Esther- Mordecai Remembered Because He Worked For the Good of the People

By Mary Vee
Esther 9,10

From Esther's Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Esther. I am a Jew and the queen of Babylon.

My story comes to an end today. 

My cousin, Mordecai, who was given the position of second to the king, wrote a letter to all 127 provinces of Babylon.

Now that Haman and his patriots had their plan to kill the Jews foiled and are dead, Mordecai has declared two days of celebration.A celebration to remember how God saved us.

Haman had used a system called casting lots to decide what day would be used to kill the Jews. Another word for casting lots is, pur. To remember the reason why we were celebrating for generations to come, a time when God stopped the Jew's enemies, the feast was named Purim.

During the two days of Purim the Jews and anyone else who chose to join them held a day of feasting, celebration, and praise to the Almighty for His protection. Mordecai's letter said the two days should be remembered and observed in every generation by every family, and in every province and in every city. These days of Purim should never stop being celebrated by the Jews, neither should the memory of what happened among their descendants.

Mordecai's letter showed the people his goodwill and assurance of their safety.

There is more information about what happened this year, and it was a wild year, in the book of the annals of the kings of Medes and Persia.

My cousin, Mordecai was held in high esteem by the Jews because he worked for the good of his people and spoke up for the welfare of all the Jews. 

As so we worship God in peace. We follow the laws given by the Almighty. We eat and live each day.

**Note from Mary Vee- Purim is usually celebrated in March, but like Easter, doesn't fall on the same day every year. Google "When is Purim" to find out the date each year. *********************************************************************************************
sources: New International Version, New King James Version  

1. How many provinces were in Babylon?
2. What rank did Mordecai have?
3  What rank did Esther have?
4. Why was the new feast day called Purim?
5. Why did the Jews celebrate Purm?
6. Why did the people how Mordecai in high esteem?

Esther: At Last, We Can Bake Bread and Raise Our Families

By Mary Vee
Esther 9

From Esther's Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Esther. I am a Jew.

I have been Queen of all Babylon. A job I would have never imagined having. The only way I was given this position was because God worked out the details. 

The twelfth month came. The thirteenth day arrived and Haman's terrible decree happened. Soldiers and citizens who hated Jews raised their weapons and attacked with the full blessing of Haman's decree.

This was also the day Mordecai's decree took effect. Mordecai, the Jew and my cousin, pleased the king. He then asked permission to write a decree allowing the Jews to protect themselves. The king said yes because of the terrible crimes Haman committed.

The battle began rather early this morning. Many Babylonian citizens and officials fought with the Jews. 

Reports came in to the king throughout the day telling of the Jews success. 

Supper time ended and the last report came to the king. He turned to me and said, "Esther, my queen, the Jews have killed and destroyed five hundred men here in Susa. What is your request? That, too, will be granted because of Haman's terrible deeds."

This time I didn't need Mordecai to give me advice. I knew exactly what needed to be done. There were other men in Babylon who hated the Jews and wanted to kill all of us. I said, "If it pleases the king, give the Jews in Susa permission to carry out this day's edict tomorrow also, and let Haman's ten sons be hanged on gallows." I wanted to make sure none of his sons ever tried what their father did.

"Very well," he said. "It shall be done."

Haman's ten sons hung on the gallows and 300 men who hated the Jew's were put to the sword. The Jews didn't touch any of the 300 men's possessions, even though they were given permission to take what they wanted.

In the rest of the providence, seventy-five thousand enemies of the Jews fell to the sword. None of their possessions were touched. On the fourteenth day in the rest of Babylon, the Jews and those who fought with them rested, making it a day of feasting and joy.

The Jews in Susa rested on the fifteenth day.

There is a calm in Babylon. The fighting and threats done by the Jewish haters has stopped. At last, the Jews can bake their bread and raise their families without great fear. All thanks to the Almighty. 



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

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sources: New International Version, New King James Version  

1. What was the date?
2. What two decrees took effect on this date?
3  What did the king ask Esther at the end of the day?
4. What did she answer?
5. Esther asked for only a certain city, which one?
6. What did the Jews and those who helped the Jews do the next day?

Esther-The Thirteenth Day

By Mary Vee
Esther 9

From A Nobles' Journal

Photo Courtesy

I am a noble. A man of wealth and name living in Babylon. A month ago, I chose to join with the Jews knowing this day was coming.

This is the thirteenth day of the twelfth month. 

The day Haman's decree gave permission to the army to attack and kill all the Jews.

You may wonder, why did I join with the Jews then? Did I want to be killed?

No way.

Haman was found guilty of several crimes against the king and was hung. The king promoted Mordecai, a Jew to take his place. In the last several months Mordecai has proven himself to be an honorable and wise man. The king gave him permission to write a new decree. One that gave the Jews permission to defend themselves.

The Jews, on their own, may not have had the power to fight off the army. BUT, Mordecai had grown in favor with the king. Other nobles, administrators, and leaders feared him, as did I. Not because he was cruel--he wasn't. It was because the king favored him, and the king had the power to punish anyone he pleased with death.

Most of the leaders and nobles chose to side with the Jews on this day. Only the fools did not. This morning, I ate breakfast then went out to the city square with my sword and stood with the Jews, ready to fight their enemy with them.

Just as I suspected, the fools who let their hate for the Jews consume them attacked. 

The Jews and those of us who supported them raised our weapons. The Jews struck down all their enemies with the sword, killing and destroying them. Five hundred foolish men lay dead in the citadel of Susa alone. 

More were killed in cities across the Babylonian empire. 

The decree gave the Jews permission to go to the houses of their enemies and take whatever they wanted. I was surprised to see that they didn't. They had no interest in taking those things. I must admit, their actions gave me great respect for them.

Clearly this battle belonged to the Jews and their God.



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

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sources: New International Version, New King James Version  

1. What was the date?
2. What two decrees took effect on this date?
3  What did many nobles and administrators do on this date?
4. Why did the nobles and administrators choose to side with the Jews?
5. Who won the battle?

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.

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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?

Esther- Surprise Party in Babylonia

By Mary Vee
Esther 8

From A Young Mother's Journal

Photo Courtesy

I am a young mother. My name is not important because my story is the same as all the Jewish mothers living in Babylonia.

Not long ago, a man rode through each town. He stood in the town square and called for all the people to gather around.

He read a decree stating all the Jewish people would be killed in the twelfth month. All men, women, and children. Not one would be spared.

We had been lamenting since we heard the news giving us only ten months to live. So many people, and why? What had we done to upset the king? None of us knew.

We'd worked hard to prepare our families.

I cried every morning then washed my face before my children saw my tears. They needed to enjoy what life they had left.

After the evening meal I cleaned the cooking area. My friends, Martha and Sarah, ran to my house. "Hurry, there is a man at the city square. He has a message for us."

"Should I bring the children? Maybe you should go and listen for me. Bring me a report back."

"I can't explain why," said Sarah. "But I have this feeling that the news will be good. Bring the children."

So I called little Aaron then Matthew my second oldest, and Jonathan my oldest. If only my husband, Simon were still alive, he'd know how to comfort me.

The four of us walked through the streets to the city square and stood at the back of the crowd. At least little Aaron could play that way.

The man unrolled a scroll and read:

By order of King Xerxes, king of Babylon, these words are hereby decreed as his order to all people. 

This edict grants the Jews in every city the right 
1. To gather together and protect themselves. 
2. To destroy and kill any armed force of any nationality or province that might attack them, their women, or children. 
3. To plunder the property of their enemies. 

The day appointed for the Jews to do this in all provinces of King Xerxes is the thirteen day of the twelfth month,

The man rolled the scroll and left.

Just like that. 

The silence showed no one believed the words to be true. But they had to be. The decree came from the king. 

We shouted Hallelujah, for the Lord our God, the Almighty reigns. I picked up little Aaron and squeezed him then hugged Matthew and Jonathan. The crowds cheered, sang, and hugged.

"What is making you so happy, Mother," said Jonathan.

"The Jewish people are allowed to defend ourselves against any person or soldier from the Babylonian empire who tries to harm us. God has saved us, Jonathan! God has saved us! 


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

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sources: New International Version, New King James Version  

1. Why was this mother sad?
2. What did her friends want her to do?
3  What news did the soldier bring?
4. What did the people do?
5. Why?

Esther-The Decree that Saved More than a Thousand Lives

By Mary Vee
Esther 8

From Mordecai's Journal

Photo Coutesy

I am Mordecai, a humble servant of the Almighty and a Jew.

I am standing in the court of King Xerxes. He has given me his signet ring and the honor of second in his empire to replace the evil Haman.

The huge problem facing me is although Haman has been punished by hanging from the gallows, the decree he wrote to kill all the Jews in the twelfth month still stands. 

Only moments ago, the king gave me permission to write a new decree that would address the problem.

See, once a decree has been written and signed with the king's signet ring, it can never be undone. So Haman's order to kill all the Jews in the twelfth month stands. I whispered a prayer to the Almighty, asking His help to create a decree that would undo Haman's.

King Xerxes called for the royal secretaries to record the decree. They've just arrived, and God has also given me the perfect words. I turned to Esther who was standing close by and smiled. "God has given me an idea. Trust me."

The concern on her face eased.

This is the twenty-third day of the third month. Nine months to prepare for Haman's destruction. I told the royal secretaries to write these words in the new decree:

This edict grants the Jews in every city the right 
1. To gather together and protect themselves. 
2. To destroy and kill any armed force of any nationality or province that might attack them, their women, or children. 
3. To plunder the property of their enemies. 

I wrote King Xerxes' name at the bottom, sealed the decree with the king's signet ring, and sent them by mounted couriers who rode their fastest horses especially bred for the king.

The day appointed for the Jews to do this in all provinces of King Xerxes is the thirteen day of the twelfth month, which happened to be the same day Haman had appointed for all the Jews to be killed. 

This edict was then translated to every language in the empire and read to all Jews and leaders in the land and gave the Jews plenty of time to be ready for the day to avenge themselves.


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

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sources: New International Version, New King James Version  

1. What had the king given to Mordecai?
2. What problem did Mordecai first see to take care of?
3  Why did the king call the royal secretaries?
4. Who did Mordecai ask to help him think of the right words?
5. What permission did the Jews receive from the king?
6. Why was this one day given to the Jews to defend themselves?

Esther-A Plot to Undo a Plot

By Mary Vee
Esther 8

From King Xerxes' Journal

Photo Coutesy

I am Xerxes, king of all the Babylonian empire. I have always been a strong, decisive person. Always.

Except this second.

I mean, I'm still a decisive person, I have to be as king. The problem is Esther, my lovely queen who has been nothing less than the ideal queen, is on her knees begging, and her claim is valid.

A few months ago, Haman, the man who once held the position of second in my kingdom, conned me into allowing a decree to become official. Haman wrote the decree to get what he wanted. 

Apparently he became angry with a man, a Jew, and decided to blame the entire Jewish nation. He convinced me that these people would persuade others to turn away from me, that they did not respect or obey my commands, and much more. He seemed so convincing, and I was a fool. 

Well, the decree was signed ordering all Jews residing in Babylon to be killed in the twelfth month. I have since seen proof that Haman was the one who was not loyal or respectful of my commands. If there was a way to undo the decree, I would! I didn't even know Esther was a Jew when I gave the permission to Haman.

Now she is at my feet crying and begging for me to undo a decree. That is the one thing I cannot do. It is not in my power.

I said to her and Mordecai, "No document written in the king's name and sealed with his ring can be revoked. I cannot undo Haman's decree. But because Haman attacked the Jews, I have given you his estate. I have also hung Haman on the gallows he built to hang you, Mordecai. I realize this doesn't help undo Haman's decree."

I sat back and thought a moment. "There is one thing you could do. You could write a new decree in behalf of the Jews. Something that seems best to you. Then seal it with the king's signet ring."

Esther stood and wiped her eyes. She looked at Mordecai. 

He said, "I have an idea."

She looked back at me and smiled, "Thank you, your majesty."

"You're welcome."

I called the guards. "Bring the royal secretaries at once."

"Yes, your majesty." The guards left the room.

I invited Esther and Mordecai to stay. The new decree could be drawn up right here in my presence then immediately sent out to the whole empire.




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

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sources: New International Version, New King James Version  

1. What bothered the king?
2. What did Esther want?
3  Why couldn't the king do it?
4. What was the king's new idea?
5. Do you think Mordecai will be able to write a decree to stop the killings?


Remember, no decree could be undone.

Esther-Hamon's Diabolical Decree From the Grave

By Mary Vee
Esther 8

From Esther's Journal

Photo Courtesy

I am Esther, queen of Babylon, servant of King Xerxes, niece of Mordecai.

The horror of the banquet was over.

The king believed what I said after Haman attacked me. He hung Haman on his gallows then looked at me with the most apologetic eyes.

He took my hands and thanked me. He gave me Haman's estate. I reminded him of all that Mordecai had done then told him the rest of the truth. Mordecai and I were Jews.

The king summoned Mordecai and honored him again. He gave my uncle the king's signet ring. That means Mordecai had the same power that Haman once had. 

I turned to Mordecai after the king finished speaking. "Uncle, the king has given me Haman's estate. I appoint you over all his property and dwellings."

Mordecai lowered his eyes and smiled. "Thank you, my queen." 

I hugged him, and as I did, he whispered in my ear. "Remember you may have been put here for such a time as this--to save our people."

He was right. This was the best time to speak with the king about Haman's decree to kill all the Jews in the twelfth month. I was overwhelmed with sorrow thinking about all the men, women, and children who would die.

I fell to my knees at the king's feet and wept. "Please, your majesty, put an end to Haman's evil decree to kill the Jews."

He had to follow the rules. Even as queen, and even though he had spoken with me at the banquet, he still had to choose whether to extend his scepter to me or not. If he didn't, I would be taken away and killed.

The king held out his gold scepter to me.

I arose and stood before him then continued. "If it pleases the king and if he thinks of me with favor and thinks what I am about to say is the right thing to do, and if he is pleased with me, let an order be written overruling the decrees that Haman wrote to destroy the Jews in all the king's provinces. I cannot bear to see disaster fall on my people. I cannot bear to see my family suffer destruction."

I looked up just a little and saw his eyes. Worry was there.

Oh dear. He may say no. I closed my eyes again.


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

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sources: New International Version, New King James Version  

1. What gift did the king give to the queen that she in turn gave to Mordecai?
2. What did Mordecai ask Esther to do?
3. Did Esther wait to obey him?
4. When she spoke, what did the king have to do?
5. Was Esther able to finish saying her request?
6. What did Esther want the king to do?
7. What do you think he will say?

Esther- The Not Yet Happily Ever After Ending

By Mary Vee
Esther 8

From King Xerxe's Journal

Photo Courtesy

I am Xerxes, king of the Babylonian empire.

I felt miserable after the whole event. You remember? The banquet? Haman?

Yes, my anger at Haman had been soothed by hanging the miserable traitor. I still can't believe he attacked my queen in front of my very eyes.

I had to give Queen Esther something. She deserved it after being frightened. It seemed only logical that Haman's estate should be given to her. I laughed out loud. What a fitting response. The land belonging to the man who wanted to destroy my queen's people should be given to the queen. Ha hah. I'm feeling better already. 

I held her hands. "My queen. Beautiful Queen Esther who has served me so faithfully, you are hereby given the property that once belonged to Haman and his descendants."

She bowed before me. So humble. So suited to her role.

"Your majesty?"

"Yes." At this point she could ask anything and I would do or grant it.

"My uncle, Mordecai, is the man who had reported the men who planned to kill you."

"Yes, I remember. I honored him in front of the entire kingdom. And, he has also raised you, am I right?"

"Yes, he did. He--and I--are Jews."

Such details wouldn't bother me. Her service has been all that I expect an more. "Mordecai is a fine man. One to be respected. Such a man should be honored in my kingdom." She smiled.

I looked at my guards. "Bring Mordecai to me."

"Yes, your majesty. Right away." The guards left, but weren't gone long. Apparently Mordecai kept his post in the king's gate where he could help Esther as needed. I wasn't surprised. This is a dedicated person. One who would not leave his duty.

"Mordecai, your majesty."

I held out my scepter. "Come forward, Mordecai." 

He bowed and remained silent.

"Mordecai, I am pleased with your service to your king, my queen and this empire." I pulled my signet ring off my finger. This was the same ring I took back from that conniving Haman. I held it out to Mordecai. "Take this ring and use it in service to this empire."


This sounds like a happily ever after story, right? Not yet. 
The story has much more to tell...come back to read what happens next.

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sources: New International Version, New King James Version  

1. What gift did the king give to the queen?
2. Who did he take the gift away from?
3. What did the king learn about Mordecai?
4. Who told him?
5. What gift did the king give to Mordecai?
6. Who did he take the gift away from?
6. What did this honor mean?

Esther-The Wrath of the King

By Mary Vee
Esther 7

From King Xerxe's Journal

Photo Courtesy

I am Xerxes, king of the Babylonian empire.

This was suppose to be a special night, and so it started out that way. But, oh, it did not finish special.

I asked my queen, the lovely Esther, what she would like in return for the wonderful banquet she gave me. She told me then that Haman, my second in command had threatened her life and the lives of her people.

At first I didn't know what she was talking about. My lovely queen on one side, and the man I had come to trust with everything on the other.  And now I hear he has threatened my queen?

I needed to get away from them both. Think through what had just been said. I couldn't make any decision with all this turmoil.

I walked in the gardens where the sweet scents of the flowers helped to calm me down. After pacing a bit, I returned to the banquet hall. And what did I see as I opened the door? Haman falling on my queen. He'd pressed his hand over her mouth to quiet her screams for help.

I couldn't believe my eyes. What a fool I was for promoting this evil man. Queen Esther was right. I yelled, "Will this man Haman now hurt my  queen while she is with me in the house?"

My anger burned into a rage. 

THEN

One of my guard came to me and said, "A gallows seventy-five feet high stands by Haman's house. He had it made for Mordecai, the one who saved the king from the assassins."

I turned to Haman, and would have put him to death right then for these actions. Instead a better idea came to me. "Take Haman, bind him, and hang him on his gallows."

When I received word that Haman had been hung on the very gallows he'd planned to kill Mordecai the Jew, the man who saved my life, my anger left me. 


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

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sources: New International Version, New King James Version  

1. Where did the king go to have time to think alone?
2. Why was the king so upset?
3. What did the king see when he returned?
4. What did the guard tell the king?
5. What punishment did the king give Haman?
6. What news finally made the king feel better?




As a reminder, Haman dislikes Mordecai because Mordecai the Jew feels he should only bow down to the living God. Haman wants Mordecai to bow down to him.