ASSIGNMENT:
READ 9:29- 10:3
ANSWER the following questions in your notebook...
1. At the beginning of the story (2:15), Esther was referred to as the _______ Mordecai had adopted, the daughter of his uncle Abihail. Here in 9:29, she is referred to as _______ __________, daughter of Abihail. The decree confirming the traditions of Purim were referred to as __________ _________ in 9:32.
No other woman in biblical history wrote anything close to being called a decree – much less a decree that established a practice that still stands today.
2. What was Mordecai’s “claim to fame” as recorded in the closing portion of this book?
Today Jews still celebrate Purim in Feb/March. They gather and read the complete book of Esther and have a rowdy time. During the reading, noisemakers are used, people cheer at the mention of Mordecai’s name and boo and hiss at the mention of Haman’s. Some write the name “Haman” on the bottom of their shoes and “stomp” all over him.
Notes regarding Holy War and the Battle in Esther
The following notes are taken from comments by Karen Jobes (commentator referred to earlier):
Most Jews find reassurance from reading the book of Esther that they will survive as a people against powers that want to destroy them. The battle that occurred in Esther between the Jews and their enemies is seen within the context of God’s Holy War against evil.
With the birth of Jesus – Holy Wars ceased – there was no longer any reason for them to continue. God’s redemptive purpose for all of mankind was fulfilled through the birth, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus.
Israel, of course, has as much right as any country to defend herself in an effort to secure her people and borders. However, these conflicts do not come within the concept of a continuing Holy War.
As was said earlier, most Jews find Purim to be a reassuring celebration. However, because of the Holocaust, many do not. These Jews believed that God abandoned them during that tragic period in history.
We know that the cross was God’s answer to all the agony that has ever occurred in any race or ever will occur. In Jesus’ resurrection, all men – including the Jewish race are offered eternal life.
Closing Thoughts:
As we live our ordinary, every-day lives, God sits on the throne and continues to work out His plan in spite of the mistakes we make and the sins we commit. He is bringing His people to that day when (as in the words from Esther 9:22) “all our sorrow will turn into joy and our mourning into celebration!!”
Blessed be the name of our Lord God!
And all God’s women say, “Amen.”
