The first edict inspired by
Haman to destroy all the Jews went out to the provinces throughout
the Persian empire, and at this point in our story, after Haman's
death, a new edict was commissioned by the king, written by Mordecai
and carried in every way manageable to everyone in the one hundred
and twenty-seven provinces. In chapter eight and verse eleven we see
more of what the edict had to say. We read:
Wherein
the king granted the Jews which were in every city to gather
themselves together, and to stand for their life, to destroy, to
slay, and to cause to perish, all the power of the people and
province that would assault them, both little ones and
women, and to take the spoil of them for a prey,
The verse begins, “Wherein
the king granted the Jews which were in every city to
gather themselves together, and to stand for their life, to destroy,
to slay, and to cause to perish,...” Around two months before
this new law, the people of the land were given the command to
destroy all the Jews in their provinces, and then they receive this
message that contains five grants from the king: gather themselves
together; stand for their life; destroy; slay; cause to perish –
talk about your specific commission! Can we begin to imagine how the
people must have reacted to both of these edicts. One moment they are
feeling the weight of having death loom over their heads, and the
next moment they are being told to go to battle to defend themselves.
We can see how thorough Mordecai was in his inspiration of this
writing.
The verse goes on to say,
“all the power of the people and province that would assault
them,” In addition to taking up means to defend themselves,
this law inspired by Mordecai would allow for defense against “all
the people of power and province” who might assault them. We
might assume that Mordecai thought of the rulers in each of these
provinces pulling rank upon the Jews, and they might use their
positions of authority to destroy them. This law excluded everyone
who might attack the Jews from a position of deference if they should
decide to kill those around them. The law was simple – if anyone
decides to kill the Jews, they will be defended against.
Finally the verse reads,
“both little ones and women, and to take
the spoil of them for a prey,” Many times women and children
were part of the main targets for attackers who would destroy other
people. They would become “prey” in their battles.
Mordecai wanted to be sure that there was ample warning against
anyone who took advantage of those who were generally weaker among
the Jews. Should anyone, anywhere throughout the kingdom attack women
and children, they too would be defended against.
Once again we see the active
intercession on the part of Queen Esther and Mordecai for their
people. As we have stated before, this serves as a wonderful example
to us about those who are lost in this world. The enemy of our souls
would love to destroy people everywhere throughout the world's
provinces. The defense against his edict is the gospel of Jesus
Christ, and for those of us who know Jesus Christ, we become as the
post men who published the idea of defense against him. May we be as
thorough and passionate as Esther and Mordecai to reach those who
are “condemned” for eternal death unless there is a defense
received and acted upon. Women, men and children are waiting for us
to intercede on their behalves, and may we be greatly inspired to be
diligent in our rescue efforts toward them.
Next
time we will the timing for the Jews 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
No comments:
Post a Comment