Esther-The Nobleman Who Lived to Tell the Story

By Mary Vee
Esther 8

From A Nobles' Journal

Photo Courtesy

I am a noble. A man of wealth and name living in Babylon. Those of us who have had family living here for years have had to deal with a lot lately.

Earlier this year, Haman, the man King Xerxes appointed to be in second position in the kingdom issued a decree in the king's name saying that all the Jews were to be killed in the twelfth month.

Haman was later found guilty of serious crimes. King Xerxes had Haman hung and gave the position to Mordecai, a Jew. Sounds odd, right? It turns out, Mordecai saved the king's life. 

Mordecai, with permission of the king, then wrote a new decree giving the Jews power to defend themselves and kill any enemy on the day Haman's decree took place. I and the other men of power watched the Jews prepare the last six months for the day. I must admit, we've been frightened. 

Mordecai is a fair man, he has served the king well, but he is also a man to be feared. He has such power. So much so that I and several of my friends have become Jews to insure the safety of our lives. Many men and their families from all nationalities have joined satraps, governors, and kings administrators to help the Jews.

There are the fools who have let their anger grow against the Jews. They will not be able to stand against the Jews tomorrow, the appointed day. What fools.

Already the Jews have gathered in the cities in all the provinces to attack those who want to kill them and their families. 

I went to bed that night, hoping my family would remain safe. In truth, I didn't see any problems with the Jews. They had their own celebrations and foods, but what does that matter? It's not worth eliminating them. No. I will stand on the side of the Jews. 

The next morning the enemies of the Jews started the battle. The Jews struck down all their enemies, as the king has given them permission to do. Throughout all of Babylon, the enemies of the Jews were killed. Even though they had permission from the king to take all the possessions of their enemies, the Jews didn't touch any of it. 

Maybe they are better than I thought. I wonder about this God of theirs. Maybe I will ask.



The story has much more to tell...come back to read what happens next.

*********************************************************************************************
sources: New International Version, New King James Version  

1. Why was this noble concerned?
2. What did the noble choose to do?
3  Why did he think about the Jews?
4. What didn't the Jews do, even though they had permission from the king?
5. Was the nobleman spared?