Dave Yadallee's personal blog

Day 256, 13 September 2022



1) Esther 5-10



Esther 5



Queen Esther's Banquet



1 (Est 4:16; 6:4) On the third day, Esther put on her royal apparel

and positioned herself in the king's palace courtyard so that she would

be directly in line with the part of the king's throne room where the king

sat facing the entrance of the room on his royal throne in the royal hall.

2 (Est 4:11; 8:4) When the king saw Queen Esther standing quietly

out in the courtyard, she gained favor in his sight, so the king held out

the golden scepter in his hand to Esther.

Esther approached and touched the top of the scepter.

3 (Est 7:2; Mk 6:23) And the king said to her, "Queen Esther,

what do you want? What is your request? Even if it is up to half

of the kingdom, it will be given to you."

4 (Est 5:8) Esther answered, "If it pleases the king, let the king

and Haman come today to a feast that I have prepared for him."

5 (Est 6:14) Then the king said, "Quickly bring Haman so that

we may accept the invitation of Esther."

So the king and Haman came to the banquet that Esther had prepared.

6 (Est 7:2; 5:3; 9:12) While drinking wine the king said to Esther,

"For whatever you ask, it shall be granted you. So, what is your request?

Even if it is for as much as half of the kingdom, it shall be done."

7 Then Esther replied and said, "This is my petition and request.

8 (Est 7:3; 8:5) If I have won the king's favor, and if it pleases

the king to grant my petition and fulfill my request,

then let the king and Haman come to the banquet that I will prepare

for them, and tomorrow I will do what the king says."



Haman's Plan to Destroy Mordecai



9 (Est 3:5) Haman left that day joyfully and with a glad heart, but when Haman

saw Mordecai at the king's gate, that he neither stood up nor trembled because

of him, then Haman was full of indignation against Mordecai.

10 (Est 6:13) Nevertheless, Haman restrained himself, and when he came to his

home, he sent for his friends and for his wife Zeresh.

11 (Est 9:7-10; 3:1) Haman recounted to them the glory of his riches,

his many children, and everything about him the king had praised,

and how he had promoted him over the princes and servants of the king.

12 Then Haman continued, "Indeed, Queen Esther brought to the banquet

she had prepared no one but the king and me, and tomorrow I am again invited

by her with the king.

13 Yet for all this, I am not satisfied whenever I see Mordecai

the Jew sitting at the king's gate."

14 (Est 6:4; 1Ki 21:7) Then his wife Zeresh and all his friends

suggested to him, "Let a gallows fifty cubits

[About 75 feet, or 23 meters.] tall be constructed,

and in the morning ask the king if Mordecai can be hanged on it.

Then go merrily with the king to the banquet."

And the suggestion pleased Haman, so he had the gallows constructed.



[1] Now it came to pass on the third day, that Esther put on her royal

apparel, and stood in the inner court of the king's house, over against the

king's house: and the king sat upon his royal throne in the royal house,

over against the gate of the house.

[2] And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court,

that she obtained favour in his sight: and the king held out to Esther the

golden sceptre that was in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the

top of the sceptre.

[3] Then said the king unto her, What wilt thou, queen Esther? and what is

thy request? it shall be even given thee to the half of the kingdom.

[4] And Esther answered, If it seem good unto the king, let the king and

Haman come this day unto the banquet that I have prepared for him.

[5] Then the king said, Cause Haman to make haste, that he may do as Esther

hath said. So the king and Haman came to the banquet that Esther had prepared.

[6] And the king said unto Esther at the banquet of wine, What is thy

petition? and it shall be granted thee: and what is thy request? even to the

half of the kingdom it shall be performed.

[7] Then answered Esther, and said, My petition and my request is;

[8] If I have found favour in the sight of the king, and if it please the

king to grant my petition, and to perform my request, let the king and Haman

come to the banquet that I shall prepare for them, and I will do tomorrow as

the king hath said.

[9] Then went Haman forth that day joyful and with a glad heart: but when

Haman saw Mordecai in the king's gate, that he stood not up, nor moved for

him, he was full of indignation against Mordecai.

[10] Nevertheless Haman refrained himself: and when he came home, he sent

and called for his friends, and Zeresh his wife.

[11] And Haman told them of the glory of his riches, and the multitude of

his children, and all the things wherein the king had promoted him, and how

he had advanced him above the princes and servants of the king.

[12] Haman said moreover, Yea, Esther the queen did let no man come in with

the king unto the banquet that she had prepared but myself; and to morrow am

I invited unto her also with the king.

[13] Yet all this availeth me nothing, so long as I see Mordecai the Jew

sitting at the king's gate.

[14] Then said Zeresh his wife and all his friends unto him, Let a gallows

be made of fifty cubits high, and tomorrow speak thou unto the king that

Mordecai may be hanged thereon: then go thou in merrily with the king unto

the banquet. And the thing pleased Haman; and he caused the gallows to be

made.



Esther 6



The King Honours Mordecai



1 (Est 2:23; Da 6:18) During that night the king could not sleep,

so he ordered that the book of memorable acts (the chronicles) be brought,

and they were read before the king.

2 It was found written that Mordecai had informed on Bigthana and Teresh,

the two eunuchs of the king serving as the keepers of the door,

who had sought to assault King Ahasuerus.

3 (Ecc 9:15) So the king said, "What honor or dignity has been done

for Mordecai as a result of this?"

Then the king's servants attending him said, "Nothing has been done for him."

4 (Est 4:11; 5:14) So the king said, "Who is out in the courtyard?"

Now Haman had just then entered from across the palace courtyard in order

to speak to the king about hanging Mordecai on the gallows

that he had prepared for him.

5 The king's attendants said to him, "Haman is waiting in the court."

So the king said, "Let him enter."

6 And Haman entered. Now the king said to him, "What should be done

for the man whom the king desires to honor?"

Haman thought in his heart, "Who more than me would the king desire to honor?"

7 So Haman answered the king, "For the man whom the king delights to honor,

8 (1Ki 1:33) let royal apparel be brought that the king himself has worn,

and a horse on which the king has ridden, which has a royal insignia

on its head.

9 (Ge 41:43) Let the apparel and horse for this man be handled by

one of the king's noble officials in order to dress the man

whom the king delights to honor, as well as to lead him on horseback

throughout the city. Finally, let him proclaim before him,

'Like this it shall be done for the man whom the king delights to honor.'"

10 Then the king said to Haman, "Quickly take the apparel and the horse,

as you have said, and do so for Mordecai, the Jew sitting at the king's

gate. Of everything you have spoken, do not fall short of any of it."

11 So Haman took the apparel and the horse, arrayed Mordecai,

led him on horseback throughout the city, and proclaimed before him,

"Like this it shall be done for the man whom the king delights to honor."

12 (2Sa 15:30; Jer 14:3-4) As Mordecai returned again to the king's gate,

Haman hurried to his house, mourning with his head covered.

13 (Pr 28:18) Haman recounted to his wife Zeresh and all his friends

everything that had happened to him.

Then his wise friends and his wife Zeresh said to him, "If Mordecai,

before whom you have begun to fall, is of Jewish lineage, then you will not be

victorious over him. Rather, you will surely fall before him."

14 (Est 5:8) While they were still talking with him, the king's eunuchs

arrived and rushed Haman to the banquet that Esther had prepared.



Esther 6

[1] On that night could not the king sleep, and he commanded to bring the

book of records of the chronicles; and they were read before the king.

[2] And it was found written, that Mordecai had told of Bigthana and Teresh,

two of the king's chamberlains, the keepers of the door, who sought to lay

hand on the king Ahasuerus.

[3] And the king said, What honour and dignity hath been done to Mordecai

for this? Then said the king's servants that ministered unto him, There is

nothing done for him.

[4] And the king said, Who is in the court? Now Haman was come into the

outward court of the king's house, to speak unto the king to hang Mordecai

on the gallows that he had prepared for him.

[5] And the king's servants said unto him, Behold, Haman standeth in the

court. And the king said, Let him come in.

[6] So Haman came in. And the king said unto him, What shall be done unto

the man whom the king delighteth to honour? Now Haman thought in his heart,

To whom would the king delight to do honour more than to myself?

[7] And Haman answered the king, For the man whom the king delighteth to

honour,

[8] Let the royal apparel be brought which the king useth to wear, and the

horse that the king rideth upon, and the crown royal which is set upon his

head:

[9] And let this apparel and horse be delivered to the hand of one of the

king's most noble princes, that they may array the man withal whom the king

delighteth to honour, and bring him on horseback through the street of the

city, and proclaim before him, Thus shall it be done to the man whom the

king delighteth to honour.

[10] Then the king said to Haman, Make haste, and take the apparel and the

horse, as thou hast said, and do even so to Mordecai the Jew, that sitteth

at the king's gate: let nothing fail of all that thou has spoken.

[11] Then took Haman the apparel and the horse, and arrayed Mordecai, and

brought him on horseback through the street of the city, and proclaimed

before him, Thus shall it be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to

honour.

[12] And Mordecai came again to the king's gate. But Haman hasted to his

house mourning, and having his head covered.

[13] And Haman told Zeresh his wife and all his friends every thing that had

befallen him. Then said his wise men and Zeresh his wife unto him, If

Mordecai be of the seed of the Jews, before whom thou hast begun to fall,

thou shalt not prevail against him, but shalt surely fall before him.

[14] And while they were yet talking with him, came the king's chamberlains,

and hasted to bring Haman unto the banquet that Esther had prepared.



Esther 7



Haman Executed



1 So the king and Haman entered to feast and drink with Queen Esther.

2 (Est 5:6; 5:3) The king repeated to Esther what he had said on the previous

day while drinking wine, "For what are you asking, Queen Esther? I

t shall be granted to you. Now, what is your request? Even if it is half

of the kingdom, it will be done!"

3 Queen Esther replied, "If I have found favor in your sight, O king,

and if it pleases the king, at my petition, let my life be given me,

and my people at my request.

4 (Est 3:9; Dt 28:68; Est 3:13) For we have been sold, I and my people,

to be destroyed, to be slain, and to be annihilated. If only we had been

sold as male and female slaves, I could have kept quiet,

for that distress would not be sufficient to trouble the king."

5 Then King Ahasuerus answered and demanded of Queen Esther,

"Who is he, and where is he, who would dare presume in his heart to do so?

6 Esther said, "This wicked Haman is the adversary and enemy!"

Then Haman was seized with terror before the king and the queen.

7 (Est 1:12; Pr 19:12) And the king arose from the banquet of wine

in his wrath and went into the palace garden. But Haman remained to plead

for his life from Queen Esther, for he saw that harm was determined

against him by the king.

8 (Est 1:6; 6:12) Now the king returned from the palace garden back

to the hall of the banquet as Haman was falling on the couch where Esther was.

Then the king said, "Will he also violate the queen while I am in the room?"

As the shout erupted from the king's mouth, they covered the face of Haman.

9 (Est 5:14; Ps 7:15-16) Then Harbona, one of the eunuchs in the king's

presence, said, "The gallows, fifty cubits

[About 75 feet, or 23 meters.] high, which Haman had constructed for Mordecai

(who had spoken good on behalf of the king), stands at the house of Haman."

10 Then the king said, "Hang him on it!" So they hanged Haman on the gallows

that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the king's wrath was pacified.



Esther 7

[1] So the king and Haman came to banquet with Esther the queen.

[2] And the king said again unto Esther on the second day at the banquet of

wine, What is thy petition, queen Esther? and it shall be granted thee: and

what is thy request? and it shall be performed, even to the half of the

kingdom.

[3] Then Esther the queen answered and said, If I have found favour in thy

sight, O king, and if it please the king, let my life be given me at my

petition, and my people at my request:

[4] For we are sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be slain, and to

perish. But if we had been sold for bondmen and bondwomen, I had held my

tongue, although the enemy could not countervail the king's damage.

[5] Then the king Ahasuerus answered and said unto Esther the queen, Who is

he, and where is he, that durst presume in his heart to do so?

[6] And Esther said, The adversary and enemy is this wicked Haman. Then

Haman was afraid before the king and the queen.

[7] And the king arising from the banquet of wine in his wrath went into the

palace garden: and Haman stood up to make request for his life to Esther the

queen; for he saw that there was evil determined against him by the king.

[8] Then the king returned out of the palace garden into the place of the

banquet of wine; and Haman was fallen upon the bed whereon Esther was. Then

said the king, Will he force the queen also before me in the house? As the

word went out of the king's mouth, they covered Haman's face.

[9] And Harbonah, one of the chamberlains, said before the king, Behold

also, the gallows fifty cubits high, which Haman had made for Mordecai, who

had spoken good for the king, standeth in the house of Haman. Then the king

said, Hang him thereon.

[10] So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai.

Then was the king's wrath pacified.



Esther 8



Esther Saves the Jews



1 (Est 2:7; 2:15) On that day King Ahasuerus gave Queen Esther the house

of Haman, the enemy of the Jews. Mordecai came before the king

because Esther disclosed who he was to her.

2 (Est 3:10; Ge 41:42) The king took off his signet ring, which he had taken

away from Haman, and gave it to Mordecai. Esther appointed Mordecai

over the house of Haman.

3 Then Esther spoke again to the king and fell down at his feet

and begged him with tears to avert the evil of Haman the Agagite,

and the scheme that he had devised against the Jews.

4 (Est 4:11; 5:2) When the king held out the golden scepter to Esther,

she rose and stood before the king,

5 (Est 7:3) and said, "If it pleases the king, and if I have found

favour in his sight, and the idea seems right before the king,

and I have his approval, then let it be written to reverse the letters,

devised by Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, which he wrote

to destroy the Jews in all the king's provinces.

6 (Est 7:4) For how am I able to watch the evil that will unfold against

my people? How can I endure to see the destruction of my kindred?"

7 Then King Ahasuerus said to Queen Esther and to Mordecai the Jew, "See,

I have given Esther the house of Haman, and they have hanged him

on the gallows because he threatened violence against the Jews.

8 (Est 1:19; 3:12) Now, as it suits you, write in the king's name

on behalf of the Jews and seal it with the king's signet ring,

because a document written in the king's name and sealed with the king's

signet ring cannot be repealed."

9 (Est 1:22; 1:1) The king's scribes were summoned at that time,

in the third month, which is the month of Sivan, on the 23rd day;

and everything was written, according to all that Mordecai commanded,

to the Jews, to the satraps, the governors,

and the princes of the provinces from India to Ethiopia,

127 provinces, to every province in its own script,

to every people in their own language,

and to the Jews in their script and language.

10 He wrote in the name of King Ahasuerus, sealed it with the king's signet

ring, sent letters by couriers on horseback, riding steeds bred from mares

from the royal stables.

11 (Est 3:13) What the king granted to the Jews in each and every city

was the right to assemble and to defend their lives by annihilating,

slaying, and destroying any army of any people or any province that would

assault them, the little children and women included, and to plunder

their possessions.

12 (Est 9:1) This would happen on one day in all the provinces

of King Ahasuerus, namely, on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month

(which is the month Adar).

13 (Est 3:14) A copy of the edict being issued as law in each

and every province was published to all people, so that the Jews could be

ready for this day to avenge themselves on their enemies.

14 So the couriers riding on royal steeds went out with haste

and urgency by the king's edict. The decree was given at the citadel of Susa.

15 (Ge 41:42; Est 3:15) Mordecai went out from the king's presence

in royal apparel of blue and white, with a large crown of gold,

and with a garment of fine linen and purple.

The city of Susa erupted with shouts of rejoicing.

16 (Ps 97:11) To the Jews belonged light, gladness, joy, and honor.

17 (Est 9:19; Ex 15:16) In each and every province as well as in each

and every city, wherever the king's edict and his decree reached,

the Jews had joy and gladness, a feast, and a holiday.

Furthermore, many of the people of the land professed to be Jews

because the dread of the Jews fell on them.



Esther 8

[1] On that day did the king Ahasuerus give the house of Haman the Jews'

enemy unto Esther the queen. And Mordecai came before the king; for Esther

had told what he was unto her.

[2] And the king took off his ring, which he had taken from Haman, and gave

it unto Mordecai. And Esther set Mordecai over the house of Haman.

[3] And Esther spake yet again before the king, and fell down at his feet,

and besought him with tears to put away the mischief of Haman the Agagite,

and his device that he had devised against the Jews.

[4] Then the king held out the golden sceptre toward Esther. So Esther

arose, and stood before the king,

[5] And said, If it please the king, and if I have found favour in his

sight, and the thing seem right before the king, and I be pleasing in his

eyes, let it be written to reverse the letters devised by Haman the son of

Hammedatha the Agagite, which he wrote to destroy the Jews which are in all

the king's provinces:

[6] For how can I endure to see the evil that shall come unto my people? or

how can I endure to see the destruction of my kindred?

[7] Then the king Ahasuerus said unto Esther the queen and to Mordecai the

Jew, Behold, I have given Esther the house of Haman, and him they have

hanged upon the gallows, because he laid his hand upon the Jews.

[8] Write ye also for the Jews, as it liketh you, in the king's name, and

seal it with the king's ring: for the writing which is written in the king's

name, and sealed with the king's ring, may no man reverse.

[9] Then were the king's scribes called at that time in the third month,

that is, the month Sivan, on the three and twentieth day thereof; and it was

written according to all that Mordecai commanded unto the Jews, and to the

lieutenants, and the deputies and rulers of the provinces which are from

India unto Ethiopia, an hundred twenty and seven provinces, unto every

province according to the writing thereof, and unto every people after their

language, and to the Jews according to their writing, and according to their

language.

[10] And he wrote in the king Ahasuerus' name, and sealed it with the king's

ring, and sent letters by posts on horseback, and riders on mules, camels,

and young dromedaries:

[11] 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,

[12] Upon one day in all the provinces of king Ahasuerus, namely, upon the

thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar.

[13] The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province

was published unto all people, and that the Jews should be ready against

that day to avenge themselves on their enemies.

[14] So the posts that rode upon mules and camels went out, being hastened

and pressed on by the king's commandment. And the decree was given at

Shushan the palace.

[15] And Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal apparel of

blue and white, and with a great crown of gold, and with a garment of fine

linen and purple: and the city of Shushan rejoiced and was glad.

[16] The Jews had light, and gladness, and joy, and honour.

[17] And in every province, and in every city, whithersoever the king's

commandment and his decree came, the Jews had joy and gladness, a feast and

a good day. And many of the people of the land became Jews; for the fear of

the Jews fell upon them.



Esther 9



The Jews Destroy Their Enemies



1 (Est 8:12; 3:13) Now in the twelfth month (that is, the month Adar),

on the thirteenth day, when the king's edict and his decree were

to be carried out on the day that the enemies of the Jews had hoped

to have power over them, things were turned around. The Jews gained power

over those who hated them.

2 (Est 8:11; 8:17) The Jews had assembled in their cities throughout

all the provinces of King Ahasuerus in order to forcibly assault

those seeking their injury. No man could stand before them

because the dread of them had fallen on all people.

3 (Ezr 8:36) All the rulers of the provinces, and the satraps,

and the governors, and all those doing the work of the king

were helping the Jews, because the fear of Mordecai had fallen on them.

4 (2Sa 3:1; 1Ch 11:9) For Mordecai had become great in the king's house,

and his fame went out throughout all the provinces because Mordecai

grew more powerful.

5 So the Jews struck all their enemies by sword, slaughtering

and destroying them, and doing to those who hated them as they pleased.

6 In the citadel of Susa, the Jews killed and destroyed five hundred men,

7 along with Parshandatha, Dalphon, Aspatha,

8 Poratha, Adalia, Aridatha,

9 Parmashta, Arisai, Aridai, and Vaizatha.

10 (Est 5:11; 8:11) These were the ten sons of Haman the son of Hammedatha,

the enemy of the Jews, whom they killed, but on their plunder none

of the Jews attempted to take it.

11 On that day the number of those who were killed in the citadel of Susa

was reported before the king.

12 (Est 5:6; 7:2) The king said to Queen Esther, "The Jews have slain

and destroyed five hundred men in the citadel of Susa and the ten sons

of Haman. What have they done in the rest of the king's provinces?

Now what is your petition? It shall be granted you!

What is your request further? It shall be done!"

13 (Est 8:11; Dt 21:23) Then Esther said, "If it pleases the king,

let it be granted to the Jews in Susa to do again tomorrow

according to this day's decree.

Let the ten sons of Haman be hanged on the gallows."

14 So the king commanded that it be so done, and the decree was given

at Susa, and they hanged the ten sons of Haman.

15 (Est 8:11; 9:10) The Jews in Susa assembled again on the fourteenth day

of the month Adar and killed three hundred more there,

but on the plunder no one attempted to take it.

16 (Est 8:11; Lev 26:7-8; Est 9:2) But the rest of the Jews in the king's

provinces assembled to defend their lives. Some had rest from their enemies,

while others killed 75000 of those who hated them, but no one took

from the plunder.

17 (Est 9:1; 9:21) Because this occurred on the thirteenth day

of the month Adar, they rested on the fourteenth day

and made it a day of feasting and rejoicing.



The Feast of Purim Established



18 Because the Jews in Susa had assembled on the thirteenth day

and the fourteenth day of Adar, then on the fifteenth day they rested

and made it a day of feasting and rejoicing.

19 (Est 9:22; Dt 16:11) Therefore, the Jews of the rural areas, who were

living in the villages, made the fourteenth day of the month Adar a day

of rejoicing and feasting and a special day for sending portions

of food to one another.

20 Mordecai recorded these events and sent letters to all the Jews throughout

all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, both near and far,

21 in order to institute for them the celebration for the fourteenth day

and the fifteenth day of the month of Adar, each and every year,

22 (Ps 30:11; Est 9:19) like the days when the Jews had rest from

their enemies, and like the month when things turned around for them

-changing from sorrow to joy and from mourning into a favorable day-

so that they could celebrate a season of feasting and rejoicing

and sending food portions to one another and gifts to the poor.

23 So the Jews accepted what had begun as tradition as Mordecai had written

to them.

24 Haman, the son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, the enemy of all the Jews,

had plotted against the Jews to destroy them,

and had cast Pur (that is, cast lots), to crush and destroy them.

25 (Ps 7:16) But when Esther came before the king, he ordered by letter

that the wicked plot which Haman had devised against the Jews should come

upon his own head, and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows.

26 (Est 9:20) Therefore, they call these days Purim

on the basis of the name Pur. Furthermore, based on all the information

of this letter, along with what they had seen in this regard

and what had happened to them,

27 (Est 8:17; Isa 56:3) the Jews instituted and accepted as tradition

for themselves, for their descendants, and for all joining with them not

to fail in observing the celebration of these two days as prescribed

and as specified in each and every year.

28 These days should be remembered and celebrated throughout

every generation, every family, province, and city, so that these days

of Purim will not lose their significance among the Jews,

and the commemoration of these days will not cease among their descendants.

29 (Est 9:20; 2:15) Then Queen Esther, the daughter of Abihail, and Mordecai

the Jew wrote with all authority, to confirm this second letter about Purim.

30 (Est 1:1; 8:9) He sent the letters to all the Jews, to the 127 provinces

of the kingdom of Ahasuerus, with instructions for peace and truth

31 (Est 4:3; 4:16) in order to confirm these days of Purim at their

appointed times, as Mordecai the Jew and Queen Esther had instituted

for themselves and for their offspring, with the instructions

for their times of fasting and their lamenting.

32 The command of Esther confirmed these traditions of Purim,

and it was written in the book.



[1] 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;)

[2] The Jews gathered themselves together in their cities throughout all the

provinces of the king Ahasuerus, to lay hand on such as sought their hurt:

and no man could withstand them; for the fear of them fell upon all people.

[3] And all the rulers of the provinces, and the lieutenants, and the

deputies, and officers of the king, helped the Jews; because the fear of

Mordecai fell upon them.

[4] For Mordecai was great in the king's house, and his fame went out

throughout all the provinces: for this man Mordecai waxed greater and

greater.

[5] Thus the Jews smote all their enemies with the stroke of the sword, and

slaughter, and destruction, and did what they would unto those that hated

them.

[6] And in Shushan the palace the Jews slew and destroyed five hundred men.

[7] And Parshandatha, and Dalphon, and Aspatha,

[8] And Poratha, and Adalia, and Aridatha,

[9] And Parmashta, and Arisai, and Aridai, and Vajezatha,

[10] The ten sons of Haman the son of Hammedatha, the enemy of the Jews,

slew they; but on the spoil laid they not their hand.

[11] On that day the number of those that were slain in Shushan the palace

was brought before the king.

[12] And the king said unto Esther the queen, The Jews have slain and

destroyed five hundred men in Shushan the palace, and the ten sons of Haman;

what have they done in the rest of the king's provinces? now what is thy

petition? and it shall be granted thee: or what is thy request further? and

it shall be done.

[13] Then said Esther, If it please the king, let it be granted to the Jews

which are in Shushan to do tomorrow also according unto this day's decree,

and let Haman's ten sons be hanged upon the gallows.

[14] And the king commanded it so to be done: and the decree was given at

Shushan; and they hanged Haman's ten sons.

[15] For the Jews that were in Shushan gathered themselves together on the

fourteenth day also of the month Adar, and slew three hundred men at

Shushan; but on the prey they laid not their hand.

[16] But the other Jews that were in the king's provinces gathered

themselves together, and stood for their lives, and had rest from their

enemies, and slew of their foes seventy and five thousand, but they laid not

their hands on the prey,

[17] On the thirteenth day of the month Adar; and on the fourteenth day of

the same rested they, and made it a day of feasting and gladness.

[18] But the Jews that were at Shushan assembled together on the thirteenth

day thereof; and on the fourteenth thereof; and on the fifteenth day of the

same they rested, and made it a day of feasting and gladness.

[19] Therefore the Jews of the villages, that dwelt in the unwalled towns,

made the fourteenth day of the month Adar a day of gladness and feasting,

and a good day, and of sending portions one to another.

[20] And Mordecai wrote these things, and sent letters unto all the Jews

that were in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, both nigh and far,

[21] To stablish this among them, that they should keep the fourteenth day

of the month Adar, and the fifteenth day of the same, yearly,

[22] As the days wherein the Jews rested from their enemies, and the month

which was turned unto them from sorrow to joy, and from mourning into a good

day: that they should make them days of feasting and joy, and of sending

portions one to another, and gifts to the poor.

[23] And the Jews undertook to do as they had begun, and as Mordecai had

written unto them;

[24] Because Haman the son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, the enemy of all the

Jews, had devised against the Jews to destroy them, and had cast Pur, that

is, the lot, to consume them, and to destroy them;

[25] But when Esther came before the king, he commanded by letters that his

wicked device, which he devised against the Jews, should return upon his own

head, and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows.

[26] Wherefore they called these days Purim after the name of Pur. Therefore

for all the words of this letter, and of that which they had seen concerning

this matter, and which had come unto them,

[27] The Jews ordained, and took upon them, and upon their seed, and upon

all such as joined themselves unto them, so as it should not fail, that they

would keep these two days according to their writing, and according to their

appointed time every year;

[28] And that these days should be remembered and kept throughout every

generation, every family, every province, and every city; and that these

days of Purim should not fail from among the Jews, nor the memorial of them

perish from their seed.

[29] Then Esther the queen, the daughter of Abihail, and Mordecai the Jew,

wrote with all authority, to confirm this second letter of Purim.

[30] 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,

[31] To confirm these days of Purim in their times appointed, according as

Mordecai the Jew and Esther the queen had enjoined them, and as they had

decreed for themselves and for their seed, the matters of the fastings and

their cry.

[32] And the decree of Esther confirmed these matters of Purim; and it was

written in the book.



Esther 10



Mordecai's Greatness



1 (Isa 24:15; Ps 72:10) Then King Ahasuerus charged a tribute on the land

and on the coastal lands of the sea.

2 (Est 2:23; 8:1) 5All the deeds of his power and of his might,

and the detailed record of the greatness of Mordecai,

after the king promoted him, are they not written in the book

of the chronicles of the kings of Media and Persia?

3 (Ne 2:10; 2Ch 28:7) Indeed, Mordecai the Jew was second in power

to King Ahasuerus. He was great among the Jews and popular

with many of his countrymen, for he sought favor for his people,

and spoke of peace and prosperity for all of his posterity.



[1] And the king Ahasuerus laid a tribute upon the land, and upon the isles

of the sea.

[2] And all the acts of his power and of his might, and the declaration of

the greatness of Mordecai, whereunto the king advanced him, are they not

written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Media and Persia?

[3] For Mordecai the Jew was next unto king Ahasuerus, and great among the

Jews, and accepted of the multitude of his brethren, seeking the wealth of

his people, and speaking peace to all his seed.



2) Our Daily Bread for 13 September 2022

https://odb.org/CA/2022/09/13/whale-of-a-story

Entitled "Whale of a Story"



Jonah 2:1-10



Jonah 2



1 Then Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from the belly of the fish.

2 He said:

"I called to the Lord out of my distress,

and He answered me.

Out of the belly of Sheol I cried,

and You heard my voice.

3 You cast me into the deep,

into the heart of the seas,

and the flood surrounded me.

All Your billows and Your waves

passed over me.

4 Then I said, 'I am cast away

from Your sight;

yet I will look again

to Your holy temple.'

5 The waters encompassed me; even to my soul

the deep surrounded me;

weeds were wrapped around my head.

6 I went down to the foundations of the mountains;

the earth with its bars was around me forever;

yet You have brought up my life from the pit,

O Lord my God.

7 "When my life was ebbing away,

I remembered the Lord;

and my prayer came to You,

into Your holy temple.

8 "Those who follow vain idols

forsake their true loyalty.

9 But I will sacrifice to You

with the voice of thanksgiving;

I will pay what I have vowed.

Salvation is of the Lord!"

10 Then the Lord spoke to the fish, and it vomited Jonah out upon dry land.



[1] Then Jonah prayed unto the LORD his God out of the fish's belly,

[2] And said, I cried by reason of mine affliction unto the LORD, and he

heard me; out of the belly of hell cried I, and thou heardest my voice.

[3] For thou hadst cast me into the deep, in the midst of the seas; and the

floods compassed me about: all thy billows and thy waves passed over me.

[4] Then I said, I am cast out of thy sight; yet I will look again toward

thy holy temple.

[5] The waters compassed me about, even to the soul: the depth closed me

round about, the weeds were wrapped about my head.

[6] I went down to the bottoms of the mountains; the earth with her bars was

about me for ever: yet hast thou brought up my life from corruption, O LORD

my God.

[7] When my soul fainted within me I remembered the LORD: and my prayer

came in unto thee, into thine holy temple.

[8] They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy.

[9] But I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving; I will

pay that that I have vowed. Salvation is of the LORD.

[10] And the LORD spake unto the fish, and it vomited out Jonah upon the dry

land.



Michael was diving for lobster when a humpback whale caught him in its mouth.

He pushed back in the darkness as the whale's muscles squeezed against him.

He thought he was done. But whales don't prefer lobstermen, and thirty seconds

later the whale spit Michael into the air. Amazingly, Michael had no broken

bones-only extensive bruises and one whale of a story.



He wasn't the first. Jonah was swallowed by "a huge fish" (Jonah 1:17), and he

stayed in its belly for three days before being vomited onto land

(1:17; 2:10). Unlike Michael, who was caught by accident, Jonah was swallowed

because he hated Israel's enemies and didn't want them to repent. When God

told Jonah to preach in Nineveh, he caught a boat going the other way.

So God sent a whale-sized fish to get his attention.



I appreciate why Jonah hated the Assyrians. They'd harassed Israel in the

past, and within fifty years they'd carry the northern tribes into captivity

where they'd vanish forever. Jonah was understandably offended that Assyria

might be forgiven.



But Jonah was more loyal to the people of God than to the God of all people.

God loved Israel's enemies and wanted to save them. He loves our enemies

and wants to save them. With the wind of the Spirit at our backs, let's sail

toward them with the good news of Jesus.



By: Mike Wittmer



Reflect & Pray



Who do you know that needs to follow Jesus?

How might you increase your love for them?



Jesus, please show me how to love my enemies as You love them.



For further study, read Evangelism: Reaching Out Through Relationships.





3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation



Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools



Week 4 - The Blessings of Grace Day 3 - From Darkness to Light



Col 1:13-14



13 He has delivered us from the power of darkness and has transferred us

into the kingdom of His dear Son,

14 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.



13 who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated

us into the kingdom of his dear Son:

14 in whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:



Most of us have no real concept of darkness. We live in a world illuminated

not only by sun, moon and start, bit by streetlights and electric lamps and,

when the power goes off, flashlights and candles. We resist the darkness

For the sighted, being in absolute darkness is a frightening experience.

The dark blots out everything; we can see nothing, not even our own bodies,

and we may become disoriented. The dark seems to press in upon us,

with an almost physical weight that oppresses.

Spiritual darkness is like that. Spiritual darkness,

the absence of light in Christ, is oppressive, weighing us down,

distorting our perceptions of realty.

We cannot judge clearly, for we cannot see at all.

Yet God breaks into our darkness, bringing his light - Jesus Christ,

The Light of the World. When the awareness of Christ invades our lives,

our eyes are opened and we can see for the first time. We see our sin,

God's grace, and the Way he has provided for escape from the dark.

And as we continue to walk in his light, we see even more - the need

for changes in our lives, and God's power to work those changes.

Discernment and wisdom come through his light,

and we understand spiritual truths we could never see before.

Paul says that God has 'rescued' us from darkness and brought us

into the light. We cannot, on our own, accomplish this rescue,

but god through Christ's sacrifice brings it about in us.

He is the light who illuminates our darkness.



Application



a) Many different kinds of spiritual darkness invade our lives

and keep us blind to the truth - sin, lack of understanding,

resistance to the Holy Spirit. What kinds of spiritual darkness

have I experienced?



b) What changes took place in me when I first 'came into the light'?



c) What spiritual truths can I see now that I could not see

when I lived in darkness?



4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland



1 Tim 6:17-19



17 (Ro 11:20; 1Ti 4:10) Command those who are rich in this world that they

not be conceited, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God,

who richly gives us all things to enjoy.

18 (Ro 12:8; 12:13) Command that they do good, that they be rich

in good works, generous, willing to share,

19 (Lk 16:9; 1Ti 6:12) and laying up in store for themselves a good

foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of eternal life.



17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded,

nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly

all things to enjoy;

18 that they do good, that they be rich in good works,

ready to distribute, willing to communicate;

19 laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time

to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.



5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:



God's Eternal Faithfulness



Ps 89:1 -8



PSALMS 89



A Contemplative Maskil of Ethan the Ezrahite.



1 I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever;

with my mouth I will make known

Your faithfulness to all generations.

2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) For I have said,

"Mercy shall be built up forever;

Your faithfulness shall be

established in the heavens."

3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) You have said,

"I have made a covenant with my chosen one;

I have sworn to David my servant:

4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) 'Your offspring I will establish forever,

and build up your throne for all generations.' " Selah

5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) Let the heavens praise Your wonders, O Lord;

Your faithfulness also in the assembly of the holy ones.

6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) For who in the skies can

be compared to the Lord?

Who among the heavenly sons is like the Lord?

7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) God is greatly to be feared

in the assembly of the holy ones

and awesome to all those who surround Him.

8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) O Lord God of Hosts,

who is a mighty Lord like You,

with Your faithfulness all around You?



1 I will sing of the mercies of the LORD for ever:

With my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations.

2 For I have said, Mercy shall be built up for ever:

Thy faithfulness shalt thou establish in the very heavens.

3 I have made a covenant with my chosen,

I have sworn unto David my servant,

4 Thy seed will I establish for ever,

And build up thy throne to all generations. Selah.

5 And the heavens shall praise thy wonders, O LORD:

Thy faithfulness also in the congregation of the saints.

6 For who in the heaven

Can be compared unto the LORD?

Who among the sons of the mighty

Can be likened unto the LORD?

7 God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints,

And to be had in reverence of all them that are about him.

8 O LORD God of hosts, who is a strong LORD like unto thee?

Or to thy faithfulness round about thee?

Remember God's promises when You pray





Remember God's promises when You pray



The Lord's prayer



Matthew 6:9-13



9 "Therefore pray in this manner:

Our Father who is in heaven,

hallowed be Your name.

10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;

Your will be done

on earth, as it is in heaven.

11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.

12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,

as we forgive our debtors.

13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."



9 After this manner therefore pray ye:

Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.



6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2022 edition?)



Nova Scotia



Total population 942700

Muslim population (est.) 14629



With 6 of the Nova Scotia's 10 universities located in Halifax, there is

a high concentration of Muslin international students in the area,

a harvest field in itself.

Pray for Nova Scotia and her Muslim populations



- in and around Halifax and other cities



- on university campuses



- for new workers among Muslims



- for pastors and churches to be bold in vision, passion and outreach

to Muslims in their areas.



- for Muslims who are searching for a better way to find a Christian friend

to share Jesus with and disciple them



- for Muslim-background believers to be both wise and bold in sharing their

new faith in Jesus with other Muslims



Halifax is the centre of Muslim activity for the Province of Nova Scotia

with at least 10 Islamic centres (mosques) and musallas

(prayer locations, especially for Friday prayer). And there are other mosques

in Chebucto, Kearney Lake, Dartmouth, Bedford and Truro.



Though the original community of Muslims was primarily composed of

newcomers from Turkey, Pakistan, Bangladesh and India, continued immigration

has further diversified this community. Anf it is said thay Arabic

is the second most spoken language in Halifax.



while conservative estimates place the number of Muslims at almost 15000

in 2014, the Imama of a primary Halifax mosque estimates their population

somewhere between 25000 to 30000.



Adding further



30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020



Under the Keep Praying page



When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month

and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days

of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that

usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,

of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be

decorated and festivals will be held.

For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the

distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of

Islam.

You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",

which means Blessed Eid!"

Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you

know, and Muslims around the world:

- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions

in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about

unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such

movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three

decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim

relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.



Acts 2:12-17 : 17 12 They were all amazed and perplexed, saying to each other,

"What does this mean?"

13 (1Co 14:23) Others mocking said, "These men are full of new wine."



Peter's Speech at Pentecost



14 (Ac 1:26) But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice

and said to them, "Men of Judea and all you who dwell in Jerusalem,

let this be known to you, and listen to my words.

15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,

since it is the third hour of the day.

16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:

17 (Isa 44:3; Ac 10:45) 'In the last days it shall be,' says God,

'that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;

your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,

your young men shall see visions,

and your old men shall dream dreams.'



- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective

discipleship movements among Muslim people.



- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for

Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.



Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a

hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under

a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the

house."



Ideas for prayer



- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you

- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving

Christ among Muslim people -



Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."

- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims

throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!



My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further

call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity



(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, atheists, secular humanists, ...)



7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada



http://www.ehc.ca



13th Day of the Month



a) Pray that, with God's help, children and

young people will be able to journey with hope towards the destiny God has

for each of them



b) Pray for the province of Newfoundland and Labrador



I) Pray for the leaders of Newfoundland and Labrador, that God's Spirit

would influence then to act justly, serve with integrity

and honour high moral standards.



( 1 Tim 2:1 - 4



1 Therefore I exhort first of all that you make supplications, prayers,

intercessions, and thanksgivings for everyone,

2 (Ezr 6:10) for kings and for all who are in authority, that we may

lead a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and honesty,

3(1Ti 1:1; Lk 1:47) for this is good and acceptable in the sight of God

our Savior,

4 (Eze 18:23; 18:32)who desires all men to be saved and to come

to the knowledge of the truth.

)



II) Pray for the churches of the province, that they would be lighthouses

beaming forth the illuminating truth of God's Word.



III) Pray that the Lord would use the Finding the Hope Campaign

and booklet to turn many hearts to Jesus



Conclusion:



Pray to the Lord and pray to the Lord to expose leaders who are ungodly.



Pray to the Lord: "Jesus, please show me how to love my enemies

as You love them."



Pray to the Lord and pray to be in the Holy light.



Pray to the Lord and pray to the Holy Spirit to lay up treasure in Heaven.



Pray to the Lord and remember His ways are consistent.



Pray for Nova Scotia and her Muslim populations



- in and around Halifax and other cities



- on university campuses



- for new workers among Muslims



- for pastors and churches to be bold in vision, passion and outreach

to Muslims in their areas.



- for Muslims who are searching for a better way to find a Christian friend

to share Jesus with and disciple them



- for Muslim-background believers to be both wise and bold in sharing their

new faith in Jesus with other Muslims



Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective

discipleship movements among Muslim people.



- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you

- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving

Christ among Muslim people -

Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."

- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims

throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!



Pray that, with God's help, children and

young people will be able to journey with hope towards the destiny God has

for each of them.



Pray that church leaders in China will know how to best minister to those

of their congregations and communities.



Pray to the Lord that to know the Holy Spirit.

and Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness.



Remember eternity starts now -

Pray for the direction you take to the Ever lasting loving God.