5.16 Esther 8-10

Jake Monroe

5.16.2020

Esther 8-10

Summarize what you read in one paragraph:

Esther pleads to the King to reverse the plan that Haman had decreed against the Jews.   Mordecai was given authority over the house of Haman on Esther’s behalf and they set out to help the Jews be saved.   An Edict was written that the Jews had authority to protect themselves against anyone which came against them with the authority of King.   When the decree took place the Jews rose and wiped out many men in Susa including the sons of Haman.   Even more Jews defended themselves amongst the Kings province and 75,000 more enemies were killed.   It is mentioned that the Jews didn’t lay hands on any of the plunder.   After the victory there was great celebration and feasting and it was declared that the 14th and 15th day named Purim should be commemorated every year amongst all their descendants.   Mordecai rose to a high position second in rank to King Ahasuerus.

What is one key verse?

Esther 8:8 “But you may write as you please with regard to the Jews, in the name of the King, and seal it with the King’s ring, for an edict written in the name of the king and sealed with the king’s ring cannot be revoked.”

How does what you read change your vision of God?

It is a good reminder that God will protect his people and that even though there are hard times we have God’s authority stamped with his approval (the blood of Christ) to defend ourselves from the world.

How does what you read change your vision of yourself or others?

That the authority doesn’t come from my human self but from the Authority of God with the Holy Spirit to guide us and that we should seek to do things for our own glory (plunder) but for the care of God’s family (his church) here on earth.

How will you Go With God because of this reading? (What is an action step?)

I need to continue to seek God in my actions and not be prideful in my thoughts.  An action step has been to confess my pride through discipling and confess it so I can have repentance and live a more Christ focused life.

Where did you see Jesus in these chapters? (What made you think about Jesus?)

I see a foreshadowing with the edict set place by the King and sealed with the ring.  That represents God’s edict for his people to have authority over the earth in his name and this cannot be changed.  Christ’s death on the cross and his blood giving us the salvation that nothing on earth can revoke that opportunity for us.  Also that this is to be celebrated and remembered which we do with communion.