Because the time of
celebration and remembrance called Purim was so important to the
Jews, Queen Esther and Mordecai wrote two letters of notification to
tell everyone about it. In chapter nine and verse thirty we are once
again told of the widespread proclamation and the manner in which
these letters were written. We read:
And
he sent the letters unto all the Jews, to the hundred twenty and
seven provinces of the kingdom of Ahasuerus, with words of
peace and truth,
The verse begins, “And he sent the letters unto all the Jews, to
the hundred twenty and seven provinces of the kingdom of
Ahasuerus,...” We have noted previously the importance of the
Jews remembering these days of Purim, and once again we see letters
sent to all of them. Though the Jews were scattered over the one
hundred and twenty-seven provinces of King Ahasurus' kingdom, none of
them were to be forgotten in this notification. In other words, every
Jew, every where was to know about these days of celebration as they
commemorated the victory the Lord provided over their enemies.
The verse goes on to say, “with words of peace
and truth,” Let's notice the manner in which this second letter
was written. First, the letter was written with words of “peace”.
This word means, “completeness, soundness, welfare, health and
prosperity”. It speaks of “quietness, tranquility, and
contentment” especially in relationships with God and humans. This
letter was also written with words of “truth” which means
“firmness, faithfulness, sureness, reliability, stability and
continuance”.
The Jews experienced times
where their lives were threatened, they were given hope to defend
themselves, and they won victories over their foes. “Peace”
and “truth” were welcomed words along with this
notification to celebrate the annual feast of Purim.
When we think about the Jews
receiving these letters, we might understand how peace and truth are
important to us as well. Many times when we go through difficult
situations, “peace” is the last thing on our minds. Worry
and fear often accompany us as we endure troubles, and when “peace”
comes, we have rest in our souls. “Truth” is also
important to us. As long as we abide in an infringement of falsehood,
we have a tendency to be deceived, but when we know the “truth”,
as Jesus said, “the “truth” will set us free”. Perhaps
as we ponder this verse we will question whether we have the “truth”
and “peace” of God in our circumstances. If we do,
wonderful, but if we do not, maybe we should use this second letter
to the Jews as a reminder that God desires His “peace” and
“truth” for us well.
Next
time we will the Jews confirmation of the days of Purim, 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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