Daughters Receive Inheritance in Promised Land Zelophehad has five daughters but no sons. His girls are Mahlah, Noah (2), Hoglah, Milkah (2), and Tirzah. Zelophehad dies in the desert before he can receive his allotment of property in the promised land. Since he has no sons to receive his inheritance in his stead, the girls […]
From a basic understanding, this book considers some of the people in the Old Testament who make mistakes (sinners) and who do good (saints). We can look at their errors to avoid their blunders or to correct our missteps. We can also look at their successes to celebrate what they did well and inspire us […]
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 […]
Hegai is not a well-known biblical figure. He’s virtually unheard of. His name only shows up four times in Scripture, all in Esther 2. At best, most readers consider him a footnote to Esther’s story. But his role may have been pivotal in her quest to find favor with the king. Hegai, a eunuch, oversees […]
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 […]
At this point, some of God’s people have returned home from exile, but not all have. Back in Persia (which had conquered Babylon) the mighty King Xerxes shows off his wealth, splendor, and majesty to his people for a full 180 days, nearly half a year. Then he gives a weeklong banquet for everyone in […]
The final member in the trio of opposition to Nehemiah is Geshem, an Arab. Once Nehemiah finishes rebuilding the walls, but before he can set the gates, Sanballat and Geshem send Nehemiah a message, imploring him to meet with them. Nehemiah realizes this is a ploy. He knows they want to hurt him, possibly even […]
Tobiah the Ammonite is the second of three people who oppose Nehemiah’s efforts to rebuild the wall. He takes his lead from Sanballat. At one point we even see Tobiah at Sanballat’s side, agreeing with him and speaking against the wall as Nehemiah works to rebuild it. Later, the pair hires Shemaiah to oppose Nehemiah […]
As Nehemiah sets about rebuilding the wall surrounding the city of Jerusalem, he faces obstacles. These come primarily from three men who band together to oppose him and his work. They are Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem. Though they share a common goal to stop Nehemiah, each plays a different role in their efforts to halt […]