The Jews all over the
Persian empire had begun to defend themselves anyone who came against
them. Because of a law inspired by Haman and issued by King Ahasuerus
to destroy all the Jews, a subsequent law enabled the Jews to do so.
Since their defense found great success the king asked Queen Esther
if she desired anything else of him. In chapter nine and verse
thirteen we see her interesting answer. We read:
Then said Esther, If it
please the king, let it be granted to the Jews which are in
Shushan to do to morrow also according unto this day's decree, and
let Haman's ten sons be hanged upon the gallows.
This
verse begins, “Then said Esther, If it please the king, let it
be granted to the Jews...” Once again we note the humility in
which Esther responds - “If it please the king, let it be
granted...” She defers the decision to King Ahasuerus, and
although he is king, he is also her husband. She knew him well enough
to answer his question in a way that would move him to fulfill it. By
answering him in this manner, the king was more likely to grant her
request.
The
verse continues, “...which are in Shushan to do
to morrow also according unto this day's decree,...” Esther
desired that the law allowing the Jews to defend themselves against
adversaries be extended for another day. As though the defense wasn't
complete enough in one day, Esther thought another day of the
victories experienced would rid the Persian kingdom of most if not
all of the Jews' enemies. No doubt the conquering of the first day
encouraged Esther in her request.
Finally
the verse reads, “...,and let Haman's ten sons be hanged upon
the gallows.” We read in verse ten of this chapter where the
ten sons of Haman were “slain”, however Esther desires
that their bodies be hung upon the gallows so that anyone passing by
them would see them. This seems a bit grotesque when we first imagine
it, but the idea was to prevent anyone, anywhere from ever attempting
to do as they did. This public display of their bodies would act as a
notable deterrent and reminder that acts such as Haman's should never
be done again.
There is
something very attractive about humble entreaty. Rather than a
boastful and haughty spirit that demands requests, Esther knew the
advancement of her desire was best accomplished with a gentle appeal.
When we are before authorities and those in greater decision
capacities, we would do well to remember Esther's method. By her
mannerisms she was able to ask for two very challenging acts –
continuation of the law for the Jews to defend themselves and that
Haman's ten sons be hung. Perhaps our requests are not quite as
dramatic as Esther's but they are nonetheless important. If we ponder
this idea long enough, maybe the next time we come before our King of
Kings Jesus, we will have the proper method in which to make our
requests of Him.
Humble yourselves in
the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up. James
4:10
Next
time we will see King Ahasuerus' response to Esther's request, 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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