Queen Esther and Mordecai
were rejoicing because the law that was meant for their destruction
was counteracted with another law that allowed for Jews throughout
the Persian empire to defend themselves. God had intervened behind
the scenes, and by using natural circumstances His will was
accomplished and Esther and Mordecai were excited about it. In
chapter eight and verse sixteen we see the effect this new law had on
the Jews all over the land. We read:
The Jews had light, and
gladness, and joy, and honor.
Our
verse begins with the first of four reactions from the Jews, “The
Jews had light...” which is the light of joy and happiness. We
might imagine what a great burden was lifted from them when they
heard this new law.
The
second reaction was, “...and gladness” which conveys the idea of
mirth, joy, gaiety, pleasure. No doubt there was an incredible
sense of relief as they heard they could defend themselves. More than
likely they celebrated and possibly sang and danced at this good
news.
The third reaction of the
Jews was, “...and joy” which means gladness, joy, exultation,
rejoicing. We add the word “exultation” to our definition of this
reaction, and it portrays the idea that they were once very low in
spirit, and now they were lifted up inside. No doubt they went from
humbled sadness to exceeding excitement as they heard this news.
The final reaction was,
“...and honor” which is price, value, preciousness, honor,
splendor, and pomp. Where the Jews were feeling of little value
because they were destined to be destroyed, they were now given
positions of honor. It probably did not hurt that the number two man
in the kingdom was a Jew, and by the way, so was the Queen.
Nonetheless the Jews throughout the Persian empire were removed from
the position of humility to a position of honor.
When we think about the Jews
reaction to this salvation plan, we might be able to relate it to the
gospel of Jesus Christ. Mankind was doomed to be condemned because of
its sin until Jesus came to die on the cross. When Jesus died, He
took upon Himself the sin of the whole world, and now that the rescue
of the Savior is complete, the only remaining factor is whether
people will believe in Him or not. Those who have received this
precious gift from God Almighty are people whose hearts are
lightened; They are filled with gladness; They are overwhelmed by
gladness; and they have been lifted from the place of dishonor to
honor before God the Father. There is no greater thing on Earth
whereby men and women, boys and girls will ever know what it is to
celebrate the freedom that is provided by God above.
Next
time we will discover the effect that this new law had upon the
people of the Persian empire, 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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