Page 103 - Advanced OT Survey Revised

Jews Victorious (9) On the very day that their enemies had hoped to gain mastery over them, the
reverse occurred: Jews gained the mastery over their enemies and no one could stand against them.
The sons of Haman are killed and 800 are killed in Susa, and 75 thousand in other provinces but the Jews
took no plunder. The Jews gather to celebrate the victory over their enemies.

Chapter’s 9-10 focus on Mordecai’s exaltation. A national 2-day holiday, is instituted by Mordecai,
Purim-lots, to remember days Jews got relief from their enemies why passive? Mordecai is honored, as
nd
2 in rank to Xerxes and great among the Jews!

The Feast of Purim today

Purim is one of the most fun holidays celebrated by the Jewish people, but is often under recognized.
Purim (held on the 14th day of the Hebrew month of Adar — usually March or April) commemorates the
day Esther, Queen of Persia, saved the Jewish people from execution by Haman, the advisor to the
Persian king. Esther bravely exposed her previously hidden Jewish heritage to her husband the king and
asked him to save her people, which he did.

Many Jewish holidays incorporate stricter rules, which could include mandatory fasting, but Purim is
much more relaxed. There is only a minor fast the day before Purim, which commemorates the three
days Esther fasted before approaching the king. Then, the holiday itself is known for a party
atmosphere, with big feasts where you can eat and get drunk (within reason, but it is encouraged).

A Purim tradition is to send out baskets of food and drink ("shalach manot"/"mishloach manot") to
family and to the poor. They look kind of like Easter baskets because they are to be filled with food that
is ready to eat — pastries, wine, candy, chips, and other snack foods certainly count.

On Purim, there are often carnivals, with revelers dressing up, dancing and having parades. Kids have
tons of fun at these events, doing crafts, making Purim baskets, playing games and making noise-
makers. Carnival attendees enjoy showing off their costumes; anything from Biblical characters like
Moses or Esther and Haman to more traditionally secular costumes like you'd see at Halloween (and
maybe even a few hamantaschen) are worn.lxxvii

Practical Application: The Book of Esther shows the choice we make between seeing the hand of God
in our circumstances in life and seeing things as merely coincidence. God is the sovereign Ruler of the
universe and we can be assured that His plans will not be moved by the actions of mere evil men.
Although His name is not mentioned in the book, His providential care for His people, both individuals
and the nation, is evident throughout. For instance, we cannot fail to see the Almighty exerting influence
over King Xerxes’ timely insomnia. Through the example of Mordecai and Esther, the silent love
language our Father often uses to communicate directly to our spirits is shown in this book.

Esther proved to have a godly and teachable spirit that also showed great strength and willing
obedience. Esther’s humility was markedly different from the attitude of those around her, and this
caused her to be elevated into the position of queen. She shows us that remaining respectful and
humble, even in difficult if not humanly impossible circumstances, often sets us up to be the vessel of
untold blessing for both ourselves and others. We would do well to emulate her godly attitudes in all
areas of life, but especially in trials. Not once is there a complaint or bad attitude exposed in the writing.
Many times, we read she won the "favor" of those around her. Such favor is what ultimately saved her
people. We can be granted such favor as we accept even unfair persecution and follow Esther’s example

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