The time had come for the
two Persian edicts to take place. The first was the command that all
the Jews throughout the Persian empire be killed, and the second was
that Jews everywhere could defend themselves against the onslaught of
those who would destroy them. Both of these laws were signed by King
Ahasuerus, and the fulfillment of them was at hand. In chapter nine
and verse one we read the beginning of what happens in this part of
our story. It says:
Now in the twelfth
month, that is, the month Adar, on the thirteenth day of the
same, when the king's commandment and his decree drew near to be put
in execution, in the day that the enemies of the Jews hoped to have
power over them, (though it was turned to the contrary, that the Jews
had rule over them that hated them;)
The
verse begins, “Now in the twelfth month, that is,
the month Adar, on the thirteenth day of the same, when the king's
commandment and his decree drew near to be put in execution,...”
Can we imagine what it must have been like to have been a Jew at
this time? They knew the day, “in the twelfth month, that is,
the month Adar, on the thirteenth day of the same,”, that their
enemies were to attack them. They prepared themselves as much as
possible and knew that the enemies were prepared as well. As two
armies arrayed for battle, each side had their law to follow and were
purposed to keep them. There was only one aspect to these laws left
to fulfill - “execution”. The planning was over. The
strategies were made, and the time was at hand.
The
verse goes on to say, “....in the day that the enemies of the
Jews hoped to have power over them,” This was the greatest
threat to the Jews. Their enemies knew that if they could defeat
them, they would enjoy the spoils of their victories. Let us imagine
if we knew there were enemies allowed and commanded by our government
to destroy us, and if they did so, they could have everything we
owned. What would our attitude be? How would we think about our
government? How would we posture ourselves? Perhaps as we answer
those questions it will give us a glimpse into the thoughts of the
Jews at that time.
Finally
the verse reads, “(though it was turned to the contrary, that
the Jews had rule over them that hated them;)” Although the
enemies against God's people thought to have the victory over them,
“it was turned to the contrary,...” Rather than their
enemies destroying the Jews, the Jews ruled over them. We again note
that Queen Esther and Mordecai were in very high positions, and this
connection must have served to give notice to those who were foes to
the Jews. Those who “hated” the Jews were put to
disadvantage even though they thought themselves to be in positions
to be victorious.
As we
consider the irony shown in this verse, let us consider the awesome
hand of God behind the scenes. Only God could turn the tables on the
Jews' enemies in this manner. Only God could have orchestrated
powerful positions for Esther and Mordecai that would effect the
entire Persian empire, and Only God could have “turned it to the
contrary” in such a manner as was demonstrated in this story.
Since it was “only God” who did all these things, is it possible
that in the midst of our seemingly devastating circumstances God is
busy at work for our rescue as well? Are we not inspired that this
gracious, loving and all-knowing God has planned his work and is
working His plan even when we see no evidence that He is? May God
give us eyes to see Him and ears to hear Him as He works His mighty
plan.
Next
time we shall see the Jews ready to defend themselves, 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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