Celebrating: Deliverance Part Two – Esther 9 & 10

Celebrating: Deliverance Part Two: Esther 9 & Esther 10

In Part One, we began seeing the turn around for the Jewish people. Victory was a cause for celebrating. The Jews and many who joined them put an end to Haman’s revenge. With swift action, they gained mastery over their enemies. Yet, they couldn’t have done this without divine help.

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But celebrating didn’t include taking plunder from their enemy even though the king gave his permission. Plunder is booty; it could include animals, land, slaves, treasure, women, or whatever they found belonging to their enemy.

It’s possible they remembered when King Saul lost his kingship when he disobeyed this order from God? Take a look at 1 Samuel 15. God’s instructions were clear. Do as He says, no more, no less.

There is no record of God to Esther and Mordecai about this; maybe this was a reason they didn’t take plunder.

Take a closer look at plundering enemies; download your printable today.

The Fighting Continued…

The fighting continued until Haman’s ten sons and 500 men were dead in Susa. Then king the asked what else Esther wanted. She requested one more day of fighting in Susa, and the hanging of Haman’s sons on the gallows.

Note: The gallows of this time were pikes with dead bodies impaled on them, gruesome but historical.

I can’t imagine the scene throughout the 127 provinces when these two days were over. It’s easy to gloss over the details of the horrid fight. But they had plenty to celebrate after eleven months of threats and fear. It was a time they didn’t want to forget. So they instituted a day of feasting to remember. The feast of Purim.

Celebrating didn't include taking plunder from the enemy even though the king gave his permission. Share on X

Our Story Comes to an End in Chapter Ten

What appears to be a postscript, Esther 10 has only three verses. The rest of the story is found only in Greek. According to the Matthew Henry’s commentary, the additional chapters have been rejected as part of the canon of Scripture.

Mordecai is shown as an honorable man who acted on behalf of His people and nation. He was second only to the king, showing the favor he held. I find this reminiscent of the story of Joseph and his favor with the pharaoh in Egypt.

The story of Esther is full of history, literary devices, contrasts, and layers of lessons Share on X

The story of Esther is full of history, literary devices, contrasts, and layers of lessons; I find something new each time I teach it. God’s name is never mentioned but you can trace His sovereign hand of provision and protection for His people.

I hope you enjoyed this rich tale. Is there a part of Esther’s story that you enjoyed most? Join the conversation by leaving your comments below.

Join me next time for one last post about the Feast of Purim, the celebration of deliverance. I will share the promised recipe for traditional cookies too.

Jeanne

Did you enjoy getting to know Queen Esther’s story? Please leave your thoughts and comments below.

 

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