Crisis Averted God Glorified

Esther 8–10 NLT

On that same day King Xerxes gave the property of Haman, the enemy of the Jews, to Queen Esther. Then Mordecai was brought before the king, for Esther had told the king how they were related. The king took off his signet ring—which he had taken back from Haman—and gave it to Mordecai. And Esther appointed Mordecai to be in charge of Haman’s property. Then Esther went again before the king, falling down at his feet and begging him with tears to stop the evil plot devised by Haman the Agagite against the Jews. Again the king held out the gold scepter to Esther. So she rose and stood before him. Esther said, “If it please the king, and if I have found favor with him, and if he thinks it is right, and if I am pleasing to him, let there be a decree that reverses the orders of Haman son of Hammedatha the Agagite, who ordered that Jews throughout all the king’s provinces should be destroyed. For how can I endure to see my people and my family slaughtered and destroyed?” Then King Xerxes said to Queen Esther and Mordecai the Jew, “I have given Esther the property of Haman, and he has been impaled on a pole because he tried to destroy the Jews. Now go ahead and send a message to the Jews in the king’s name, telling them whatever you want, and seal it with the king’s signet ring. But remember that whatever has already been written in the king’s name and sealed with his signet ring can never be revoked.” So on June 25 the king’s secretaries were summoned, and a decree was written exactly as Mordecai dictated. It was sent to the Jews and to the highest officers, the governors, and the nobles of all the 127 provinces stretching from India to Ethiopia. The decree was written in the scripts and languages of all the peoples of the empire, including that of the Jews. The decree was written in the name of King Xerxes and sealed with the king’s signet ring. Mordecai sent the dispatches by swift messengers, who rode fast horses especially bred for the king’s service. The king’s decree gave the Jews in every city authority to unite to defend their lives. They were allowed to kill, slaughter, and annihilate anyone of any nationality or province who might attack them or their children and wives, and to take the property of their enemies. The day chosen for this event throughout all the provinces of King Xerxes was March 7 of the next year. A copy of this decree was to be issued as law in every province and proclaimed to all peoples, so that the Jews would be ready to take revenge on their enemies on the appointed day. So urged on by the king’s command, the messengers rode out swiftly on fast horses bred for the king’s service. The same decree was also proclaimed in the fortress of Susa. Then Mordecai left the king’s presence, wearing the royal robe of blue and white, the great crown of gold, and an outer cloak of fine linen and purple. And the people of Susa celebrated the new decree. The Jews were filled with joy and gladness and were honored everywhere. In every province and city, wherever the king’s decree arrived, the Jews rejoiced and had a great celebration and declared a public festival and holiday. And many of the people of the land became Jews themselves, for they feared what the Jews might do to them. So on March 7 the two decrees of the king were put into effect. On that day, the enemies of the Jews had hoped to overpower them, but quite the opposite happened. It was the Jews who overpowered their enemies. The Jews gathered in their cities throughout all the king’s provinces to attack anyone who tried to harm them. But no one could make a stand against them, for everyone was afraid of them. And all the nobles of the provinces, the highest officers, the governors, and the royal officials helped the Jews for fear of Mordecai. For Mordecai had been promoted in the king’s palace, and his fame spread throughout all the provinces as he became more and more powerful. So the Jews went ahead on the appointed day and struck down their enemies with the sword. They killed and annihilated their enemies and did as they pleased with those who hated them. In the fortress of Susa itself, the Jews killed 500 men. They also killed Parshandatha, Dalphon, Aspatha, Poratha, Adalia, Aridatha, Parmashta, Arisai, Aridai, and Vaizatha—the ten sons of Haman son of Hammedatha, the enemy of the Jews. But they did not take any plunder. That very day, when the king was informed of the number of people killed in the fortress of Susa, he called for Queen Esther. He said, “The Jews have killed 500 men in the fortress of Susa alone, as well as Haman’s ten sons. If they have done that here, what has happened in the rest of the provinces? But now, what more do you want? It will be granted to you; tell me and I will do it.” Esther responded, “If it please the king, give the Jews in Susa permission to do again tomorrow as they have done today, and let the bodies of Haman’s ten sons be impaled on a pole.” So the king agreed, and the decree was announced in Susa. And they impaled the bodies of Haman’s ten sons. Then the Jews at Susa gathered together on March 8 and killed 300 more men, and again they took no plunder. Meanwhile, the other Jews throughout the king’s provinces had gathered together to defend their lives. They gained relief from all their enemies, killing 75,000 of those who hated them. But they did not take any plunder. This was done throughout the provinces on March 7, and on March 8 they rested, celebrating their victory with a day of feasting and gladness. (The Jews at Susa killed their enemies on March 7 and again on March 8, then rested on March 9, making that their day of feasting and gladness.) So to this day, rural Jews living in remote villages celebrate an annual festival and holiday on the appointed day in late winter, when they rejoice and send gifts of food to each other. Mordecai recorded these events and sent letters to the Jews near and far, throughout all the provinces of King Xerxes, calling on them to celebrate an annual festival on these two days. He told them to celebrate these days with feasting and gladness and by giving gifts of food to each other and presents to the poor. This would commemorate a time when the Jews gained relief from their enemies, when their sorrow was turned into gladness and their mourning into joy. So the Jews accepted Mordecai’s proposal and adopted this annual custom. Haman son of Hammedatha the Agagite, the enemy of the Jews, had plotted to crush and destroy them on the date determined by casting lots (the lots were called purim). But when Esther came before the king, he issued a decree causing Haman’s evil plot to backfire, and Haman and his sons were impaled on a sharpened pole. That is why this celebration is called Purim, because it is the ancient word for casting lots. So because of Mordecai’s letter and because of what they had experienced, the Jews throughout the realm agreed to inaugurate this tradition and to pass it on to their descendants and to all who became Jews. They declared they would never fail to celebrate these two prescribed days at the appointed time each year. These days would be remembered and kept from generation to generation and celebrated by every family throughout the provinces and cities of the empire. This Festival of Purim would never cease to be celebrated among the Jews, nor would the memory of what happened ever die out among their descendants. Then Queen Esther, the daughter of Abihail, along with Mordecai the Jew, wrote another letter putting the queen’s full authority behind Mordecai’s letter to establish the Festival of Purim. Letters wishing peace and security were sent to the Jews throughout the 127 provinces of the empire of Xerxes. These letters established the Festival of Purim—an annual celebration of these days at the appointed time, decreed by both Mordecai the Jew and Queen Esther. (The people decided to observe this festival, just as they had decided for themselves and their descendants to establish the times of fasting and mourning.) So the command of Esther confirmed the practices of Purim, and it was all written down in the records. King Xerxes imposed a tribute throughout his empire, even to the distant coastlands. His great achievements and the full account of the greatness of Mordecai, whom the king had promoted, are recorded in The Book of the History of the Kings of Media and Persia. Mordecai the Jew became the prime minister, with authority next to that of King Xerxes himself. He was very great among the Jews, who held him in high esteem, because he continued to work for the good of his people and to speak up for the welfare of all their descendants.

From Crisis to Celebration: God's Sovereign Hand in Esther

Bible Passage: Esther 8, Esther 9, Esther 10

Summary: The passages of Esther 8-10 narrate the dramatic turnaround of the Jewish people from impending destruction to triumph, showcasing God's providential care and the faithfulness of Esther and Mordecai.

Application: This sermon encourages Christians to trust in God's timing and sovereignty, even in the midst of seemingly hopeless circumstances. It reminds us that God can turn our crises into moments of glory and victory, urging us to remain faithful and courageous in challenging times.

Teaching: The teaching underscores God's unwavering presence and sovereignty in the lives of His people. It highlights the importance of prayer, courage, and advocacy, and shows that God orchestrates events for the ultimate good of His people and His own glory.

How this passage could point to Christ: In a broader biblical context, Esther points toward Christ, who intercedes for His people to secure their salvation and deliverance from sin and death. Just as Esther stood in the gap for her people, Christ is our advocate standing before the Father on our behalf.

Big Idea: In times of crisis, God is at work to avert disaster and bring about His purposes, reminding us that our hope is anchored in His sovereignty and glory.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider delving into the historical context of Esther and the significance of Persian laws and royal decrees. Check for any text-critical issues in versions of Esther, particularly regarding the additions found in the Greek Septuagint. Additionally, explore how the themes of reversal and vindication are paralleled in New Testament texts, utilizing Logos to access commentaries and historical materials.

1. Sovereignty in Saving

Esther 8:1-8

Perhaps you could emphasize how in God's sovereignty, Esther and Mordecai go from victims to victors, reflecting the hope Christians have in Jesus. Esther pleads for her people with courage and advocacy, mirroring Christ’s intercession for us. This transformation highlights that in crisis, God’s hand is at work to turn situations for His glory and our good. Encourage faith and trust in God's timing when facing challenges, knowing that He can bring deliverance and victory.

2. Strength in the Turnaround

Esther 8:9-17

You could underscore the power of new beginnings as the decree goes forth to protect the Jewish people, initiating a reversal. This new declaration mirrors the new life and hope offered through Christ’s sacrifice, which nullifies the death decrees against us. Highlight God’s capability to orchestrate victories and advocate for walking in courage, trusting His plans even when circumstances are grim.

3. Success over Strife

Esther 9:1-19

Maybe you can explore the theme of victory over adversity with the Jewish people's triumph over their enemies. Encourage the congregation to see Christ’s victory over sin and death as the ultimate triumph we inherit as believers. The reversal of fortunes encourages believers to remain steadfast and assures us of God’s faithfulness and unfailing promises.

4. Celebrate the Deliverance199

Esther 9:20-32

You might emphasize the establishment of Purim, a time of celebration and remembrance. This occasion signifies God's deliverance and faithfulness, akin to how Christians celebrate communion and other acts of remembering Christ’s ultimate deliverance. Encourage joy and gratitude for the salvation and victory God provides, urging believers to commemorate His deeds and share His faithfulness with others.

5. Service and Elevation

Esther 10:1-3

Consider reflecting on Mordecai's elevation as a symbol of God’s vindication of the faithful. Relate this to the hope of our own elevation in Christ, reminding congregants that God raises up those who are faithful and humble. Encourage them to trust in God's justice and timing, and remain steadfast in service, knowing that God honors and rewards those who serve Him faithfully.