Thursday, October 17, 2013

Another Act of Obedience Esther 4:12 - Equipped for Battle

As we have studied this story in the book of Esther, we have noticed the dialog between Esther and Mordecai through Esther's chamberlain named Hatach. He has been faithful to convey both Esther and Mordecai's messages thus far, and in chapter four and verse twelve we see not only him but possibly others who were involved in the process. We read:

And they told to Mordecai Esther's words.

There seems to be a little difference in our verse today from those which spoke of Hatach's obedience. The verse reads, “And they...” which generally denotes more than one. It could be that there is a plural pronoun used here for the Hebrew word “nagad” which means “to be conspicuous, tell, make known”, and it might mean that there could have just as easily been the pronoun “he” that was used. However, it might be that there was a delegation sent with Hatach this time as he shared the message with Mordecai. We do read an italicized “them” in verse fifteen of this chapter which also denotes more than one, but rather than get hung up on that, the main point is that “they told to Mordecai Esther's words.”

Once again obedience is the operative word that shows Hatach's action to this plan. Mordecai now knew what Esther's concerns were if she were to enter the inner court of King Ahasuerus uninvited.

Sometimes there are parts to the scriptures to which we are best to “file away for further information”. Whether this was Hatach alone as the first times or whether it was a delegation is not clearly known but really isn't the most important part of this verse. We may think these “small stuff” items are of no concern to God as well, but we can be assured that they are important to Him. He uses every word, every action, and every plan to move toward the direction that He knows is best. The obedience of those who brought this message was used by God to save not only the nation of Israel as we shall see in future chapters, but also we who read these words and ponder them today. May we all come to realize this awesome God of the details who is complete in every plan He develops to save people through Jesus Christ.

Next time we will see Mordecai warn Esther, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
 
Until tomorrow...there is more...
 
Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” and the new marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.



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