A Powerful Ruler Who Makes Bad Decisions King Xerxes is a powerful ruler, but he doesn’t make wise decisions. Here are several examples: During his reign, he celebrates his wealth and splendor for 180 days. Following this is a weeklong banquet, with an abundance of wine. A Rash Edict On the last day, Xerxes—likely under […]
Psalm 176 from Beyond Psalm 150 There are two versions of the book of Esther. The shorter version, found in most—but not all—Protestant Bibles, is based on the traditional Hebrew text. The expanded version of Esther, found in most other Bibles, contains five additional passages as found in the Septuagint, the collection of Scriptures commonly […]
Our Reason for Doing Good Shouldn’t Be for Recognition but Because It’s the Right Thing to Do Mordecai, a noble man, raises his orphaned cousin, Esther. Mordecai’s nemesis is Haman. Though Haman has everything going for him, he doesn’t enjoy it. This is because Mordecai refuses to give Haman the respect he thinks he deserves. […]
Haman is the son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, but the Bible doesn’t define what an Agagite is. It could be his race, or it could be a creed he holds. Given Haman’s actions, we can wonder if an Agagite is defined by anti-Semitism. Regardless of what Agagite means, we do know that Haman is, in […]
After King Xerxes banishes Queen Vashti from his presence, he regrets his rash decision, his irrevocable edict. His aides suggest that he find a replacement. They round up the most beautiful virgins in the land for the king to try out (yes, it’s as bad as it sounds). The most pleasing one will be crowned […]
Mordecai is a descendant of the Jews exiled by Nebuchadnezzar when he conquered Judah. Mordecai takes care of Esther, his orphaned cousin. In this we see Mordecai as a man of integrity who cares for his relative. He adopts her and treats her like a daughter. Esther is beautiful, with an attractive figure. When King […]
Zeresh is the wife of the anti-Semitic Haman. Enraged that Mordecai, a Jew, slighted him, Haman plots the annihilation of all Jewish people scattered throughout the Persian Empire. Later, when complaining about Mordecai to his family and friends, Zeresh recommends he erect a seventy-five-foot pole and seek the king’s permission to impale Mordecai on it. […]
After King Xerxes banishes Queen Vashti from his presence, he regrets his irrevocable edict. His aides suggest a plan to find a replacement. Their proposal is to round up the most beautiful virgins in the land for the king to try out. Yes, it is as bad as it sounds. The most pleasing one will […]
Some versions of the Bible include additional text for the book of Esther, which isn’t found in most Protestant versions of the Bible. This additional text rounds out the story and reveals deeper insight into the life of Esther and her guardian, Mordecai. This complete text of Esther includes five additional sections inserted into Esther’s […]