought divine direction. Esther and her ladies-in-waiting fasted, and she requested her countrymen to join her in the fast.
Reality has proven that sometimes in battle, you are wounded. Like Esther, there may come a time in with your life where you are uncertain about the outcome of your actions, and you will have to take a risk and trust God.
Finally, as I’ve stated in previous blogs in this series, your birth has a purpose, and the future will reveal exactly what it is, consequently whether you fulfill that purpose is up to you.
Esther chapter 3 introduces Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, who many believe was a descendant of King Agag the Amalekites whom King Saul spared in 1 Samuel 15. Before the twelfth year of his reign, King Ahasuerus elevated Haman to the position of the prime minister which garnered him honor and reverence from all the citizens and subordinate officers of the empire. This reverence required the people to bow down in his presence; however, Mordecai refused to bow and reverence Hamon, and for this Mordecai drew attention to himself.
When questioned by the citizens about his actions Mordecai told them, “He was a Jew.” Eventually, his actions and response were told to Haman, who consequently sought revenge on Mordecai and all the Jews for what he thought was Mordecai’s blatant disrespect of his position. Thus, Hamon masterminded a scheme to eliminate the disrespectful Mordecai.
Haman told the king there were disloyal individuals that lived in their empire that did not keep the king’s laws because of their religious laws, and he suggested that they be destroyed. Also, he offered to give money to the treasury to assist with this dastardly deed. Listening and agreeing with Haman King Ahasuerus gave Haman the power to carry out his suggestion, his signet ring to seal the decree and monies to fund this effort.
On the thirteenth day of the first month, after consulting and obtaining a date for the slaughtering of the Jews from soothsayers Haman had the king’s scribes write letters to be distributed throughout the ten provinces that on the thirteenth day of Adar a universal massacre of all Jews, both young and old, men, women, and children could be done by the populace and their property confiscated.
With the plan in place for the annihilation of the Jews, the command sealed and published, the king and Haman continued their daily routine, but the citizens of Shushan was perplexed by the order.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT:
Believing the reverence that Haman wanted to receive as idolatry Mordecai refused to bow and for this, his life was threatened. Refusal to bow and commit idolatry can cost you your life.
When you refuse to conform to the ways of the world, the world views you as a threat.
When you place your confidence in wicked people, they may cause you to make bad decisions. It is vitally important to know those that labor among you. The King thought Hamon was a trusty valuable servant; however, Hamon had his own hidden agenda, and he used his position and falsehoods to influence the king into committing genocide.
If rulers in-charge of a nation are not prayerful and accept good counsel, they are capable of making decisions that can destroy the lives of its’ citizens.
Now, in chapter 2, Queen Vashti had been previously deposed, and King Ahasuerus is seeking a wife for history notes that between chapter 1 and 2 four years have passed. King Ahasuerus had been in a war with the Greeks who defeated him at Salamis and Plataea; so, he had returned home and was able to focus on securing himself a wife.
One of the king’s servants suggested he appoint officers in all of his provinces to gather all the young virgins and bring them to the house of women in the palace where they would be placed under the custody of Hegai who was the king’s chamberlain and palace keeper of the women. For one year these women were given things for purification, and after completing the year, they appeared before the king who then had the opportunity to choose the next queen.
One of the young virgins chosen to appear before the king was the fair and beautiful Hadassah whose name was changed to Esther when she came to the Persian court and who was the cousin of a Jew named Mordecai, the son of Jair. As recorded in the scripture, upon entry into the women’s house Esther found favor with Hegai who gave her seven maidens to assist with her care, the oil of myrrh, sweet odors, and other things needed for purification and he assigned her the choicest place in the house of the women.
Mordecai, who raised Esther as his daughter when her parents died and kept her under his protective eyes even after she went into the palace, directed Esther not to inform anyone of her ethnic origin. Thus, daily Mordecai went to the court of the women’s house, to know how Esther did, and what should become of her.
In the seventh year and Tebeth, the tenth month of King Ahasuerus reign when it was her turn to go before the king Esther for her first meeting with him had the opportunity to choose her apparel; however, she submitted herself to Hegai and followed his suggestions. As was the custom, in the evening the young lady would go to the king’s chamber, and in the morning she returned into the second house of the women under the care of Shaashgaz, another one of the king’s chamberlain. Additionally, unless the king desired the young lady again, she remained confined in the king’s harem.
This was not Esther’s fate for the king was enamored with Esther, and the privilege of becoming the queen was given to her. In honor of his new queen, King Ahasuerus proclaimed a holiday, held a great feast, and gave gifts to his citizens.
The chapter concludes with the revelation of a plot to assassinate the king by two of his chamberlains, Bigthan and Teresh, Mordecai found out about this plot and gave this information to Esther who shared it with the king. An investigation ensued, and the guilt of these men was confirmed, which resulted in their execution, and this event was written in the book of the chronicles with recognition given to Mordecai for revealing the plot.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: As seen in the life of Esther who experienced the death of both of her parents in her childhood, God was with her, and he allowed a relative to love and raise her. This relative not only took care of her during her childhood, but he was involved in her young adult life. God will place people in our lives who will show concern for us and stick with us throughout our life.
According to the laws given to Moses by God for the Israelites mixed marriages and sexual relations outside of marriage was prohibited. Unfortunately, Esther was placed in a position where both of these would be broken. However, God allowed the intimate encounter between Esther and King Ahasuerus to end in marriage, and God used Esther’s position in gaining the deliverance of His people. Similarly, there are times in the life of a believer when their behavior does not line up with God’s Word; however, God can turn a situation around and bring about something good.
Just like God allowed Esther to find favor among strangers, He does the same for us. These strangers are divinely connected to us, and they are placed in our lives to assist us in moving to another level.
The book of Esther which is named after its heroine took place in Shushan in the fifth century B.C. This book tells the story of a young orphaned Jewess who was brought into the Persian harem of King Ahasuerus who is identified as Xerxes I the king of one hundred twenty-seven Persian provinces extending from India to Ethiopia The author of this book which took place over a span of four years and details Esther’s rise to power is unknown. This book never mentions God’s name, the commandments, laws and statues that were given to Israel or Jewish sacrifices; however, it reveals God’s divine intervention in the lives of His people and the consequences suffered by those who chose to do them harm.
Chapter one opens in the third year reign of the king in the city of Susa, the winter capital of the Persian kingdom where King Ahasuerus entertained a royal reception of his nobles, and rulers that commenced with a 180-day assembly. During this time, he displayed the kingdom’s power, wealth and grandeur, and ended with a seven-day feast in the royal gardens which included and citizens of the Shushan. Also, while the men in the royal gardens feasted and drank their fill of wine from gold wine goblets, Queen Vashti hosted a separate feast for the women in the royal palace.
On the last day of the feast seven eunuchs were instructed by the inebriated King Ahasuerus to bring Queen Vashti to the royal gardens where her beauty was to be witnessed by those present; however, the Queen refused to comply. Thus, the king filled with rage and anger consulted with seven wise men concerning what he should do. These men were concerned that other women would follow Queen Vashti actions when they heard about her response to the king, and if she were left unpunished, it would have far-reaching consequences for marriages in Persia.
One of the men named Memucan recommended that the king makes an irrevocable royal commandment that would be published throughout the empire acknowledging Queen Vashti would no longer be the queen, there would be a replacement, and furthermore, he hoped this would cause wives to honor their husbands.
Following the advice, he received, King Ahasuerus sent letters into every province about the fate of Queen Vashti and admonished men to rule their households.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Despite the many speculations by commentators, the bible does not record why Queen Vashti refused to comply with the king’s request. However, we understand the queen needed to be deposed so that Esther could be elevated to that position which would enable her possible access to the king on behalf of her kinsmen.
King Ahasuerus was a heathen king that God used in the deliverance of His people. History reveals during his life; he made some bad decisions that adversely affected his empire. Commentaries described him as boastful, revengeful, gullible, ill-informed, undisciplined, quick-tempered, and lustful. Despite all of these bad character traits God, used him. This shows us that individuals that we label wicked can be useful in the hands of God.
God knows what the future will be; He is omniscient. Though disaster for a people was in the heart and mind of a man, and though the king was often deceived and misled by people, God had a plan of deliverance for the Jews in the Persia Empire, and He used the deposing of Queen Vashti, King Ahasuerus, and Esther to bring it into fruition.
As you reflect on this first chapter of Esther, don’t worry and be alarmed about your present situation but remember despite what you see, feel, or think God has a plan for your life.
In keeping with his word, in the morning Boaz went to the gate of the city which was the place in ancient times where business transactions were handled and waited for Elimelech’s next of kin to come by. When the man was passing, Boaz invited him and ten elders of the city who would be his witnesses and represented the quorum needed for official actions to sit down with him while he shared pertinent information.
First, Boaz talked about the purchase of Elimelech’s property from Naomi which the next of kin was willing to do until Boaz told him he would also have to marry Ruth to maintain the name of Naomi’s family. Since he was already married and planning a family of his own, he feared this decision would endanger his own estate; therefore, he rejected the proposal and told Boaz as the next kin in line he could do it.
As their custom and law, with the ten elders as witnesses, because he rejected the proposal, the next of kin took off his sandal and gave it to Boaz giving him the right to purchase Elimelech’s property and marry Ruth. Additionally, the elders gave Boaz the traditional blessings wishing him, his future wife, his family, and offspring, well and citing the names of Boaz’s clanswomen who had birthed children, and Pharez, Boaz’s ancestor.
Boaz willingly became the kinsman redeemer and married Ruth who bore him a son that the women of the town named Obed and whom Naomi nursed as her own. Also, the women blessed and congratulated Naomi whom God honored with a grandchild who would in the future care for her, and Ruth her daughter-in-law whose love and devotion they considered to be more than seven sons.
The book of Ruth ends with the genealogy of the Boaz’s family starting with Pharez, who was the founder of the family of Judah down to David his great-grandson who became the second king in Israel. It states, “Now these are the generations of Pharez: Pharez begat Hezron, And Hezron begat Ram, and Ram begat Amminadab, And Amminadab begat Nahshon, and Nahshon begat Salmon, And Salmon begat Boaz, and Boaz begat Obed, And Obed begat Jesse, and Jesse begat David.”
FOOD FOR THOUGHT:
Time had allowed Naomi to transition from the weeping, depression, grief, and bitterness in chapter one to joy, peace, and satisfaction in chapter four. Obed, the son of Boaz and Ruth, became a “restorer of life” for Naomi. Her weeping endured for a while, but joy came. Don’t allow yourself to become forlorn, tomorrow may be your day of miraculous change.
Like in the life of Naomi and Ruth, during all of our challenges, God is present and remains faithful despite what we may feel or see.
You must be smart when negotiating for things that you truly want. Boaz, in his conversation with Elimelech’s next-of-kin, showed why he was a successful businessman.
Boaz symbolized Jesus Christ as our kinsman-redeemer who willingly redeemed us when others failed to do so. By marrying Ruth, Boaz displayed his willingness to perpetuate the family name that had ceased by the deaths of Elimelech and Mahlon. Also, his actions caused his name to become known and revered throughout history.
The love and devotion of Ruth to Naomi was equated to seven sons which represented the blessed perfect Hebrew family. If you experience deep love and devotion, it is to be valued and cherished for it is lacking in the lives of many.
Being in the right place opens the door for unexpected blessings to come your way.
God can move you from working in the field to become the owner of the field.
In chapter two, it was harvest time in Bethlehem and Naomi, and Ruth had settled down in the town.
Aware of the provision made for widows in Bethlehem Ruth requested permission from Naomi to go to the field to glean, and unknowingly she was providentially led to the field of Boaz who was not only wealthy but a near kinsman of Naomi’s husband, Elimelech.
On this, her first day of gleaning Boaz also came to the field. At first, he greeted his reapers, and then he questioned his foreman about this new woman. Finding out it was Ruth, Boaz approached her and instructed her for her protection against assault to glean solely in his fields along with his handmaids, and she was allowed to refresh herself with the water provided for his servants when she felt thirsty.
Ruth, in humble gratitude, bowed down before Boaz and asked him about his generosity toward her. Boaz responded by telling her God, whom she now trusts was rewarding her for her positive actions and devotion toward her deceased husband and Naomi.
Later in the day, Boaz instructed her to feel free to eat some of the food provided for his workers, and he gave her freshly roasted corn to eat. Additionally, Boaz instructed his workers to be respectful of Ruth and to purposely drop barley in Ruth’s path, allowing her to have abundant provision to take home at the end of the day.
That evening Ruth brought home about thirty pounds of barley which she had gleaned for the day and gave Naomi the portion of food that she had not eaten at mealtime. Plus, she told Naomi of her meeting with Boaz and the kindness he bestowed on her to which Naomi declared a blessing upon Boaz.
Following the words of Boaz and the encouragement of Naomi, Ruth gleaned both the barley and wheat harvest in Boaz’s fields.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT:
In the laws God gave to Moses provision was made for the poor, strangers, and widows (Lev 19:9-10; Deut. 24:19-21). God was concerned about Ruth’s well-being, He guided her to the place of provision, and Ruth was able to get food, and an added blessing was being granted the privilege to glean behind the reapers. God has a way of providing for us. He will direct us to the place where our provision is to be met. For believers, we must not doubt the instructions or leadings of God but obey promptly.
Though Boaz was a prominent, wealthy man, he exhibited a godly character in the manner in which he greeted his workers and Ruth, and in the kindness and compassion that he extended to her. No matter what your status might be, be kind to all the persons you meet.
Like Ruth, God can give you more than enough. So, don’t worry about tomorrow
The historical and geographical life of Ruth and Naomi occurred during the period of Judges in Bethlehem (1200-1020 BC), and it is believed the book of Ruth was possibly penned by Samuel or Hezekiah.
Chapter 1 of Ruth opens with an Ephrathite family from the tribe of Judah consisting of Elimelech (God is his king), his wife Naomi (my pleasantness), and two sons Mahlon (sickly), and Chilion (pining, wasting away) migrating approximately fifty miles from famine-stricken Bethlehem to the fertile well-watered highlands of the adjoining country Moab.
Though cautioned by God not to intermarry with the Moabites (Numbers 25:1-4; Deut. 7:1-11; 23:3-6;), Mahlon and Chilion each marry Moabitish women. Mahlon married Ruth and Chilion married Orpah. Sadly, during their ten-year stay in Moab Elimelech dies first followed by his sons, Mahlon, and Chilion leaving three destitute widows.
After receiving word that the famine had ended in Bethlehem, Naomi decided to return home. While traveling home with her two daughters-in-law, Naomi had an earnest conversation with them about her age, and her ability to birth more sons for them to marry. Consequently, she urged them to return to their homeland where they possibly could remarry.
After much tears between the women, Orpah with the blessing of Naomi decided to return home; however, Ruth enduring the three entreaties of Naomi clung to her and said, “Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the Lord do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me” (Ruth 1:16-17).
By the time Naomi and Ruth reached Bethlehem, it was the start of the barley harvest. With the announcement of her arrival the village women were excited, surprised and bewildered to see her to which Naomi responded, “Call me not Naomi, call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me. I went out full and the Lord hath brought me home again empty: why then call ye me Naomi, seeing the Lord hath testified against me, and the Almighty hath afflicted me? (Ruth 1:20-21)
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Names carry meaning; therefore, I would like to restate the beginning verses of this book as follows, “God is king, My Pleasantness, Sickly, and Wasting Away left their promised land of the House of Bread to go into Moab.” Thus, Elimelech walking by sight took his family to a place where hereditary enemies of Israel resided because it appeared to be prospering. God did not direct him to go there, he went on his own, and Elimelech and his son died there leaving three widows without a male to protect or care for them. Plus, living in a patriarchal society Naomi and her daughters-in-law lost their identity and security without men in their lives
Ruth’s till death pledge of allegiance to Naomi and Naomi’s God revealed her commitment, resolve, fortitude, and willingness to give up her ancestral religion.
With the turn of events, life changed for Naomi. She no longer wanted to be called “My Pleasantness” but rather “Bitterness” for when they left the House of Bread she had a husband and two sons and now she returns home bereft.
The barley harvest took place in Bethlehem in the spring of the year, and it represented new beginnings as things spring forth. Naomi did not realize it, but God whom she thought dealt her a horrible blow was about to bless her unexpectedly. New things would be coming into her life through Ruth, who pledged to be with her always.
I started blogging on January 2, 2012, and I have been reasonably consistent with this endeavor. From that date to the present, I have completed 271 blogs covering various topics and series. Up to April 2018, my blogs were done without outside editorial help; however, in April 2018 I had the Grammarly program put on my computer, and since then I have been utilizing it with my blogs.
For those of you that don’t know about Grammarly, it is an English-language writing-enhancement platform software which was first released in late 2009. Grammarly’s proofreading and plagiarism-detection resources check against more than 250 grammar rules. After installing and opening it on your device Grammarly will automatically detect potential grammar error, word choice, punctuation, spelling and style mistakes in writing, and it will suggest context-specific corrections for grammar, punctuation, wordiness, style, spelling, and plagiarism.
Knowing I wrote over 250 of my blogs without the Grammarly, the possibility of future publication of some of my blog series into books, and my dislike of reading other people’s works that are grammatically incorrect caused me to embark on the task of editing all of these unedited blogs with the Grammarly. I must honestly say as I am doing this task I laughed to myself and thought people that read my blogs must have said, “God, help her.” Well, God sent help, and I am doing the work. I have set aside all projects except this one to get it completed, and as I am doing it, I feel exhilarated in knowing people will now read my past and present edited blogs.
I am blogging about this task to say, “As it is on the natural, so it is in the spiritual,” and as the saying goes, “When you know better, you do better.” For some of us, we have to go back and correct errors of the past, for others we have to find the tools that will help us do better and for others rejecting laziness, and substandard performance will be necessary. I encourage you to do like I am doing, take the time to make improvements and utilize the spiritual tools, and acknowledge available to enhance and make your Christian walk successful.
Additionally, since I am focusing and working on this task, after this blog, I will not post a blog again for several weeks. I do have a couple of series I plan to blog when I return, so, I solicit your prayers for this present task and future blogs. The work is timely but worthwhile.
Judges chapters 20 – 21 shared the continued horrendous story of the slain concubine and the consequences of civil war that befell the tribe of Benjamin for their acceptance of this tragic event.
All of the tribes of Israel except the tribe of Benjamin responded to the Levite by gathering at Mizpeh, and when questioned, the Levite lied and told half-truths. He told them the men of Gibeah attempted to kill him, and he did not admit his act of spousal abuse by forcing the concubine to go outside to be sexually abused.
After his recounting, Israel pledged to avenge the slain women. First, they gave the Benjaminites the opportunity to turn over the rapists to be put to death; however, they refused to do so. Instead, they gathered thirty-three thousand warriors from their tribe with seven hundred men being left-handed sling throwing, never missing target individuals.
Before the battle, Israel consulted God at Bethel concerning the battle formation, and they received instructions for Judah to take the lead. The battle ensued, and Israel was defeated. Israel again inquired of God what to do and was told, “Go up against him.” This ended in Israel’s defeat with the accumulation of forty thousand of their four hundred thousand warriors being slain during the two consecutive days of fighting.
Consequently, after the second day of defeat, all the Israelites went up to the House of God, wept, fasted, offered burnt and peace offerings and inquired of God what they were to do. God said, “Go up; for tomorrow I will deliver them into thine hand.”
Once again, Israel entered into the battle dividing its army into three divisions with two ambushes set in place. They tricked the Benjaminite warriors and won the battle with twenty-five thousand Benjaminite warriors being slain, cities burnt to the ground, animals and possessions destroyed, and all of their woman and children massacred. Six hundred Benjaminite men remained alive and were able to escape into the wilderness to the rock Rimmon where they stayed for four months.
Prior to the battle, Israel had sworn not to give their daughters in marriage to a Benjaminite; hence, with the conclusion of the battle Israel came to House of God and lamented over the devastating fate and near extermination of the Benjaminites. Thus, a plan was instituted to rebuild this tribe. Since the men of Jabesh-Gilead had not participated in the battle, Israel staged war with them, massacred the inhabitants except four hundred virgins who were given to the surviving Benjaminites. Plus, the Benjaminites with the suggestion and approval of Israel, captured two hundred virgins at the festival of Shiloh to become the wives of those men who did not have a wife.
Unfortunately, the book of Judges ended with this statement, “In those days (there was) no king in Israel: every man did (that which was) right in his own eyes.” This statement highlighted the moral and social anarchy of the time.
Conclusion: In keeping with God’s instruction given to Moses in Deuteronomy, “To put away the evil person from among you” (Deuteronomy 22:25-26). The leaders of Israel only wanted the rapists of the concubine to be answerable for their action, but the Benjaminites refused to comply, and a civil war occurred.
When left unchecked sin will pollute the land.
Having experienced defeat for two consecutive days, all of Israel humbled themselves, wept, fasted, offered sacrifices and sought God. Prior to this, only a selected number went to inquire of God and Israel thought because they were attempting to purge the land of the rapist that God would be pleased with them and cause them to be victorious. They overlooked their sins, but God did not. When all the people sought God, then He had mercy on them and favored them in the next battle.
Seven hundred Benjaminites warriors were ambidextrous and had incredible accuracy with the sling.
The result of sin was carnage and destruction for the Benjaminites and the inhabitants of Jabesh-Gilead for after making a rash vow about not marrying their daughters to a Benjaminites, to prevent the possible extinction of the tribe of Benjamin, Israel secured four hundred virgins of Jabesh-Gilead by slaughtering the citizens of a city.
Some battles will leave your defeated and bloody. Plus, sometimes in battle, the enemy will beat you more than once.
Despite all of their negative experiences, Israel continued in their rebellion.
Spiritual application: Acknowledge sin.
Report the truth.
Refuse to align yourself with the workers of iniquity.
Think carefully and slowly. Don’t make rash and hurried decisions.
Validate information before making a judgment.
Give men the opportunity to do the right thing before you pass judgment on them.
Know when to fight and when to surrender.
Seek counsel from God prior to making moves.
Though you suffer defeat, don’t give up for some battles are not won in a day.
Be watchful; somethings are meant to be misleading.
The Teacher's Pick 